p i l o t
’
s
g u i d e
The Tantrum is the perfect introductory trainer kite that delivers speed and maneuverability with impressive pull.
The easy-to-use control bar, safety leash and aerodynamic wing profile makes it a perfect introduction to traction kiting, kiteboarding, or all-around fun.
Mesh air inlets hold a clean aerodynamic wing profile and a central vent drains sand or water if needed.
Read this guide carefully to be sure you set up your Tantrum correctly before flying. Pay extra attention to the safety section: KITES ARE NOT TOYS
AND CAN BE DANGEROUS IF MISUSED. For more information on all aspects of sport kiting check out our website at www.prismkites.com.
— The Prism Crew
safety
Flying safely is YOUR responsibility.
Your kite can fly faster than
50 mph and pull hard enough to hurt you, even in moderate winds.
NEVER fly your kite in extreme conditions or winds that are too
strong for your skill or equipment. Always practice in lighter winds
before you attempt to fly in strong winds.
Kites are not designed for type of man-lifting activity. Never attach
yourself permanently to the kite and never attempt to jump with
your kite.
NEVER fly your kite near power lines, in storms, near airports,
roads, railways, people or animals. If you have any doubts about
the safety of your flying situation, don’t risk it! One slip, or a broken
line, and you or a bystander could be seriously hurt.
where
to
fly
Choose your flying spot carefully to avoid turbulent wind. Like
whitewater in a river, wind that flows past obstacles like trees,
buildings and hills becomes gusty and choppy and can make con-
trolling your kite difficult or impossible. The best place to fly is an
open beach or field with wind blowing in from off the water.
If you have such a place available, it’s worth the extra travel
time to get there because you’ll learn to fly in a fraction of the
time. If you have to fly inland, look for wide open fields with
no trees, buildings, or hills for at least a half mile upwind. With
experience, you’ll be able to fly more easily in less than perfect
conditions more easily, but when you’re just learning, a smooth,
consistent wind makes a huge difference.
the
wind
window
The flight area of the kite is called the Wind Window and it extends
in a semi-circle from the left to the right side of the pilot. In the
middle of the Wind Window, known as the Power Zone, the kite will
fly fastest and generates the most pull.
As it reaches the edge of the window it will pull less and slow to a
stop. The Zenith, directly above the pilot at the top of the wind
window, is the best place to “park” the kite when you want to rest
your arms and minimize pull.
In a normal launch, the kite is flown from the ground through the
middle of the wind window up to the zenith. This will result in
near-maximum pull. For this reason, it is important before launch
to check that the lines are attached correctly and not tangled,
and that your safety leash is securely attached to your wrist. Make
your first flights in lighter winds (10mph is perfect) until you are
familar with the power and handling of your kite.
setting
up
Take the kite out of the bag and unfold it flat on the ground with
the logo side facing up. Your control bar and flying lines should al-
ready be attached to the red and blue bridle pigtails on either side
of the kite. If they aren’t, tie the red and blue line loops to the red
and blue bridle pigtails using a Lark’s Head knot (below).
Unwind some line from the control bar so you can hold the kite by
the bridle pigtails and inflate it over your head with the mesh air
inlets facing the wind. With the kite inflated overhead, check that
all bridle lines are clear and untangled.
Lay the kite back on the ground with the ground with the trail-
ing edge facing the wind and and put some sand or other suitable
weight on the rear edge of the sail to keep it from blowing away.
Walk slowly backwards into the wind as you unwind your flying
lines from the control bar. Lay the lines on the ground parallel to
each other and check for tangles as you go.
When you reach the end of the lines, attach the safety strap to
your right wrist and hold the control bar in front of you with the red
end on the right.
first
flight
Soft parafoil wings like the Tantrum must be inflated by the
wind flowing into them to take shape and fly, just like a modern
parachute or paraglider.
With your arms outstretched in front of you, pull in the lines just
enough to inflate the sail, then take a step backwards and sweep
your arms down and back briskly to launch. Hold your hands even
and the kite should climb straight up into the sky.
Once airborne, pulling the right line slightly will turn your kite
clockwise, pulling left will turn it counterclockwise. The kite will
turn in the direction of your pull and keep turning until you even
out your hands.
Practice making figure eights in the sky by alternating upward
turns until you get a feel for keeping it in the air. If you repeat-
edly turn in one direction, you will build up a series of twists in the
line. After around 10 twists, your lines will have noticeable friction
as they slide past each other. When friction builds, make turns
in the opposite direction until the twists are removed.
SAFETY LEASH:
If at any point the kite pulls too hard or you start to lose con-
trol, just let go of the control bar and the safety leash will cause
the kite to collapse and settle to the ground. In an emergency, pull
the red tabs on the wrist strap to disconnect from the kite.
FLY HERE
DON’T FLY HERE
Obstacles create turbulence downwind
landing area
landing area
power zone
zenith
2 2 0
LEADING EDGE
AIR INLETS
VELCRO SAND DRAIN
CONTROL BAR
LARK’S HEAD KNOT
SAFETY LEASH
BRIDLES
BRIDLE PIGTAIL
TRAILING EDGE
PULL TIGHT
For attaching flying lines
to bridle pigtails
2 2 0
LEADING EDGE
AIR INLETS
VELCRO SAND DRAIN
CONTROL BAR
LARK’S HEAD KNOT
SAFETY LEASH
BRIDLES
BRIDLE PIGTAIL
TRAILING EDGE
PULL TIGHT
For attaching flying lines
to bridle pigtails
M
IN
IM
U
M
S
PE
ED
A
ND
PU
LL
MIN
IM
UM
SP
EE
D
A
N
D
P
U
LL
MA
Pull Left
to
turn left
Pull Right
to
turn right
Hold hands even
to
go straight
LAUNCH
STEERING
X SPEED AND PULL
Practice figure 8’s first!
Land here
Land here
Low Pass
Loop
Square
Power
dive
BASIC MANEUVERS
2 2 0
22
0
2 2 0
2 2 0
2 2 0
2 2 0
22
0
22
0
22
0
22
0
