Buy the biggest kite you can, as the larger it is, the more stable it will be.
Sport kites, which have two lines, are the most manoeuvrable and the fastest-they can reach speeds of 100mph.
Find a flat, open space the size of several football pitches, with no trees or buildings nearby. You want a smooth, uninterrupted wind, a beach is ideal.
Set up your kite with the wind at your back. Make sure your lines are equal length or your steering will be off.
To launch, swing your arms back, take one step backwards, then let the wind lift the kite. If you need to run, there's not enough wind, or the kite is not downwind.
Your first manoeuvre should be an “infinity", a figure of eight on its side. Fly straight up, and slowly pull on the right line, one or two inches. The kite will turn to the right. Do the same with the left, then the right, and so on.
Pull on one line for longer to fly a loop. You can fly up to 10 loops in one direction - you'll need to fly the same number the other way to get the twists (wraps) out of the lines. Stay relaxed and concentrate on slow movements.
You will crash. Everyone does.
by Carl Robertshaw, five times World Sport Kite champion.