There’s something pretty cool about knife throwing which is why I decided to try it out in the first place. In this knife throwing beginners guide you’ll learn how to throw a knife and some other useful information about starting up in this hobby!

So lets delve straight in!

What is Knife Throwing?

Knife throwing is the skilled art of throwing knives at a target, this art is regularly used as a form of entertainment and is also a competitive sport.

There are many different types of throwing knives with many different styles of knife throwing.

Knife Throwing History

There’s not enough evidence to be sure about where knife throwing originated or its exact history, however, It is thought that the art of knife throwing began in prehistoric times where early man would use “throwing sticks” to hunt for food. As available materials advanced through discovery and metal was used for craft, it was then that the throwing stick developed into a throwing knife.

Over time many cultures would use throwing knives not only for hunting but as weapons in combat. Knife throwing was particularly common with Japanese warriors and African and Native American Tribes.

 

 

Introduction to Knife Throwing

In the following Knife throwing beginners guide, I will teach you the very basic knowledge and skills, just enough to get you started, I can’t teach you much more because I am still learning myself.

You’ll learn about beginners knife throwing equipment, throwing techniques, knife safety and other basic aspects of this fun hobby.

I do however recommend searching for a local club or expert tutor you will learn the art of knife throwing much faster and more efficiently. It’s also safer at the beginning to be supervised by an expert.

Types of Throwing Knives

Different types of throwing knives fall into a few simple categories which I will now explain:

Blade Heavy Throwing Knife

The name pretty much explains the knife and this is the same for the next few types of throwing knives. Obviously, this type of knife has a weighted blade that is heavier than the body or handle.

Perhaps one of the most popular types of throwing knife for the beginner, it allows you to practice the basic hammer grip.

You hold the knife by the handle with the hammer grip and throw.

Check them out here >>>>

Handle Heavy Throwing Knife

Not recommended for total beginners the handle heavy throwing knife has more weight in the handle of the knife. Therefore you grip the blade when throwing so the handle propels forward first.

Check them out here >>>>

Balanced Throwing Knife

A balanced throwing knife unlike the previous two we have explained have the centre of gravity in the middle of the knife they are neither blade heavy or handle heavy. This allows you to throw the knife either gripping the blade or gripping the handle.

Check them out here >>>>

Throwing Daggers

Throwing daggers are triangular in appearance with the blade coming to a point. You have probably seen these in movies, they were made popular by Ninjas in Japan as an alternative to stars.

Check them out here >>>>

How does knife throwing work?

To better understand the dynamics of knife throwing we must first understand the components of a throwing knife:

The Weight

As a beginner, you should be looking for a knife with a weight of around 200 grams.

The lighter the knife the more difficult it becomes to control.

For more distance when throwing generally speaking you should opt for a heavier knife of 250 grams plus.

The Balance

As a beginner, the balance is a very important aspect of a throwing knife and the centre of gravity should be, give or take 1cm, in the middle of the throwing knife.

To find the centre of the knife take the knife and balance it on your index finger.

Some throwing knives as I will explain below are not balanced, this kind of knife is more for someone with experience and who has developed the skills. A general rule of thumb when throwing a weighted knife is to grip the lighter end before throwing.

The Handle

The most popular throwing knives are the ones that are crafted out of a single piece of metal, especially as a beginner knife thrower. These will be released from your hand much more smoothly.

Wooden handles are a little more comfortable to hold but are not as durable.

You will also find handles can be made of plastic and leather.

The Blade

Contrary to popular belief the blade of a throwing knife should not be sharp, as a beginner the last thing you want to do is injure yourself.

Believe it or not, having a sharp blade will not help the knife stick better into the target.

What is most important is that it has a tapering blade and the throwing of the knife.

The Sheath

When you buy a throwing knife you should try to look for one or a set that comes with a sheath.

A sheath is a cover for your knife which is used for transporting or carrying it around with you. (please see legalities of carrying a knife further down this article)

If your knife does not come with a sheath or cover you can buy these separately or if you’re quite good with your hands, make your own.

What equipment do I need for Knife throwing?

The beauty of the knife throwing hobby is you need a minimal amount of equipment to get going, you’re only going to need a throwing knife and a target, and if you want to practice safely a first aid kit for emergencies.

Most standard throwing knives will be relatively cheap to buy making this hobby a great choice if you haven’t got much money to spare.

The following is what you will need should you wish to start knife throwing as a hobby.

Knife throwing equipment list

Throwing Knives

As a beginner I would suggest you start with the blade heavy throwing knife, this is, of course, your own choice though.

A Target

All different kinds of targets exist in the world of knife throwing perhaps even more than types of knives.

Many people opt to create their very own knife throwing targets, which is relatively simple to do. If you aren’t the DIY type though you can get yourself one from here.

Many plans, how to guides and video tutorials to make your own knife throwing target can be found by doing a simple search on google.

Check out this cool tutorial on how to create a DIY knife throwing target.

Or if you’d like a DIY Guide and Free plan check this out.

