(I may earn a small commission on the products mentioned in this post.)
Who doesn’t enjoy flying a beach kite? Stunt kites are a great way to have fun with family (or alone) at the beach.
An ocean breeze usually provides enough power to elevate a kite, which will no doubt bring hours of entertainment to you and your children.
In this article, I’ll highlight the best stunt kites available including frame and frameless parafoils. I’ll also provide some clarification on the in’s and out’s of stunt kits and share a few videos to help you get started.
It’s time to review the best beach kites.
My Experience with Stunt Kites
Growing up, I flew kites on occasion with my friends and with my dad. I didn’t live in a particularly windy area but there were seasons, especially in the fall, where my dad and I would walk to the local field and try our hand at flying a kite.
This was the old days (1990’s) when there wasn’t much technology in kites.
We used a basic, or dare I say a cheap kite that would jump around in the air. We would spend a few hours running with it, trying to make it move, or just stare up at it and admire its view.
We would stick the handle in the ground and let it fly on its own. There were a few instances when it was caught in power lines and we had to replace the line.
In the last decade, I’ve had the opportunity to try my hand at flying a stunt kite. I first saw them at the beach, whizzing by my head as the operator showed off his arsenal of tricks. Watching someone who knows how to fly a stunt kite is a real treat.
A few years later I tried flying a friends kite after he received it for his birthday. I’ll admit, stunt kites take time to get comfortable controlling the kite because they are sensitive to your hand movements.
However, once you learn to control the kite the fun really begins! Not only that but you’ll impress your family, friends, and other beachgoers as well.
Difference Between Stunt Kites (Best Kite for Adults) and Regular Kites
You might be wondering, “How do stunt kites differ from regular kites?” It’s a reasonable question for any beginner. Regular kites are likely the kite you think of when you hear the term “flying a kite”.
They are great for kids and often have small frames to assemble.
Some kites, like those made by Prism Kites, are beautiful frameless kits that can be stuffed into a bag when not in use. They don’t require much skill by the user. The thing to remember about regular kites is they use a single line.
Therefore, the proper term for a “regular kite” is a “single-line” kite.
Regular Kite
- Single-line kite
- User-friendly and no skill needed
- Best for younger users
- Minor assembly required for the frame
- Relatively inexpensive
As you can imagine from the previous paragraph, stunt kites are a little more complex. Stunt kites are the best kite for adults and teenagers. They’re commonly known as “dual-line” kites.
Having 2 lines allows the user to control the kite. One line is held in each hand. More user control results in tricks and stunts, however small adjustments with the hands will result in large directional changes to the stunt kite.
Much like driving a car, or playing video games, stunt kites are all about the “feel” of the user. Both teenagers and adults can use dual-line kites but it will take some time and patience to learn.
If you are competitive in nature, there are plenty of opportunities around the U.S. to compete with sport kites.
Stunt Kite or Sport Kite
- Dual-line kite (or quad-line)
- Best kite for adults
- High quality material (ripstop nylon)
- Simple assembly
- Mid-range cost
- Takes time to learn, and longer for tricks/stunts
- Competitive opportunities
Stunt Kite Tricks
If you’re looking for stunt kites, you’re likely wondering what kind of tricks you can do and how you do them. I can admit that the way to get a stunt kite airborne is pretty impressive in itself.
You lay the kite on its back (or if at the beach stick the lower corners in the sand) straighten out the line.
Once the line is taut, you pull back quickly with both hands and the kite elevates. It’s pretty cool to watch. Below, we’ve included a video that shows a few of the many stunt kite tricks.
Best Stunt Kite Brands
In the U.S. there are a number of kite brands to chose from, however, there are only a few high-quality brands that we’ll recognize in this article.
Prism
Prism was founded by 2 young sailors and designers. They spent their college years flying sport kites and dreamed of updating the old fiberglass framed kites with carbon fiber composites and high-performance material used in sailing and aviation.
These days the company has grown to be an industry leader. They are based out of Seattle, Washington and offer some of the best sport kites on the market. They also have great customer service. In this article we’ll mention them often!
Revolution
Their name is meaningful given the three Hadzicki brothers actually designed a new kite known as the quad-line kite. Because of their revolutionary idea, they named the kite design “Revolution”.
The brothers were inducted into the World Kite Museum Hall of Fame in 2010.
