A Wind Too Strong

by Alex
(USA)

I decided to go out to my favorite spot to fly kites a few days ago. The wind was quite brisk, and I had no problem getting my 7 foot delta into the wind. The gusts were strong, and the kite struggled at first but then went up straight away...

I had to use considerable force to keep the spindle from being yanked from my hands. About 8 minutes into the flight, the kite collapsed and slowly descended down to Earth. I had figured the spar stick snapped and when I examined it, sure enough that is what happened.

The winds were about 20 - 25kts.

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by: Tim Parish

20 to 25knts! In my language that's around 40kph which would destroy most of my kites - which are designed for 'light' winds. Most home-made Box designs would cope.

Your big Delta did well to survive - and apparently continue to fly stable - for as long as it did. An idea - try using a shorter spreader (of the same diameter) when flying in strong winds. This will make the kite stronger and more stable.

Anyway, live and learn. I've snapped the odd spreader myself ;-)

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Wind Speeds


Light air
1-5 km/h
1-3 mph
1-3 knots
Beaufort 1

Light breeze
6–11 km/h
4–7 mph
4–6 knots
Beaufort 2    

Gentle breeze
12–19 km/h
8–12 mph
7–10 knots
Beaufort 3    

Moderate breeze
20–28 km/h
13–18 mph
11–16 knots
Beaufort 4    

Fresh breeze
29–38 km/h
19–24 mph
17–21 knots
Beaufort 5    

Strong breeze
39–49 km/h
25–31 mph
22–27 knots
Beaufort 6

High Wind
50-61 km/h
32-38 mph
28-33 knots
Beaufort 7