Where can I buy Throwing Knives?

There are many places to buy throwing knives all over the world. However, depending on where you live will depend if you can go out and buy them from a shop nearby.

Buying online is a little more simple and there are many trusted retailers that you can purchase your throwing knives from. Here’s a couple of highly recommended online stores that deliver worldwide.

Amazon

Check out some throwing knives here >>>

US Stores

Knife Country USA

UK Stores

Hunters Knives UK

How to throw a throwing knife

Now that you have decided to learn the art of throwing knives you will need to learn the basic fundamentals of how to throw the knife.

To begin you will need to learn the beginners grip often referred to as the “Hammer Grip” it is the most basic of grips to learn and will not take you long to master.

How to grip the knife

1. Imagine if you will that you are holding a hammer.
2. Using your strongest hand whether that be your left or right, take the throwing knife and wrap your hand around it like you would a hammer.
3. Then using your thumb to add extra control by placing it at the top of the handle, so your thumb is pointing upwards very similar to giving a thumbs up sign.

In the picture, you can see how your hand should look placed around the throwing knife.

How to stand

1. Next,  let’s focus on your stance, you’re going to want to be between 8 and 12 feet away from your target.
2. Place your left foot forward and your right foot behind, then turn your feet to an angle of approximately 45 degrees.
3. Bend your knees very slightly until you feel stability and are comfortable. Try not to tense up and relax as much as possible without sacrificing stability and balance.

How to throw the knife

Now you’ve got the grip and stance down we are on to the throw!

1. Let’s assume you are right-handed, put your left hand in front of you as if you are pointing towards the target.
2. Take your right hand with the knife and bring it over your right shoulder above your head.
3. Bring the right hand back down as if you are chopping something below, while your weight shifts forward you should now release the knife.

The release is the most important part and this comes only with practice, each time you throw take a mental note of where the knife ends up and then adjust your release accordingly.

You can check out this world champions beginners guide video >>>

Beginners Knife Throwing Tips

• Practising every day can help develop muscle memory and in turn accuracy.
• Carry more than one knife with you when knife throwing to save time going back and forth to the target to collect them after throwing.
• If you don’t have a target at hand a tree, flat piece of wood or other wide wooden surfaces make good targets.
• As a beginner knife thrower your knife will hit the target by the handle quite a lot and bounce back. Ensure spectators are stood well away.
• Keep an eye on the handle of your knife and not the blade tip, if the handle hits the target first, adjust your position by moving forward a couple of inches.
• Keep your wrist slightly locked and try your hardest to release the knife smoothly. Allow your hand to slide off the knife as you follow through, don’t overthink “letting the knife go”

Knife Throwing Safety

With knife throwing being a target sport you should adhere to a similar set of rules as you would in archery and when shooting targets.

Common sense is paramount, and if you use it then injuries and accidents are rarely heard of.

Bystanders

Ensure before throwing your knife that there are no people, kids, pets etc near to your target. Before throwing it is good practice to adopt a 20 feet rule. Do not throw until everyone is at least 20 feet away from your target.

Stay Aware

Although uncommon, it is possible for the knife to rebound off the target so you should stay alert and aware.

Breakables and valuable property

Before setting up your target check the area, make sure that there are no valuables or breakables anywhere near where you are throwing. As previously mentioned knives can bounce back the last thing you want is for it to bounce from the target hitting something valuable.

Safety checks of your knives

Before you handle a knife or throw it you should check it. This ensures that there are no sharp pieces of metal hanging off your knife, these sharp pieces of metal could potentially end up in your hand. It is good practice to carry files and tweezers to help remove these “burrs” safely

Throwing Knife Maintenance

After you have finished practice or using your throwing knife it is very important that you give them a clean.

You can simply take an old wet cloth and rub your knife down vigorously to get rid of any marks or stains.

Afterwards, take your knife and rinse it thoroughly in water and then dry it. You must make sure that the knife is dried completely.

You can also add a coat of protective oil, then rub it off before your next use.

Throwing Knives should be stored in a safe, dry place.

If you notice a nick or a dent in your throwing knife you can use a file, be gentle when filing and just take the nick out.

For bent throwing knives simply lay them across a hard flat surface and use your body weight by standing on them to straighten them out.

Knife Throwing FAQ

Are throwing knives illegal?

The legalities are solely based on the location you are in.

All states in the US have their own laws. As a general rule, it is illegal to carry the knives but not illegal to use them on your own property.

In the UK the basic laws on knives state that it is illegal to sell a knife to a minor or to carry a knife out in public without a good reason for doing so. Laws are more relaxed on knives with 3-inch blades or less, especially folding blades.

How sharp should my throwing knife be?

Not sharp! Sharp blades are very dangerous when knife throwing. They will cut your hand and are more brittle than a blunted blade. As long as the blade is tapered and has a point it will stick.

What age would you say is good for the knife throwing hobby?

