The tricky part is finessing the kite's enormous power.

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Even if that could be done, gravity would cause water to flow down the kite string onto the silk cord, ruining its insulating power.

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Two hi-tech cables link the kite to an electric generator on the ground where the electrical power is generated.

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Zip the kite back and forth in the maneuver kitesurfers call a "power stroke" and it's like getting yanked forward by a 200hp motorboat.

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The Makani kite is a black wing with four propellers and a tether that doubles as a power cord.

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