A kite is a flying tethered fact that depends upon the tension of a tethering system. The resultant force vector from the reassurance and drag impact components is opposed by the tension of the one or aggrandized lines or tethers. The anchor full stop of the kite line may be static or moving (e.g., the towing of a kite by a running person, boat, or vehicle ).

Modern acrobatic kites employment two or four lines to allow fine control of the kite's angle to the wind. Traction kites may have an additional line to de-power the kite and quick-release Kites mechanisms to disengage flyer and kite in an emergency.