This highly depends on the child. As a rule, anyone under 12 shouldn’t start this hobby. That being said if they are with a responsible adult and the throwing knife is not heavy then you could be a couple of years younger when you start. Under 16’s should always be accompanied by an adult when practising.

How hard should I throw a throwing knife?

Hard, but not stupidly hard! Hard enough for the tip of the throwing knife to be able to stick into the target.

Useful Links & References

In this section, I will list all of the websites and references that I have found to be useful to learn knife throwing.

Knife Throwing: A Practical Guide Hard Back Book

Beginners Equipment

DISCLAIMER

Hobbypatrol.com strongly advise the reader to use all safety precautions and tips made in this beginners guide. We are not responsible for any subsequent injuries if you choose to participate in knife throwing. We would also urge that as a beginner you look for a local specialist instructor or club to help you learn the art of knife throwing.

Magnet Fishing For Beginners

In this beginners guide to magnet fishing we will teach you how to magnet fish, safety precautions and how to be a responsible magnet fisherman! The guide is intended for complete novices and we welcome any tips you may have to share with us.

Check Out This Full Magnet Fishing Kit On Amazon >>>

What is Magnet Fishing?

Magnet fishing is a form of treasure hunting, whereby using a powerful neodymium magnet attached to a rope you retrieve metallic items from bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes.

Over the past 2 years, the hobby of magnet fishing has become increasingly popular and received both good and bad press.

It is believed that the hobby was born when boaters would use magnets to try and recover lost keys from the water and has been adapted since then.

Rugby player, James Haskell, is a keen magnet fisherman and I believe initially responsible for the increasing popularity of the hobby after featuring in a TV documentary.

Common Magnet Fishing Terminology

Neodemon – A slang nickname that’s given to a person who partakes in magnet fishing with a neodymium magnet.

Magneteers – A collective name to the group of us who like to go magnet fishing

Neodymium – The most popular type of magnet used in magnet fishing, a rare earth magnet.

Is Magnet Fishing Legal?

Magnet fishing is legal in the UK but it is illegal to magnet fish without the permission of the landowner in which the body of water is located on, this would be breaking the law by trespassing I would imagine.

Magnet Fishing in the US is dependent on what state you are in. I would check with your local government office as it may not be a magnet fishing law that stops you from going out and partaking in the hobby, but it could be another law.

The explanation isn’t as simple as a yes magnet fishing is legal.

There are no laws against magnet fishing at the time of writing this guide.

Recently, especially magnet fishing in the UK has been tarnished by the bad press and many believe that before long there is a possibility that in certain countries and cities it could become illegal. I personally don’t believe this.

I am unsure of other countries, this is something you would need to investigate further depending on where you reside.

To find out more about the legalities of magnet fishing in countries other than the UK, it is a good idea to call your local authorities.

Magnet Fishing Code of Conduct

It is good practice to follow a simple code of conduct while magnet fishing. This will help keep the hobby safe and from being banned or made illegal in the future.

The magnet fishing code of conduct would be very similar to a metal detecting code of conduct.

• Consider other people and the general public.
• Remove all scrap metal & Litter, do not leave at the side of the water.
• Report all find’s classified under the treasure act or treasure laws according to your locality.
• Do not throw your scrap finds back into the water.
• Report anything suspicious i.e. bombs, ammunition, weaponry to the local authorities.
• Get permission from the landowner in which the body of water lies to be there, do not trespass.
• Respect the wildlife.
• Make a record of the location of any finds of historic interest.

What will I find when magnet fishing?

The beauty and excitement of magnet fishing lie in not knowing what you will discover from the bottom of the water!

Over the years many things have been discarded or dropped into the bodies of water, some from crime and some by complete accident.

Some finds are more common than others and some are truly once in a lifetime discoveries!

The area in which you magnet fish will also determine what you find. Magnet fishing in the UK and in the US are worlds apart.

Here are a few examples of what you will and could find while magnetic fishing, bare in mind the type of thing you will find could depend on the body of water you are searching.

Common Magnet Fishing Finds

Bicycles, Motorbikes, Parts from boats, Coins, Fishing Items, Beer caps, Shopping Trollies, Tools.

Rare Magnet Fishing Finds

Knives & Guns, Safes, Cashboxes, Cars, Motorcycles, bombs, grenades.

Unique Magnet Fishing Finds

Swords, Iron Age Tools.

Magnet Fishing Equipment Checklist

Anything equipment wise that I will recommend in this guide has been tried and tested and has received many positive reviews. I’ve even used some of it myself. So you can rest assured that you will be getting the right advice.

What Equipment Do I need For Magnet Fishing?

One of the best things about the Magnet Fishing hobby is that you don’t need much to get you started and as long as you take care of your equipment and don’t lose magnets (more on this later) it’s rather cheap to take up.

There are, as per many of my guides some things included in this section that are mandatory and some that are optional.

Magnet

This is the main piece of equipment you will need before magnet fishing. It’s not as simple as visiting the local hardware store and buying a magnet.