Although we didn’t mention quad-line in our stunt kite overview, these kites are a big part of the sport-kite industry and have their own unique design.
In this article, I’ll highlight one of their kites and show you where to find more!
Into The Wind (ITW)
What a great name for a kite company. Based out of Boulder, Colorado Into the Wind has been around since 1980 and was founded by architects George Emmons and Jim Glass.
Their tagline is “known and flown for over 35 years”. To me, this sounds like a brand you can trust. They offer a wide selection of traditional kites, stunt kites, and accessories.
In The Breeze
This company makes affordable single-line and dual-line kites. They have some good options for recreation and a limited selection for sport kites.
In this article we’ll share some of their best-reviewed kites.
Best Stunt Kites for Beginners at the Beach
#1 In the Breeze Colorwave 48 Inch Stunt Kite – Dual Line Beach Kite
The “In the Breeze” Colorwave kite is a well-reviewed starter kite for beginners. This stunt kite is 48 inches and flies in various weather conditions.
The material is rip-stop polyester and won’t succumb to mildew or stains. It is also UV resistant so it should keep its nice deep colors.
Highlight:
- 48 x 26 inch colorwave with multiple styles
- Dual-line stunt kite
- 50 lbs line strength and 80 feet long with handles
- Fabric bag
- Preferred range of 6-20 mph
The frame is made from fiberglass, uses plastic connectors, and is flown with an 80-foot line. There’s a handy bag included as well.
In my opinion, this is a decent starter kite but not the best quality and from what I read on their website, the return policy isn’t great. They offer a 5-day money back policy due to manufacture and no used merchandise will be accepted.
#2 Prism Quantum Dual-line Stunt Kite
As we mentioned in the “product brands” section, Prism in the industry leader in the U.S. and they make great sport kites. The kites look great but also are the preferred brand by competitive and recreational users alike.
This Quantum beauty is a great kite to learn on however it’s also perfect for more advanced kite fliers. In other words, you won’t outgrow it.
According to Prism the kite is built to last and has a rugged design in order to sustain a beating while you learn to fly it (I like the sound of that). The Prism Quantum has a 7-foot wingspan and packs down to 36 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches in a storage bag.
This beach kite has 85-foot line with 150 lbs of pressure stretch Dyneema line. Included with your purchase is also wrist straps, winder instructions, and a bag.
Highlights:
- Quantum for learners and designed to take a beating
- Weight 1.2 lbs
- 7-foot wingspan 40 inches tall, but packs small
- 85-foot line, Dyneema stretch line
- Carbon frame, and ripstop nylon
- Protected spine
- Comfy sleeve to keep kite for travel
The reviews for this kite are exceptional. Customers speak of the customer service, the quality of kite, performance even in low wind, and its durability through multiple crashes.
There’s no doubt this is a good kite to learn on.
Upon doing additional research with Prism I found their customer service to be top notch. They don’t offer a warranty per se, but they do offer a refund or exchange if you aren’t 100% satisfied with the kite.
I’ve used Prism before and doubt you’ll encounter any problems. I’d recommend this beach kite without hesitation.
#3 Prism Jazz Dual-line Stunt Kite
Another solid Prism kite for the beach. This one is a lower model than the above model and has a smaller wingspan at 5 feet.
It packs down to 26 x 4 x 2 inches so might be better for traveling.
The material, ripstop nylon is the same strong fabric as the other Prism kites but this kite has 85 foot and 55 lbs strength polyester flying lines with wrist straps, winder instructions, and the same storage bag.
Highlights:
- 1 lb
- 62-inch wingspan and 22 inches tall
- Ripstop nylon with polyester flying lines
- Best for winds 5-25 mph
- Handy travel bag to pack
The reviews for this kite are equally good as the other Prism kites and most reviews say good things! Some comments touched on the bomber-like noise it made while flying through the air, the ability to perform stunts at high speeds, and easy to assemble and take apart.
I like this kite as a starter kite and if you prefer a smaller kite to begin then the Prism Jazz is a good bet.
Best Moderate to Advance Stunt Kites for the Beach (Dual-Line and Quad-Line)
#4 Prism 4D Ultralight Stunt Kite
The Prism 4D Ultralight is exactly that, a super light kite you can even use indoors as long as there is a tiny breeze. It weighs only 70 grams and is affixed to a carbon high-modulus frame.
