How do I join the Sheffield Kite Fliers?
Please see our How to Join the SKF page.

Do I need to be fit to fly kites?
No, not really, but to fly power & traction kites you need to be in generally good health & able to take knocks and falls. Stunt or trick kite flying places less demand on you physically. And of course if you fly frequently you will find yourself getting fitter!

Is all this expensive?
Yes and no - you can start out (relatively) cheaply - £50 will get you a good stunt kite, £100 a very good stunt kite, £150 a good smallish traction kite, £200 a good kite buggy, £150 a good land board, and so on. If you (like us) become hooked on kites then there will always be the "next kite/buggy/board"!

Is it dangerous?
As with all sports there is a risk of personal injury as kiting can be a physically demanding sport. However these risks can be managed with proper training whilst new to the sport. Know your own abilities, know your equipment, respect other people, respect the weather conditions and the risks will be minimized. Stunt kites are very safe for the flyer, with only a risk of hitting a bystander, whereas large traction kites have a greater risk to the flyer and the bystanders. See our safety section for more information.

What's the best kite?
Depends on what you like doing, how much you can afford, what the wind conditions are, etc. There is no such thing as 'best kite'. You have to try various different ones out and see which one suits you (and your bank account).

Where can I buy a kite and other kite gear from?
For power kites, traction kites, kite surf kites, buggies, and boards we recommend Turbulence Extreme Sports, Airbossworld and Hangtime Kitesports. For Stunt kites try Highwaymen and Kiteworks UK.

Where can I buy SKF gear from?
Please see our SKF Merchandise page.

I only have a really cheap kite. Will you laugh at me?
No. Come along and join us - we are a good group of people who like all forms of kite sports. Kite flying is fun, and if you are having fun with your cheap kite that is all that matters.

I really don't know anything about kites, can you help?
Yes, again come along to one of our flying sessions or events. There will always be someone to help you out.

I’ve always wanted to try kiting, do you do lessons?
We love introducing new people to the sport and will happily give you a basic 30 minute taster for free on either your own kite or one of ours. After that we can arrange lessons with one of our qualified instructors or via a local kite shop.

Am I too old or young to be taught kiting?
We have taught kids as young as six years old, with their parents or guardians close by, and fully grown adults over seventy.

Will I need insurance?
As soon as you know the basics of kite flying you will need insurance, and you will also need insurance to take part in any of the SKF events or Thursday night flying sessions. Insurance for power and traction kiting is available for £15 annually from the British Power Kitesports Association. If you are a stunt kite flier then insurance will cost £12 annually from the Midland Kite Fliers.

Will you perform at my event/festival?
If the event is on a weekend and it isn’t too far away we are more likely to be able to attend. We get lots of requests to fly at events and as much as we would like to we can’t go to every one. Book early to avoid disappointment and we don’t charge but donations are always welcome.

Do you work with Schools and Colleges?
In the past we have done assembly talks, have a go sessions, kite displays, and kite making workshops. But be warned that as most of us have full time jobs it can be difficult for us to help on weekdays. As above we don’t charge but donations are always welcome.

How do I contact you?
Either come and see us at one of our regular flying sessions or email us. To enquire about our free 30 minute kite taster sessions: taster@sheffieldkitefliers.co.uk or for anything else: info@sheffieldkitefliers.co.uk
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