You will need a neodymium magnet, also known as a rare earth magnet. Check out the “best magnets for magnet fishing ”

The neodymium magnets are very powerful and come in a range of sizes, to begin with, you’re going to want a good pull strength magnet but perhaps not the strongest, at least until you get used to recovering metal objects.

Check out The Beginners Magnet >>>

Rope For Magnet Fishing

The most important part about purchasing rope is that you buy the correct strength to support the pull strength of the magnet, the last thing you want here is to snap the rope and lose the magnet and metal item you have found.

Rope for magnet fishing comes in different break strengths and different grades, many people opt for paracord.

This is the best magnet fishing rope on Amazon.

Threadlock For Securing the Magnet

Threadlock is a specially designed and manufactured type of glue that stops the water from breaking it down. A lot of people choose to use threadlock to secure their magnet.

This will potentially stop your magnet from coming undone and save you a lot of money in lost magnets.

You can get your threadlock here.

Bucket or Container For Your Finds

You’re going to need something to put your good finds in while you’re out, some people just leave them at the side of the body of water. I personally like to move along and carry all of my good finds with me in a bucket.

Anything scrap that you are not taking should be left nearby and always remember to clear up at the end of the day and take your scrap with you or organise for it to be collected. Do not ever throw it back into the water.

Safety Gloves For Magnet Fishing

Safety gloves, in my opinion, should be mandatory when you’re out with your magnet you will be pulling out sharp bits of metal that are more than likely full of rust.

You should also wear a pair of surgical gloves beneath your safety gloves to protect your hands from any nasties like Lyme disease.

First Aid Kit

If you are responsible and you’re concerned about your health and safety you should have a first aid kit accessible.

First aid Kits are inexpensive and are very handy to have.

How To Magnet Fish

Setting up your magnet fishing rig.

Firstly, you will need to know how to setup up your magnet.

Most popular magnets come with a screw in eyebolt similar to the image below. They are incredibly easy to set up and typically you will just screw the eyebolt into the centre of the pot magnet.

Magnet Fishing Knots

There are a couple of popular knots for Magnet fishing, largely due to the security of the knots.

As you will be pulling at times very heavy objects you will need the knot to be as secure as possible, so here’s a couple of popular knots in the magnet fishing hobby with their respective “how to” videos.

How to tie the best knot for your magnet!

In this video by a popular UK magnet fisher, he explains step by step how to tie the knot through the eyebolt.

This is the same knot I have used and it has never failed me yet.

It’s important that you make sure the knot is strong as you do not want to lose your magnet.

Recovery Techniques

If I am completely honest you will find your very own technique of recovering the items from the water and I don’t really want to tell you how to suck eggs.

I personally either throw the magnet in and pull slowly back in or I throw in and wave it from side to side moving the magnet in the shape of a zig-zag across the waterbed.

This part is down to you really and finding your own personal preference of recovering items.

Where can I go Magnet Fishing?

There are many great places to go magnet fishing and it’s worth saying that you shouldn’t rush. Do your research and check that you have permission to go magnet fishing beforehand.

If you are looking for ideas then check out this article – 7 Of The Best Places To Go Magnet Fishing

Magnet Fishing Safety

There are so many dangers present when magnet fishing we highly advise that you read our dangers of magnet fishing guide and safety instructions before going out on your first adventure.

Magnet Fishing FAQ

What should I do with the junk metal I find?

You should never leave your junk metal and unwanted items on the side of the riverbed (or wherever you are) and abandon them. This is actually something that is causing problems for many people and giving the hobby a little bit of a bad name. You should never throw them back in either! Clear up your mess. Take them to the scrap man or dispose of them responsibly.

What kind of things may I find?

Many interesting things are found with a magnet in the water, some popular and common finds include safes, weapons, coins, boat parts, historic items of interest and much more. It has even been known for safes full of money and coins to be recovered!

What is a neodymium magnet?

A Neodymium magnet, also known as a ‘rare earth magnet’ is made from iron, boron and an alloy of neodymium. They are the strongest type of permanent magnet that is commercially available for purchase. In 1982 they were developed independently and now have replaced many other forms of magnets in items such as hard drives, tools and motors

What’s the most powerful magnet fishing rig?

With the popularity of the hobby increasing daily, people are wanting more and more pull power from their magnet rig. It is not uncommon now for people to use “double-sided” magnets. The power of these are now in excess of 4000lbs pull power or over 2000kg.

Is Gold magnetic?

No. Unless your gold is hidden in a safe then then there is pretty much zero chance your magnet will bring gold out of the water. This is the same for real silver to. Neither gold or silver is magnetic.

Can you make money from magnet fishing?

Don’t give up your day job. I would not recommend relying on solely money made from magnet fishing. That being said it is possible to make money from the hobby.

You can do this by saving up all of the scrap metal you drag out of the water and taking it to a recycling plant where you can “weigh it in”

Unless you are really lucky then you won’t make a lot of money in this hobby.

