A kite is a unique structure with wing surfaces that react against the wind to create drag and lift forces. Despite having many protective measures against accidents, the question is, “are kites dangerous?”
Flying a kite may seem like a harmless hobby, but kites can also be equally dangerous if enough appropriate measures are not adhered to during flying. This article will analyze some potential dangers of flying a kite.
We will also discuss how to avoid those dangers and correct them. If you want to know more about the dangers of kites, stay with me.
Are Kites Dangerous?
Kites are usually made of simple materials that efficiently utilize lift and drag forces to enable movement through the air. Kites may seem harmless; however, they come with many dangers that may cause harm if not taken seriously.
Whether large or small, both types of kites can cause various problems; therefore, you should be careful when handling either of them. Below we will focus on the possible dangers a kite will likely cause to a rider. Keep reading to know more.
Tangles
A common problem that affects most kite riders is the fear of getting caught up with the lines of a kite. Getting tangled up mostly happens during the launch of a kite.
When you are unaware, a kite placed down outside may launch due to strong winds without your knowledge. Sometimes, the lines tied to the kite may wrap around your body or any body part; if it is a larger kite, it can lift you from the ground to a couple of feet above.
If you are lucky enough and manage to untangle yourself, you may fall from the sky, a couple of feet above, and you will sustain multiple injuries from the round. However, if you do not manage to untangle yourself from the kite, the winds may continue blowing hard, and it will take you higher feet from the ground eventually; if the winds calm a bit, you will fall from higher feet off the ground and sustain serious injuries which may prove to be fatal.
Incidences of tangle-related problems have recently increased mainly due to people becoming unaware of their environment and keeping their focus on other things apart from the kite. If you leave your kite outside, the wind cycle may change instantly and blow off your kite.
If you are unaware of the lines tied to your kite, they may tangle around you and lead to tangle-related accidents. To avoid such accidents, always keep a safe distance from kite lines whenever they are at rest outside.
Conduction of Electricity
Kite electrocution-related accidents have become rampant in the recent past mainly due to the notion people perceive that kites do not transmit current. If you believe the myth of kites not transmitting current, you may be risking your life every time you fly your kite outside.
In the recent past, kite line material has improved from simple cotton threads to materials such as Kevlar and spectra, which are stronger and more durable. However, it does not mean your kite is insulated from transferring electric current.
Remember that electricity always looks for the shortest way to reach the earth; therefore, even if you use your kite, it will not hesitate to charge at you. When you fly your kite outside in the presence of a storm, lightning may brew up in the clouds and strike your kite.
Once your kite is hit by lightning, such voltage may cause a fire outbreak that may burn you alive, leading to serious injuries or death.
When you fly outside, your kite may come into contact with the power transmitting cables. If the cables are not insulated properly, they may release current that may require some earthing, and since you are standing on the ground, the current may pass through your kite, if it is slightly damp, to your body and eventually to the ground.
Mind you, the power cables transmit a high amount of voltage, and if such voltage comes into contact with your body, you may be electrocuted to death. If you are lucky enough to escape death, you will have serious injuries that may severely damage your body.
Avoid operating kites during stormy days or near power lines to avoid such accidents. Before using a kite, study the weather timetable to alert you when to avoid encountering a storm.
Cuts and Burns
Kite lines, in general, are not that sharp when at rest; however, moving through the air at high speeds can be very dangerous. Just like paper cuts, when the kite lines come in contact with your hands or any body part at high speed, they can cause burns or, in severe cases, cut your skin.
Cuts and burns are common with inexperienced fliers who fly larger kites. Large kites always tend to pull much harder on the kite line, especially with strong winds. Strong winds make large kites a difficult experience for less experienced fliers to control; hence they may end up with cuts and burns when trying to control the kite.
When kite lines are wrapped around fingers or any other body part, in case strong winds blow the kite away suddenly, the kite lines can cause deep cuts or friction burns.
To evade such injuries, avoid wrapping kite lines on any part of the body whatsoever.
Jumping Injuries
Jumping injuries usually happen when you make a jump and land in a shallow water spot on the shore area. Jumping on a shallow spot can cause you to injure your feet, arms, back, or knees, depending on where you land first.
You could also get hit by another kite surfer accidentally when kitesurfing in shallow spots. If you are also unaware of sand banks and rocky parts, you may hit some when using a kite leading to serious injuries.
To avoid jumping injuries, you should ensure you are familiar with the grounds you are using your kite.
Wrap Up
Kite flying is such a lovely experience that sometimes you may ignore the safety rules and regulations of using a kite. From the post above, you can see the potential dangers that a kite possesses, and I am sure it answers the question,” are kites dangerous?”
Kites can be dangerous when the safety measures are not followed to the latter; however, if the safety measures are adhered to, kites can give you an unforgettable experience.
Getting to fly a kite requires adequate patience and practice to master it completely. Before heading out with a kite, ensure you are in check with all the safety requirements needed.
You should also ensure you are familiar with the grounds you will be using your kite, and the weather should be favorable. All the best as you fly your kite.
