Kites

Here in the UK and around the globe we are all facing huge changes to our daily lives due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Since March many countries have been in lockdown with residents allowed outside for only certain activities. In the UK outdoor exercise has been on the allowed list throughout. Initially everyone was permitted to go out for exercise once per day for an hour, while following strict social distancing guidelines. Since May 2020 the guidance has been altered to allow unlimited exercise, but social distancing rules remain.

Exercise is more important now than ever. With many peoples usually active lifestyle at a standstill and gym facilities, both indoor and outdoor, closed it is easy to become more sedentary. Add to this boredom eating, and the negative mental health effects of such a drastic lifestyle change, exercise could be a helpful focus for many people.  So, we thought we would take a look at the different types of exercise available, the social distancing guidance for each and how you can get started if your usual exercise type is currently unavailable.

Social Distance Running

In the UK running has been one of the go-to activities throughout the Covid-19 lockdown, and it is easy to see why. Most people can have a go at running even if they have never done it before, there are loads of free/cheap apps to help get you started such as Couch to 5K Runner. The only equipment that is essential is a pair of running trainers, and you can do it by yourself or with other family members.

If you already go out running or are inspired to give it a go after almost two months of lockdown, there are just a few things to bear in mind to ensure that you comply with social distancing rules.

1. Maintain a 2-metre distance wherever possible – as a runner you are likely to overtake people walking on the pavement, be sure to do so at a safe distance, consider crossing the r

When it comes to family-friendlyfun, flying a kite is simply one of the best and most accessible activities out there. Not only is it easy to get started while also incorporating an element of creativity, but it's simple to learn and easy to continue doing week after week. All one needs is an open space and a steady breeze! For those who choose to take things to a more advanced level, you can quickly find that flying a kite is more than just fun: it can be a huge physical challenge, too. Kites have captured the imagination for millions ofyears — so it should be no surprise they've inspired some people to take them to the extreme.

The Guinness Book of World Records holds several stories about record-setting ventures using kites, from flying tonnes all at once to seeingjust how high a kite can go if you have the right equipment. Sometimes people undertake these efforts for charity, while on other occasions it's simply a personal quest to achieve something awesome. What are some of the records worth knowing? Here's a quick run-down of all the most notable and interesting Guinness Records relating to kite flying. 

Flying high: reaching greater heights with kites

When one first starts flying kites, it's often a race to see who can let their line out the farthest. With a strong breeze, your kite can disappear up into the sky, becoming a tiny speck—you justneed to be careful to keep holding on to the string! Since the first kites, achieving higher and higher altitudes have been one of the main ways people have broken new ground in this hobby. It should be no surprise, then, that Guinness records several records rel

26th October 2017. While summer is considered the best time of year for many sports, the autumn holds its own appeal for outdoor activities as well. While others continue practising their football skills or join up with a crowd of marathon runners enjoying the last good weather of the year, you can choose to spend your time engaged in a more relaxing and mentally stimulating pursuit ? flying a kite! We often consider the spring as the prime season for flying kites, but the fall has its own host of benefits that make it worth your time to head outdoors. In the right wind conditions, flying a kite can even be a workout. You'll need to work hard against a strong breeze, and if a gust comes, prepare to engage all the muscles in your core keeping the kite steady. It's surprisingly exciting, and an excellent way to spend some of your time outdoors this season. Let's take a closer look at what makes the fall so ideal for putting together a brand-new kite, grabbing your string, and heading to your nearest open field. There are six reasons behind why this is the best time of the year for kiting.

1. The weather stays good for most of the season

Except for the very tail end of the season, autumn is usually a time characterised by its pleasant temperatures, moderating away from the high heat of summer. There might be a bit of a chill in the mornings or the early evenings, but for the most part, you will find the weather perfectly agreeable for being outdoors. Since flying a kite is all about enjoying your time in nature, this makes it especially ideal. The springtime can become too warm too quickly, and showers are much more likely to occur without warning. While the fall can have its fair share of rain as well, you can count on plenty of days of good weather. This fact makes it easier to make plans to go out to fly a kite; when every day in a week

26th June 2017.When school lets out for the holidays, no one is more excited than your children. It's an opportunity to spend time away from educational responsibilities, to relax, and to have fun. Every parent wants to ensure their kids don't spend the holidays cooped up indoors the whole time, however. With the allure of video games and electronic devices stronger than ever, it's important to encourage physical activity. The summer should be a time for fun, but that doesn't have to mean sitting indoors and avoiding the hot weather. That's where you come back into the picture: your goal should be to create plenty of opportunities for active fun and exercise. The key is in the way you present the activity. Taking your kids for a run is a hard sell; organising a game with some of their friends is something to excite any child. With that in mind, what are some of the best activities you can engage in with your kids over their holiday? There's no shortage of variety available ? and you should use your imagination, too. To help you start planning, here are eight ideas you can use and adapt for your family. Before you know it, your kids will clamour for the chance to go outside and play with you.