Useful Magnet Fishing Links & Resources

UK Magnet Fishing Forum

US Magnet Fishing Forum

Beginners Guide To Kites

In this simple to follow how to fly a kite for beginners guide, you will learn how to fly a single line kite as this is one of the most simple types to fly.

We will give you a brief introduction to kites then we will show you how you can successfully launch and fly a kite in a step by step guide.

What is a Kite?

Kites come in all shapes and sizes and are simply put, flying objects that are attached to the ground (or person) usually by a string, they require wind and aerodynamics to fly.

The main flying part of a kite is made from many different kinds of materials but commonly they are made from synthetics like ripstop nylon.

The pole often made from carbon fibre or fibreglass because of the lightweight properties.

Lastly the line or rope which you hold is usually made of dacron.

History of Kites

Originating from China nearly 3000 years ago is where we believe the history of kites began, they spread rapidly to other corners of Asia and were popular in countries like Japan and India. However, It wasn’t until the 1600’s that they had reached Europe and the USA.

The first Kites were made from light materials that were available all them years ago like paper or fabrics such as silk. The frame (poles) were often made from bamboo and flexible types of wood and the line was twine.

Over the years with the increasing popularity of kite flying new concepts have been designed like stunt kites and para-foil kites. They’ve even started a new extreme sport using kites called kite-surfing.

Benefits of Flying Kites

Kite flying is a hobby that brings numerous benefits, it’s also inexpensive and providing there’s some wind a hobby that children and adults alike can enjoy.

• Exercise – Kite Flying believe it or not is a great core exercise that can work the muscles in many areas like the chest, back arms, abs and shoulders. It can also increase your hand and eye coordination.
• Well being – Being in the great outdoors and getting some sunshine and fresh air can instantly make you feel good. Having something to focus on to distract you from day to day stresses is also great!
• Fun – Kites have been around for thousands of years and one of the reasons behind this is flying a kite is fun. Good pure simple fun.
• Family Bonding – What better way to spend time with the family & children than to take them out to fly a kite!

Beginners Kite Flying

What do I need to start flying kites?

Kite 

Obviously you’re going to need a Kite!

As this is a beginners guide we are going to be talking about the single line Kites.

The amount of wind you’ll need to successfully fly your kite will highly depend on the type of kite you want to fly. Generally speaking you’re going to want at least between 4 and 25 mph winds. Check the local weather before you plan to go out to avoid disappointment.

UK Wind Map

US Wind Map

Somewhere to go

You’re going to need a place to fly your kite and you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of space. You’ll often see people flying kites on fields, open spaces, beaches and parks.

What is the best Kite for beginners?

The single line kite is the best kite for beginners. These are the most simple to fly and will allow you to practice without feeling overwhelmed.

Pretty much everyone starts with the single line kite.

There are many more types of kites but as this is a beginners guide we will focus on the most simple type of kite to fly.

Single Line Kite Types

There’s quite a few single line kite types so I will just touch on this subject and list a few of the more popular types with a little information about what they are made up of and how they function.

Delta Kites

Delta Kites make for the perfect beginner kite. They are triangle in shape and are available to buy in a large range of sizes and styles. As standard the Delta kite fly without a tail (They are more visually appealing and have more stability with a tail) You can get Delta Kites that are perfect for children and they range from 4 feet to 6 feet in size. If you are wanting something bigger then they go right up to 19 feet in width.

Diamond Kites

Perhaps the most simple of kites to put together and fly. You can get the diamond kites again in a large range of colors, styles and sizes. As standard to get a diamond kite to fly to its full potential you will need a tail, this sometimes comes with the kite but can be added and modified.

Box Kites

A high performance beginners kite type known for its high lift. Belonging to the cellular kite family the design usually comprises of 4 struts which are parallel.

Parafoils Kites

A single line kite with no frame but one the cells fill with air the Parafoil kite becomes fairly rigid.

Fighter Kites

Kite fighting! Yes it’s a real thing. These fighter kites are usually of a small size and single line. They use the line tension for control.

Best Beginner Single Line Kites

What kind of kite should I get as a beginner?

Here’s just a couple of recommended kites, these kites are based on many reviews and ratings of other beginners and manufactured by leading companies in the hobby. You can’t go wrong with these as your first kite:

Zenith 5 Single Line Delta Kite

A very simple to fly “delta” kite made from the most durable and tough materials, so tough the manufacturers claim that it can’t be broken! They even claim that if you lose your kite, or it becomes caught in a tree you just have to send them a photo and a story of what happened and they will replace it FREE!!
Check it out here >>>>

Cool Arch 27 inch Ripstop Kite

Perfect beginners kite made from fibreglass rods and a toughened durable ripstop material, it’s a very simple kite to fly and is complete with everything you need as a beginner.
Check it out here >>>>

How to fly a kite for beginners

Launching your kite with a friend.

If you are out with a friend flying your kite then you’ll find a launch much more simple.

• Unwind your kite line to around 25 – 30 meters.
• Stand with your back facing the wind, your friend should have hold of the kite above their head.
• Pull softly on the kite line while your friend just lets go.
• If the kite begins to drop then you should pull in the kite, if the wind is very strong then simply let out some more line.

