[Kite Science -- Wind Dynamics] The most important factor in kite flying other than the kite is of course wind.  No wind equals no flying.  So, in order to maximize your flying experience it is necessary to understand wind dynamics in the open field.   This will help you in two respects: a) understanding the wind makes you a safer flyer, and b) it will help you choose locations that are ideal for flying so as to make your flying experience more enjoyable. So, always pay attention to the winds when you are flying in the fields.   Be alert, wind strength and direction can change in a moments notice. You don't have to be a meteorologist, but the following basics on wind is crucial to kite flying, especially for stunt kite flying.  To make you a better flyer we will cover the following issues in order. What exactly is wind? Where does it come from? All about turbulent and steady or smooth wind. What kind wind strength is ideal for flying? What exactly is wind? Simply stated, wind is the flow of large air currents.  The atmosphere consists of differing regions of low and high pressures brought about by varying atmospheric temperatures.  Anytime such pressure differences arise, wind will result.  Air from high pressure regions will naturally flow to low pressure regions in order to equalize the pressure.  To illustrate this concept, think of an inflated balloon.   The pressure inside the balloon is higher than that of the air outside.  If you open the mouth of the balloon, the high pressure inside the balloon will naturally flow out of the balloon to even out the pressure.  What causes the atmosphere to differ in pressure in the first place?  There are many factors.  The most important is temperature difference of air situated over water and air situated over land.  Higher temperatures corresponds to lower pressures (because the air is less dense), and lower temperatures corresponds to higher pressures (because the air is more dense). the specific characteristics of water and land contribute to temperature differences of the air situated above them.  Land tends to radiate more heat from the sun so the air above it tends to be warmer, and therefore lower in pressure.  Water tends to trap heat better (This is actually misleading. For more in-depth explanation visit the Science of Kites in the Museum section), and thus the air above it is cooler and has higher pressure.  This is the main reason why wind tends to blow from the oceans towards land. All about turbulent and steady strength wind. Wind is simply a current of air travelling in the atmosphere, much like a current of water flowing in a river.  Its strength can vary from no wind at all to over 200 mph depending on weather conditions.  Generally the strength of wind closer to the grown is much weaker (e.g. blowing slower) than wind higher from the ground.   This is because wind currents close to the ground are obstructed by the ground itself, grass, trees, buildings, any and all objects contribute to slowing the wind down.   The friction between the wind and these objects slow the wind down.  When wind blows over objects, turbulence is created; much like when water flows over rocks results in turbulent waters.  This one of the main reasons to avoid flying near obstructions such as houses and trees.   Turbulent winds makes it highly difficult to control your kites. What kind of wind strength is idea for flying? The following chart roughly illustrates the proper wind conditions for flying your kite.  There is no precise guide to flying your kites when it comes to wind conditions.  Many factors must be considered, from the type of kite; the strength of the frame, the strength of the line, your experience, etc.  Ultimate judgment on what conditions are ideal for flying any given kite will come from actual experience.  However we do recommend flying single line kites in low wind (under 10 mph), as stronger winds can damage your kite.  The Beaufort Wind Scale Beaufort Designation Speed MPH Observable Effects Flying Conditions 0 Calm 0-1 Smoke rises vertically Paper airplanes are ideal. 1 Light Air 1-3 Smoke will drift slightly. Stay home unless you have an ultra-light or indoor kites. 2 Light Breeze 4-6 Leaves tremble, flags will wave slightly, wind can be felt by skin. Very Light kites will fly 3 Gentle Breeze 7-10 Small twigs vibrate, flags flap. Ideal for beginners.   Anything launched will fly well. 4 Moderate Breeze 11-16 Dust, papers will be raised, branches sway, flags flap loudly. Perfect conditions for stunt kiting. Trust us! 5 Fresh Breeze 17-21 Small trees sway, surface water will form wavelets. Flying takes physical exertion.  You can actually get dragged by the kite. 6 Strong Breeze 22-27 Large branches move, hauling can be heard. Highly experienced   flyers only, and even then using reinforced equipment is strongly recommended. 7 Moderate Gale 28-33 Entire trees will sway. Stay home, it's too dangerous to fly. 8 Fresh Gale 34-40 Windows will rattle. Don't even think about it!