This article takes a look at a similar method that is just as effective and incredibly simple to set up.

What You Need

The entire setup relies on a basic, portable piece of equipment that you can easily fold up and carry in your pocket wherever you go flying:

• Line: A length of line—such as about two and a half meters of 500-pound Dacron kite line.
• Preparation: Tie the two loose ends together with a simple overhand knot and pull it tight to form your kite anchor.
• Tip: Melt the ends slightly with a lighter or match to prevent fraying, being careful not to set fire to the line itself.

Setting Up Your Anchor in the Field

When you arrive at your flying location, securing your kite is a straightforward process:

1. Find a Solid Anchor Point: Look for a suitably solid object to tie down to, such as a tree, a fence, or a lamppost.
2. Attach the Anchor Line: Wrap the line around the solid object, then pass the knotted end through the loop to secure it.
3. Launch Your Kite: Get your kite up in the air to the desired height.
4. Secure the Kite Line: Bring your kite line down to the anchor, make a loop in the line, and use a larks head knot to attach it to the knotted end of your anchor. Pull the line tight and let go—your kite is now safely secured.

This method is reliable enough for a wide range of kites, from smaller models like an 11-foot Delta on 150-pound line, all the way up to massive 46-foot mega fish kites that pull heavily. As long as it is tied to something solid, it will hold firm. When you are ready to pack up, simply slacken the line and it comes undone with ease.

Handling Heavier Pulls

If you are flying something that pulls with exceptional force, keep in mind that a standard doubled line still has a single point where it loops over the anchor. For high-tension setups where you want double the strength (such as 1,000 pounds using 500-pound line), you can double the line and tie a knot in the looped end, or put the two knotted ends through the two looped ends if your line is long enough. Alternatively, if your anchor point is larger, you can use the line as it is, put it around the object, and tie off to the two joined knotted ends to prevent slipping.

How to Tie a Lark’s Head Knot

Mastering the lark’s head knot makes connecting your kite line to the anchor quick and hassle-free:

• Make a loop in your line.
• Put your finger and thumb into the loop, double it over to create two loops, and bring those two loops together.
• Pass the knotted end of your anchor through the loops and pull tight.

With this pocket-sized anchor and a solid object nearby, you can fly wherever you like without any anchor-related worries. Have fun out there!