Launching a kite on your own

• If you’re trying to launch your kite while alone then let the kite drift out of your hand.
• Let out some of the kite line while it drops near the ground.
• Next pull in the line, not to hard to force the kite into gaining some height.
• Now let out some line to let the kite take flight.
• Keep repeating the same process until you are satisfied with the height the kite has reached.

Manoeuvring your kite in the air

The beginners single line kite is not the best kite for manoeuvres however that being said you can still control their actions to a certain extent. This is achieved by letting the line out or by bringing the line in.

If the kite is diving towards the ground you should try to reel the line in slowly until the kite stabilises, this is probably because the winds are too strong at the height you have the kite.

The same goes if you don’t have enough wind and the kite becomes unstable, let the line out a little to gain some height.

If you find the kite going to far to the left or right if you just let out the line a little you should find that again the kite will stabilise.

Let’s now say the kite is going just where you want it to go but you want some more speed then let out some more line and the kite should accelerate.

How to land your kite

Bringing your kite down is often straightforward there are actually a couple of very effective ways of doing this, the first is to simply reel the line in. Usually this is fine for kites that are smaller and in conditions where it isn’t too windy. Ensure you bring the kite in slowly.

Secondly if you are flying a bigger kite and are with a friend, then this method will be more effective. Ask your friend to take the reel, or if you are alone secure the reel to the ground with a peg. Take the line (wear gloves) and walk along side the line. Keep bringing the line down to your head height as you walk along. If your friend is there get them to start to reel in the line gently. If you are alone just keep going until the kite is on the ground. You can then reel the line in. Remember to secure your kite by weighting it down so it doesn’t take off again with a gust of wind.

If you prefer to watch an example and aren’t much of a reader then take a look at this how to fly a kite video:

Kite Flying Beginners Tips

How to tie a knot for a single line kite

The most common and straight forward knot that people use when flying a kite is called the Larks head Knot.

Step 1.) Take the loop of the string and pull through the front of your two fingers.

Step 2.) Take the other end and pull it through the bottom of the of the other loop that you are holding with your fingers on the other end.

Step 3.) Now you need to pull your two fingers through.

Step 4.) Next take the loop and place it on the end of the other kite string.

Kite Flying Safety Tips

It is important to remember safety first when you’re flying a kite. There are many risks that exist and the following pointers will help you stay safe and avoid accidents and injury.

• Keep well away from power lines and cables
• Do not take your kite out in a thunderstorm, stop immediately if one starts while you are out.
• Stay as far away from people when you are flying a kite, especially children.
• Check the ground surrounding you before you are flying kites, watch out for holes or tripping points.
• Watch out for dogs, they like to play and could runaway with your kite.
• Stay away from traffic areas like roads and car parks.
• Wear gloves.
• Wear sunglasses, this will help protect your eyes from the sun as you are looking up at your kite.
• Do not try to recover your kite should it get caught in a dangerous area, buy a new kite do not risk harm or injury.

Kites FAQ

Can it be too windy to fly a kite?

Yes it most certainly can. Winds between 4 mph and 25 mph are best.

Can my Kite fly without a tail?

Yes it certainly can, there are many kite types that actually don’t have a tail. The tails are more for aesthetics. That being said tails can contribute to keeping a kite more stable.

White Water Rafting

What is White Water Rafting?

White water rafting is an adventure sport and outdoor hobby in which you use an inflatable raft to travel along a body of water normally a river, mainly on the rough parts where there is white water.

In the UK and the US, there are also many whitewater centres you can visit to take part.

Traditionally you will be a part of a team while on the inflatable raft and will need to work together to navigate the waters.

A Brief History

The earliest recordings in the history of white water rafting were around 1811 when someone had planned to navigate the Snake River located in Wyoming. At this point in time, they did not have the right experience or equipment and they believed it too dangerous.

In the 1840’s Horace Day and John Fremont would create a rubber raft to survey the Rocky Mountains.

In the early 1900’s Clyde Smith went on to lead the first commercial raft trip along the Mad River (Snake River, Wyoming)

By the 1960’s & 70’s white water rafting companies were born and popularity and demand was on the up!

Finally, in 1972 White Water rafting was added to the Olympics in Munich and since then the interest and popularity has continued to increase.

White Water Rafting Equipment List

The beauty of white water rafting is that as a beginner you can experience the hobby before you go out and purchase your own equipment.

Most whitewater rafting centres will rent you the equipment that you will need to partake, so you can decide if the hobby is something you will continue with before buying personal equipment.

That being said I’ll include a list of what equipment is needed for white water rafting so you know what to expect and learn more about this wonderful white-knuckle water hobby.

What equipment do I need to start White Water Rafting?

Wetsuit

The type of wetsuit you would require highly depends on the location you are white water rafting in, this is all down to weather conditions and climate.

You’ll want a wetsuit that keeps you warm but allows you to move freely without any problems like chafing or discomfort.