Similar to the Prism Quantum, this kite is better quality than the Jazz, measuring 58 inches wide by 31 inches tall. It packs down into a thin 24.5″ x 4″ x 1″.
Highlights:
- Ultralight and will fly in 1 mph of wind
- 70 grams weight
- Strong – carbon high-modulus frame
- 58-inch wingspan and 31 inches tall
- Packs down into carrying case
- 50-foot line, finger straps, winder instructions
- Great for places with little wind and great for the beginner
- Exceptionally responsive
>> check price and options on Amazon
Its lightweight characteristic makes it much more responsive to its user. It uses a 50-foot line with 50 lbs of pressure for low-stretch Dyneema line.
The Prism 4D comes with finger straps, winder instructions, and a storage case
#5 Prism Snapshot Speed Foil Beach Kite
Here’s another option from Prism Kites and it may not be what you think of when you think of dual-line stunt kite. The kite is frameless so it’s somewhat different from the other kites on our list.
While frames vs. frameless kites do have their unique advantages the thing I really like about frameless is it can be stuffed into a bag and on its way; no breaking down frames (however easy it is) and you don’t have to worry about crash landings unless you’re around trees or electrical lines.
Sure it will handle a little different but it’s good fun none-the-less.
Highlights:
- Frameless
- 4 feet wide
- Small storage, stuff pouch
- Damage-proof with crashes
- 12 ounces
- Good dual-line kite to learn on
- Can use to practice for kitesurfing
>> check price and reviews on Amazon
This little foil kite has a 4-foot wingspan and comes in a couple different colors. It weighs only 12 ounces and when stored it fits in a sack 8 x 5 x 2.9 inches.
If you’re thinking of getting into kitesurfing this is actually a good kite to start with on the beach so you can learn to control the kite and because its small you won’t have much difficulty with pull during higher winds.
Most reviews are positive. Customers say that it works well at the beach and in the mountains with little wind required.
Warning these kites are addictive and you might get another if you like it!
#6 Revolution EXP Quad Line Stunt Kite
Revolution Kites are yes, revolutionary and considering how long kites have been around, they are a newer style to enjoy. Revolution Kites invented the quad-line kite and its a beauty.
The EXP is Revolution’s base model, but it still is priced at a premium. Even though you might think 4 lines would be difficult to fly, the company reassures you that it can be picked up quickly.
Highlights:
- Super leading edge tube
- 3 Wrapped graphite bars
- Ripstop nylon
- 65-foot line x 90 lbs
- Windrange 3-20 mph
- Wingspan 93 inches!
- Made in the USA
>> check Revolution Kites on their website
The design allows some unique controls for the kite and advanced precision which you can watch in the video below. If you’re an advanced kite flier this may be a fun addition to your collection.
Revolution demonstration video:
#7 Prism Nexus 5-Stack Beach Kite
If you’re advanced with kites the Prism Nexus 5 stack kite might be a fun upgrade to show off at the beach. You’ll be flying 5 kites in one and you’ll blow people’s minds.
The first time I saw a 5 stack fly I thought they must be flown by 5 different people.
Once I looked closer I realized they were attached however I still couldn’t understand how they could move in unison. I haven’t use the kite but knowing that its made by Prism gives me confidence that this is worth every penny.
The simple truth is that Prism doesn’t make kites that don’t work.
Highlights:
- Train of 5 multicolored kites
- Pulls with wind (strength required)
- Best in 6-25mph wind
- The lines are very strong – 100 foot and 200 lbs
- Comes with a 48″ ripstop nylon bag for easy travel
>> check price and options on Amazon
Need a great workout and like to draw attention to yourself on the beach? The Prism Nexus 5 stack is the one!
Power Kites
You might be wondering what a parafoil kite is. Simply put, a parafoil kite is frameless (think of a parachute).
Parafoil kites are inflated by the wind, usually made by ripstop nylon and are durable, yet easy to pack away, and easy to fly. Some parafoils, like the options mentioned below can provide a good workout too! I really like these kites for the beach.
These parafoil kites are dual-line so you can learn to control them just like the stunt kites above. You will feel the strength of the parafoil kites however the control won’t be as precise as the framed stunt kites shown above.
