Get Active!

These pages describe various different bridle designs that can be added to new kites or retro-fitted to existing sport kites. They are presented in rough chronological order, starting with some basic construction techniques and information about knots used in bridling, looking at the original Dynamic Bridle and then charting the development of the Active Bridle from the original version, and through the Dihedral, Trihedral and Cross-Active variations.

If you're interested in the detail on the Active Bridle concept, design and variations, then you'll probably want to read through the pages the in order presented. If you just want to add an Active Bridle to your kite and are looking for a quick start, then you should jump right down to the Cross-Active Bridle. This is the most advanced Active Bridle design, not only in terms of performance, but also in elegance, simplicity of construction, and ease of use.

Acknowledgements

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If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants
-- Sir Isaac Newton (1676)

I've known Tim Benson and have been supported and sponsored by Benson Kites for almost as long I've been flying kites. Tim has provided me with innumerable kites, endless valuable advice, continual encouragement and miles of bridle line, without which, none of this would have been possible. I consider it a great privilege to have had the chance to work with such a talented designer and to be able to contribute something back to the kites that have given me so much pleasure over the years. Above all, Tim has been a great friend and an inspiration.

The Active Bridle has been influenced by a number of people and their bridle designs. Ray Bordelon of Big Easy Kites designed the "Infinity Bridle" on the MEFM. This was particularly influential in interesting me in dynamic bridle designs. Mark Reed of Prism Kites and I have spent many hours discussing the finer points of bridle design. He has continued to innovate and develop a number of designs that have undoubtedly furthered the science and black art of bridle design.

And finally, an acknowledgement is due to all those people who have sent me feedback, encouragement and thanks. Knowing that the end result is something that people appreciate is perhaps the greatest reward for the countless hours spent trudging to and from kites to make "one more tweak to the bridle". Thank you for taking the time to say "Thank You".