1. Football is an easy classic everyone loves

For the ultimate summer fun with a low cost to begin, you can't beat football. Play in your backyard or a local park; if you have some green space to kick around the ball, your kids can have a blast. Organise an actual game with some friends, or just have fun practising kicking the ball around. You could even simplify the game down to "keepaway." Whoever has control of the ball must keep it away from everyone else. That often leads to plenty of joking, laughing, and running around. At the end of the day, your kids will be totally worn out but jubilant. The best part of using a football is the ability to return time and again to this game throughout the holidays.

14th January 2017.Through a long winter, it's not uncommon for everyone in the household to get a little "stir crazy." We might call it "cabin fever," but the reality is that it's just not as much fun for the little ones when they can't go outside to play anytime they like. Whether it's snowy or icy conditions or dangerously cold, the conditions outside aren't always ideal for family activities. The busy level of activity that comes with the holidays can complicate matters, too. So, when the end of winter is finally in sight and the spring thaw beckons, you might want to turn your attention to planning some family fun. What about purchasing a kite and taking everyone out for a day of learning how to fly and have fun? Whether you head down to the beach or your local athletic field, all you need is a nice day with a gentle spring breeze, and you can have a blast. Spring is perfect for reasons more than just the fact that the snow is melting away and the green of the world is coming back. Let's break down why kite flying is such an excellent family activity, how you can have fun with it, and why you should choose the spring. We hope that by the time you finish reading this article, you're feeling inspired to introduce your family to a brand-new experience.

Why should your family fly kites together?

If you're looking for reasons as to why kite flying is worth your time, you only need to consider the general benefits of outdoor play. Flying kites is a chance to get outside and soak up some sunshine. That's excellent for Vitamin D production, of course, which is essential for bone health as your children grow. It's also likely that you can expect them to want to run around a lot, chasing after the kite or following the wind. Activities such as chasing a kite

4th August 2016. We all know that to lose weight, we need to burn more energy than we consume. We also all know that that means focusing on fitness. We have to exercise to offset the calories we consume. Unfortunately, most traditional exercises aren't always the most fun for those who aren't already athletically focused. If you don't feel like lifting weights, and you don't enjoy running, how are you going to get the process of physical fitness started? Luckily, there are plenty of other fun activities you can use as a gateway to working towards greater physical fitness. Believe it or not, but flying a kite actually offers various benefits as an exercise activity. You can burn more calories spending an afternoon flying kites than you might expect! From trekking to a good spot to fly your kite to the way that it works out your core muscles, it's an excellent reason to get out of doors more often and explore the world. You might even be able to interest your friends in joining you. Plus, kites offer a neat venue for personal expression, too ? you can really put your personal touch on a kite. Let everyone know that your kite says "I work out my way!"

What you'll need to get the most out of flying kites

Before you can get started with exploring all of the potential fitness benefits flying kites can bring, you're going to need the right gear for the job. If you are just getting started, look for a place where you can purchase a beginner's kite kit. Many online websites offer such kits for sale. Toy stores and department stores will often have kites as well. These kits include a simple, reasonably sized kite which is easy to control, as well as the spool with the controlling string. Included

When was the last time you took the family outside on a blustery day and flew a kite? In the era of smartphone games and social media, the old-fashioned charms of kite flying have, for many, been lost. However, disconnecting from the digital world for an afternoon and going out to fly a kite can be a great opportunity for family bonding, and a lot of fun to boot!

What's so fun about flying a kite?

During medium-wind days, it's easy to hold on to a kite and make it dance patterns and twirls across the sky. Whether you are trading one kite back and forth between family members or flying multiple kites all together, there's a simple childlike innocence to flying a kite that you can't really get from anyone else. And since kites are fairly inexpensive, you can easily have everyone in the family out at the same time, keeping a different color kite soaring around in circles. To add an extra layer of fun for young kids, opt for kite decorating kits and allow each child to customize his or her own.

Tips for Successful Kite Flying and Overall Safety

• Find an Open Area to Fly
• Have a Strong Grip
• Take into Account the Weather 
• Avoid Potential Collisions

Find an Open Area to Fly

Once you have your kites ready to go, head to a clear, wide-open area. If there is an open field near your house, a schoolyard football field that isn't in use, for instance, that's a great place to go. Beaches and parks are also ideal. Your goal should be to find a place with lots of room to run and few or no obstructions. You'll also have more fun if you can locate a spot that you and your family can enjoy just to yourselves. Since the image of a kite stuck in a tree is so common, you probably already know to avoid spots with many trees. Also steer clear of power lines, fences, and buildings, and pick a space far away from streets or railroads. When we say "wide-open area," we mean it!