In lighter winds or at the bottom of the range, it seems natural to 'work the kite.' Everyone does it without thinking. Mostly, it is a reaction to the kitesurfing kite losing speed and potentially falling out of the sky. To prevent the looming disaster, actively flying the kite is the only possibility. The interesting thing about 'working the kite' is how well it works allowing continued kiting when it otherwise would be impossible.
I like to watch various types of birds and how they have remarkable flight dynamics each in their own way depending on their evolution and habitat. Hawks, Falcons and Barn Swallows are some of my favorites. But for me, watching sea birds is the most interesting. I find it akin to sitting and watching a campfire or waves forming into surf.
Their ability to remain aloft with a minimum of effort is mesmerizing. They endlessly wheel and glide and rise and fall on invisible currents of wind equally able to maintain a position or make long cross-country excursions mostly without a flap of the wings.
Here is a very interesting video which I believe helps to explain why 'working the kite' works so well.
Is it a form of dynamic soaring?
Is it a form of dynamic soaring?
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