Getaway (South Africa)

As high as a kite

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DELTA The Delta kite is shaped like a triangle with a keel holding the spine straight and rigid while a spreader helps to maintain the triangular shape. These kites are made out of ripstop nylon.

DIAMOND This kite is shaped like a diamond, is very easy to make on your own and perfect for children and beginners who are still learning to fly a kite. In the early years, they were made out of paper, but now can be made out of ripstop nylon.

PARAFOIL These kites do not have frames, making them much less likely to break. Parafoil kites are the inspiratio­n behind parachutes and paraglider­s.

CELLULAR These are threedimen­sional kites that come in a wide variety of shapes. For a DIY project, these can be made out of constructi­on paper on a large scale.

ROKKAKU Rokkakus are six-sided fighter kites. They originated in Japan and have become very popular around the world. They are shaped like vertically stretched hexagons and are made out of ripstop nylon and carbon spars. They are used in “aerial combat” to bring down competitor kites.

STUNT These sleek kites have the ability to perform impressive manoeuvres in the air. With practice and experience you can make them move rapidly in any direction you like.

TRACTION Also known as power kites, they are designed to provide significan­t pull. You’ll often see them being used with skis, snowboards and kiteboards.

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