Sunday, March 2, is Kite-flying Day at the Padre Island National Seashore. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. kids can make and fly a kite for free (while supplies last). Area kite-flying clubs will have members on hand to help with tips and demonstrations. Meet at the Malaquite Beach and Pavilion.
"The kite clubs will be flying some of their fancier kites," said Park Ranger Kathy Sanders, who noted that the weather is expected to be in the 80s most of the day. Rain is predicted for later in the afternoon, so come early, she suggested.
Some 200 free kite kits are available on a first come, first serve basis. Kite club members will help make and fly the kites.
Kite clubs involved are the Surfside Flyers, Coastal Bend Sky Pirates, Quinco Kites and Fly It! Port A. For more information, call 361-949-8068. Park entrance fees of $10 per car will apply.
Kite flying tips from 101corpuschristi.com
Wind that is too light or too strong is hard to handle, but along the Texas Gulf beaches, the breezes are almost always perfect.
For winds 6-15 miles per hour, you can fly a delta, diamond or dragon kite easily. Box kites and stickless Parafoil kites are best for winds of 8-25 miles per hour. Add a light weight tail to your kite for stronger winds. The tail will help keep the kite stable.
To fly a single-line kite, stand with your back to the wind, hold up the kite by the bottom and let out some string. With a good wind, the kite will take off without much work. Let it fly away from you just a little before pulling gently on the line. Your tugs will help it climb higher into the sky. When it reaches a steady wind it will stay up.
