Bowties

From KiteWiki

A bow tie forms when a kite becomes twisted near to its centre. This can occur on both fixed bridle and twinskin or Arc kites.

Because one wing tip iss upside down while the other wing tip is the right way up, the kite will begin to spin. This can appear quite comical for onlookers because it looks like a clowns giant bowtie, but it can also be quite dangerous, as the kite becomes uncontrolable and will start spinning wildly like a propeller with increasing pull and complete loss of control as the lines form a rope together.

If you see someone with a kite that is bow tied or spinning, please offer assistance to avoid the situation becoming dangerous.

Fixed Bridle kites

Usually caused when the kite suddenly loses its shape due to a gust causing it to partially deflate and the kite twists with its bridles wrapped around the centre. If it starts to spin, it is important to try to control the spin immediately using the brake lines. If full brakes are immediately applied, at least the kite can be staked whilst you attend un-twisting the kite and bridles.

Twinskin / Arc Users

The bane of arc /twinskin users, the term is used when an arc kite is under inflated and twists at the centre.

The only way to stop this once it happens is to quickly pull the safety and undo it. The best way to avoid bowties is to make sure the kite is 90% to fully inflated before launching.