How To Build A Dopero Kite

2-Skewer Dopero: Template, Tips, Step-By-Step eBook

Here's how to build a Dopero kite! The Template and Tips might be sufficient, otherwise try the step-by-step eBook containing the MBK 2-Skewer Dopero Kite instructions. In fact, the eBook covers the entire 2-Skewer Series of MBK kites.

The Template and Tips below should be enough if you are keen kite person. If you have put together a number of kites before, with a few different kinds of bridles, the 2-Skewer Dopero will be quite easy. Everything you need, apart from the skewers perhaps, might already be lying around your house somewhere. I'm assuming you know how to build a Dopero kite with low overall weight and appropriate knots.

The 2-Skewer Dopero Kite is small compared to shop-bought Doperos, at 58 cm across and 58 cm tall (2 feet). Some dihedral on the outer panels of both the upper and lower sails give good all-round stability without the need for a tail.

This Dopero is a very efficient light wind flier. Take it out when it's not very windy, and you won't be disappointed!

The template shown above represents one side of the kite sail of course.

How To Build A Dopero Kite - Tips

• 30cm bamboo BBQ skewers worked well for me. You might be working with 12" skewers, which is pretty much the same. Butt lengths of bamboo skewer together for each spar, gluing on short lengths of bamboo to reinforce the joins.
• Try positioning the template so the edge of a bag becomes the center-line of the kite.
• For more durability, edge the sail with sticky tape. Over-doing it will increase weight and decrease stability though!
• Cap each spar tip with a single piece of insulation tape, wrapped around and stuck on both sides of the plastic sail.
• A 4-point bridle is the most logical for this kite, with 2 of those going to the twin keels at the rear. Attach the flying line with a shiftable knot to get an adjustable towing point.
• Build just a small amount of dihedral into the outer panels of both the upper and lower sails.

Just getting back to that eBook again, it's a nice reference if you want to try a whole range of different kites from time to time. The info is pitched at the beginner, with very detailed instructions on a range of kite-making topics.

However, the book is well-organized so the more experienced kite-maker can quickly scroll through and pick out bits of detail that are helpful or interesting. The long Table Of Contents helps too!

Click here for more info on the eBook 8 MBK Kites To Make - The Complete 2-Skewer Series.

How To Build A Dopero Kite - Flying!

You know how to fly, so I won't elaborate here. Except to say that we have had a number of amazing flights where the kite just wanted to stay directly over our heads with most of the line out! On a 20 pound line, this kite is capable of flying for ages between 300 and 400 feet, over a very respectable wind range. The 4-point bridle gives a lot of scope for fine-tuning the trim of this kite.

Here's a picture of the MBK 2-Skewer Dopero Kite being launched, down at a local flying field. The pint-sized support crew is ready to swing into action at a moment's notice... If I don't catch him first!

Have fun flying, and I hope you've enjoyed seeing how to build a Dopero kite the MBK way!

By the way, if you would rather make an even smaller Dopero that is half as tall as the 2-Skewer design, why not try the 1-Skewer Dopero kite instead. Or, going twice as tall, the nice big Dowel Dopero kite could be just the ticket!

Last updated: 8 Jan 2010