If you are in somewhere like the UK where the waters and temperature can get rather cold you’d probably want something like a 4/3 wetsuit.

For a warmer climate then a 3/2 suit would be the better option.

Check wetsuit prices 

Helmet

A helmet is a must when whitewater rafting, with there being so many dangers in the water you need to protect your head.

The waters will drag you around quite rapidly and there is a huge risk of banging your head against rocks, paddles or even the person sat next to you!

A good choice would be a bright colored helmet that is easy to see in case you fall in the waters.

There are a variety of whitewater helmets available and some have a peak to keep the sun from your eyes.

Check Rafting Helmet Prices

Footwear

Grip is the most important aspects of appropriate footwear for rafting.

Most people will opt for wetsuit boots, these are waterproof and help keep you warm.

When buying wetsuit boots you should ensure they have the best grip possible this will help you if you fall in and give you much better support.

Hiking boots with a good grip are adequate!

Buoyancy Aid/Flotation Device

A buoyancy aid is also commonly known as a personal flotation device.

Their main purpose is to help you float and they achieve this by filling the jacket with a type of foam.

When purchasing your own Buoyancy jacket you should choose one that is lightweight and allows you to move freely without compromising your movement at all.

They are designed for both male and female users based on body weight, this is something you will want to get properly fitted from a specialist shop.

Check Prices of Flotation Devices

Paddle

Choosing the type of paddle that is right for you is a must if you are going to be rafting frequently.

It’s not just as simple as picking a paddle and making do especially if you want to get the most out of your white water rafting experience.

Firstly you will need to consider your height and strength, if you are smaller than 5 and a half foot then you will want a shorter paddle. If you are taller a longer paddle. This will ultimately put less strain on your arms, shoulders and back.

Paddles come in a range of shapes and sizes, generally speaking, cheaper paddles are quite robust and will not perform as well as a more expensive paddle.

A good paddle will have a flexible shaft and a stiff blade.

Shafts can be made from a large range of materials and give different amount of flexibility.

Blades vary in size, width and style. They can be symmetrical, spooned, dihedral, asymmetrical and more.

Where can I go White Water Rafting?

Whitewater Rafting centres are located all over the world.

The best way to find where you can go white water rafting local to where you live is to perform a simple Google search.

Go to Google and type in ‘White Water Rafting near me’ you should be presented with your local centres on the Google maps or at least other websites that should be able to help you find somewhere to go locally.

How to

Before you get into the water and go white water rafting you should learn a few basic things.

Most importantly safety procedures, as the actual practical will be best learnt in a team and with practice.

In the next section I will teach you the basic white water rafting signals for communication purposes, these will help keep you safe.

This is a very basic rafting beginners guide as there is no real way of teaching white water rafting other than getting out there and experiencing it for yourself, that being said it’s always good to have a basic knowledge of the important aspects to help you be prepared for your new hobby.

White Water Rafting Basic Signals

A basic set of signals have been established as a form of communication, learning these signals is a must and can potentially be life-saving.

A more comprehensive and full list can be found on the International Rafting Website

Before you get started with whitewater rafting it is a good practice to learn at least the very basic of signals.

They are known as the universal river signals and are used worldwide.

Stop – Take your paddle and raise it over your head, parallel, and pump the paddle up and down.

After the stop signal has been performed the other rafters should wait for an all-clear signal before continuing.

All clear – Raise the blade of your paddle or a single finger directly overhead. Try to turn the paddle blade flat to increase surface area.

Help/emergency – For emergencies in the water there are a couple of ways you can signal this, one is to hold your paddle vertically and wave the paddle back and forth.

Whistle available? Blow three long whistles and wave.

OK – Simply pat the top of your head repeatedly this will let the rest of the group know your ready to continue.

Here’s a helpful video to show you some of the basic signals. It’s good practice to learn these before you start as they could potentially save your life.

Techniques

How to paddle

Firstly the crew should be spread evenly to both sides of the raft with an even number on each side.

Taking your inside hand grip the top of the paddle.

Take your outside hand and grip the stem of the paddle.

To move the raft forward push the top end of the paddle away and pull the stem inwards.

To move backwards pull the paddle stem from one hand and push the top end away with the other hand.

To steer the raft and move left and right: To move right, crew on the right should paddle backwards and the crew on the left forwards. To move left the opposite applies.

A fantastic infographic can be found here.

Check out this video if you prefer to watch

What to do if you fall out of your raft

This was something that scared me before I first went white water rafting. I actually never fell out but my brother did. Most importantly before anything is really try not to panic.

There are trained professionals firstly in case of emergency and secondly it’s actually all part of the experience and this happens constantly. Embrace it and have fun! Here’s a few tips to bare in mind if you do fall out to help you.

Stay calm is the most important tip, by staying calm you keep your reactions and senses at a maximum and you’re easier to assist.

Don’t try to stand up, there are rocks you may get your feet caught in.

