Kite flying safety

The short answer: fly in open space, never near power lines, roads, airports or in thunderstorms, keep the wind below about 25 mph, and keep the kite on a line you can release in a heartbeat if something goes wrong.

Getting started

The hard no's

• Power lines — a kite (or its wet line) touching a line is a genuine electrocution risk. If a kite does land on a power line, let it go — never climb, throw things, or use a metal pole to retrieve it.
• Airports — any kite within ~4 km (2.5 miles) of an airport is a hazard to aircraft and usually illegal. There's a dedicated guide: flying near airports.
• Thunderstorms — wet lines and metal spars conduct lightning. The moment you hear thunder, the kite comes down.
• Roads and railways — a kite in traffic can cause a crash; keep a hard boundary of open ground.

Wind and weather limits

• Above 25 mph most single-line kites are unsafe — lines snap and frames bend. See high-wind flying for the expert exceptions.
• Gusts are the real danger: a calm read with 30+ mph gusts is a bad field, not a good one.
• Rain and low cloud weigh the sail and can wet the line; fly only in dry conditions with clear air around the kite.

Field manners and the law

• Stay 30 m+ away from other people — a kite pulled by a gust can drag a child or a dog on a leash.
• Check local rules — many parks, beaches and national parks restrict kite flying in certain zones or seasons (often to protect birds).
• Keep the kite on the far downwind side of a field so a dive has empty space to fall into.
• Carry a line cutter — if the line gets tangled or someone gets caught in it, cutting is faster than untying.

The pre-flight check

One minute before launch: sky clear of wires and trees, no thunder, wind steady and under 25 mph, open space downwind, line free of tangles. If all five pass, fly. The live score covers the wind part for you — the rest is on you.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to fly a kite near power lines?

No. A kite or wet line touching a power line is an electrocution risk. If your kite lands on one, let it go — never climb or throw things to retrieve it.

Can you fly a kite in the rain?

Avoid it. Rain soaks the sail, weighs it down, and wet lines conduct electricity — which is why you must never fly in a thunderstorm.

Is flying a kite illegal?

Only in specific places — near airports, in some parks and protected areas, and where local ordinances ban it. Check local rules before you launch.

Is 20 mph wind too strong for a kite?

No for experienced fliers using a smaller kite, but it's on the edge for casual single-line flying. The hard limit for most kites is around 25 mph.