Balsa Box Kites

by Greg Manko
(Oakville, Ontario, Canada)

Balsa and Mylar hexagonal box kite

Balsa and Mylar hexagonal box kite

I have made a couple of box kites with balsa and heat shrink Mylar - the kind model airplanes use. They are super light but I have not found the right place to fly them yet. I've also made a winder out of an old bicycle rim and fork.

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by: Tim Parish

Some nice light-wind concepts there - despite box kites being traditionally associated with strong wind. I imagine yours will go well in fairly light breezes. Perhaps even on polyester sewing thread as flying line material! If you are a bit nervous about the strength, just go up to a heavier grade of thread. You can hurt your hand trying to snap it, it's that strong.

Post a longer story here if the first flights go well. All the box kite buffs will be most interested!

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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