#8 Prism Tantrum Dual-line Parafoil Kite with Control Bar
The Prism Tantrum parafoil offers speed and pull for a challenging workout. The name Tantrum fits this kite well – I love it.
With high winds it will literally pull you down the beach but don’t worry, it won’t take you off the ground. It’s made of ripstop nylon.
The wingspan of this frameless kite is 86.5 inches and the width is 30 inches. It can be packed in a stuff-sack to 28 x 7.25 x 2 inches. If you prefer in a larger option, the Tantrum 250 is 98 x 31 inches!
Highlights:
- Ripstop nylon
- 86.5 x 30 inches when flying
- Packs in a small sack for transport
- 85-foot line that is a strong 150 lbs
- Comes with control bar
- Great for land and can practice for kitesurfing.
- Reliable customer service!
>> check price and reviews on Amazon
The dual-line is 85 feet long with 150 lb stretch Dyneema flying lines. It also has a control bar with a safety leash and a storage bag.
Prism’s Tantrum is a fun kite for the beach and if needed can help train you for kitesurfing too.
Reviewer for this kite give rave reviews and mention the good quality of the product, the fun and laughter of being pulled down the beach. It’s nice to know that if you do lose your grip, the kite will float back down to the beach and not fly away.
#9 Prism Synapse Dual-line Parafoil Kite
The Prism Synapse is listed as “Amazon’s Choice”. It’s another fun yet powerful parafoil kite and quite a bit smaller than the Tantrum above.
This kite is 53 x 20 inches and packs down to 10 x 5 x 2.5 inches so you can keep it in your glove compartment!
Keep in mind that this kite does not come with the control bar, rather you simply hold the lines in your hand to direct the kite for spins, dives, and figure eights.
Highlights:
- Affordable fun
- Durable ripstop nylon
- Multiple size options (53 inches – 67)
- Packs small
- 60-foot line and 80 lbs line strength
- Comes with bag, winder, instructions
>> check price and reviews on Amazon
I really like this kite for the beach for 3 reasons. 1) it packs small and can be thrown in a backpack or the trunk of a car for spontaneous use at the beach or at home with friends. 2) the reviews are almost all positive.
I’ve come to learn that with Prism you’re getting the best quality so there’s no need to worry if the product works or will last. 3) these parafoils are durable and you don’t have to be careful because there is no frame!.
#10 In the Breeze Rainbow Sport Kite – Dual Line Stunt Parafoil
In the breeze brings you an affordable sport parafoil kite that is a similar size to the Prism options above. It spans 62 x 27 inches and is a good power kite for beginners.
It features ripstop polyester sown with rainbow colors (tie-dye also available). Like parafoil kites, this one is frameless and requires winds 6-20 mph, which makes it a perfect kite for the beach
This Sport Kite comes with 80-foot line and 50 lb line strength (quite a bit lower strength than the options above). It can be assembled quickly and stuffs into a velcro sack to carry around easily.
Highlights:
- .35 lbs
- 62 x 27 inches
- Line 80 feet and 50 lb strength
- Rainbow or tie-dye color options
- Ripstop polyester
- 5-day manufacturer warranty
>> check price and reviews on Amazon
Remember this product might be good for a beginner and is at a lower price than others on our list, however, their warranty leaves quite a bit of room for improvement!
Stunt Kite Accessories
Stunt Kite Line
The line is Dyneema and a sleeved set on the winder. The right and left straps are color coordinated to make it easier for you.
Amazon recommends the product and it comes at a reasonable price. If you’re a serious kiter then this product is a nice back up to have.
Prism Kite Repair Kit
It comes with Tedlar sail repair tape, elbow fittings, sail patches, spar ferrules, wingtip nocks, standoff fittings and more.
It also includes a “don’t panic” instruction booklet and travel pouch so you can become an expert repairman/woman.
It’s small so it can fit in your car unseen with your other kites! It helps repair frame and parafoil kites. Take a look and let us know what you think.
Conclusion
So there you have it. In this article, we covered a lot of the basics and more technical language for kits. We reviewed the best beach kites, why stunt kites (sport kites) are awesome, and I shared dual-line and quad-line options as well as frame vs parafoil.
As you search for a new beach kite or look for a gift, we hope this article helped clarify your questions or concerns. My favorite kites are the parafoils because they give a good workout and are less sensitive than the frame-based kites.
Find one that fits your style and get outside to the beach!
