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A power kite or traction kite is a large kite designed to provide significant pull. They come in two main forms: foils and leading edge inflatables. There are also rigid-framed kites and soft single skin kites. There are several different control systems used with these kites which have two to five lines and a bar or handles.
Power kites are generally used in conjunction with a vehicle, such as
in
kiteboarding (on an (All Terrain Board/Mountainboard/Landboard)
kite jumping, using a harnessed power kite for jumping tens of feet above the ground
Kites of related design are used for sailing, including speed-sailing. The world record in the early 1980s was reportedly held by a kite-powered boat.
Power kites should be flown with caution, in clear safe areas, and with the proper safety equipment. These kites are not only dangerous to the user but also to other people in the vicinity. People flying beyond their capabilities or in unsafe conditions can easily be carried off in strong windy conditions, with the risk of collision against water, buildings, terrain or power lines. Stationary vertical objects are the most dangerous. Even in water, a helmet is recommended when flying a power kite, because a gust can lift the user very quickly, to great heights. On land, serious power kiters use a full set of pads as well.
There are many sizes and makes of power kites as well, ranging roughly from 1.5m² up to 23.5m². All kites are made for specific purposes: some for water, land, power or manoeuvrability. Shops and internet forums can help the new participant to choose the right kite to avoid getting one that is too powerful for the level of experience or for the intended purpose.
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