Don’t try to swim! The current is strong you will not be able to swim against it and are putting yourself at risk of injury and physical exhaustion if you do.

Float down the river on your back, if you are being pushed downstream by the current, lay back, put your feet out in front and wait for a rescue raft.

Where possible try to reach for the rafts safety rope, all rafts are fitted with a rope around the exterior. If you fall out the first thing you need to try to do is reach out for this rope, this will stop you from being dragged away from the raft.

Keep hold of your paddle, I know this will be pretty tough if you fall in but by keeping hold of it it extends your reach and may help your crew or the guides to pull you out.

White Water Rafting Safety Tips

1. Wear a life jacket/flotation device

   This is so important and it is mandatory when visiting a white water rafting center. Ensure that the jacket is fastened correctly with all of the buckles clipped. You should make sure that you have the guide fit your life jacket so the jacket is nice and tight to your body but not tight enough to effect your breathing. You should not be able to remove the jacket over your head.

2. Hold the paddle correctly

   As explained previously your outside hand should be on the shaft of the paddle near the base and the other should be placed over the T grip at the top of the paddle. You must hold the paddle this way as the T grip is hard and if not controlled it could smash you in the face.

3. Listen to the safety talk

   Your guide knows what he or she is talking about, before you go out on the river you should as standard procedure have a safety talk. You should always listen intently and if you have questions do not be afraid to ask. This will ensure that you are fully prepared for your rafting experience.

4. Always stay calm 

   Never ever panic, you are in safe hands and there are many professionals watching over you. Stay calm and aware of what is happening.

5. Always wear full safety & protective gear

   This is so important, you should always wear the full kit no matter what. Helmet, lifejacket or flotation device, hiking shoes with a good grip and a wet or drysuit! The protective gear is always worn for a reason and may just save your life.

6. Stay in the raft

    

   Do your very best to stay in the raft, you can ensure this happens by listening to your guide in the pretalk, preparing yourself before hand and concentrating. You obviously want to enjoy the experience but try not to mess around. Pay attention to your surroundings and watch for rocks.

   If you hear “Bump” being shouted from your guide you should straight away lean inwards and place the top of the paddle (the T grip) on the floor of the raft, keeping your hand over the grip. This should ensure you stay in the boat. If you hit the rock straight afterwards return to your seat and continue to paddle. If you fall out, refer to the section above about what to do if you fall out of the raft.

7. Swimming

    

   Swimming in a swimming pool is totally different to swimming in the river, you should be aware of some special swimming techniques. The “down river position” and the other is the “Michael Phelps”

   Down River swimmers position is on your back nose to the sky. Feet out with toes upwards and knees slightly bent. Your feet should be down stream so if you come in contact with a rock you can use your feet to protect yourself. Keep your bottom tucked up to avoid nasty bumps.

   Michael Phelps swimmers position is onto your stomach pointing to where you want to go and swim until you get out of the river.

   NEVER STAND UP IN THE RIVER.

Rafting Water Grades

In White Water Rafting, Waters are divided up into 6 grades and this is known as the international scale of difficulty. The higher the grade the more dangerous the water becomes with the Class 6 being a potential fatality risk!

Class 1 

Class 1 whitewater grade describes water with fairly fast moving current and with little or no obstacles in the way.

Class 2

Class 2 is perfect whitewater for the beginner, whitewater rapids that are fast moving but with a wide channel. There will be a few obstructions for you to manoeuvre if you desire but can be easily missed if you do not want to.

Class 3

Whitewater with a class or grade of 3 is for a more experienced whitewater rafter, with intermediate rafting skills. It will have a powerful current and be very fast moving. There will be plenty of objects in the way and you’re going to need some skills to manoeuvre them, in order to get down the river.

Class 4

Intense, but predictable rapids that need precise boat handling and fast manoeuvres under pressure. Moderate to high risk of injury to people in the water. Dangerous obstacles, large waves, holes and narrow shoots. Experience highly recommended.

Class 5

High risk of harm or injury. Class 5 rapids are very aggressive and strong with demanding courses. The use of all professional equipment, advanced rescue skills and a vast knowledge and experience of rafting is needed.

Class 6

Could be fatal! This is the worst kind of rapid, Class 6 is for the experts only and even then there are huge risks with potentially severe consequence. The challenge of class 6 is gruelling, vigorous and would take years and years of practice to navigate.

FAQ

How dangerous is White Water Rafting?

Whitewater rafting is not without its risks, but that is the same for most adventure and sports hobbies.

To put some perspective on this, bicycle riding is more dangerous than white water rafting statistically.

As long as you act responsibly, follow all safety guidelines and only raft in river grades according to your level of expertise the dangers and risks are very low.

What you should not take White Water Rafting?

There are certain items that you do not want to take with you on the raft. These would include valuables, cell phones, wallet or purse, money, unsuitable clothing and last but not least fears and a bad attitude.

 

If you have any more questions about white water rafting or want to discuss this amazing and exciting hobby then please leave a comment below in the comment section we would love to hear from you.