Kites have several practical uses. In Japanese culture, Koinobori (carp streamers) are brought out in some celebratory festivals. Ninjas also put them to use for espionage in times of warfare. But here's another use: sorcery. A manipulator of winds can fly like their kites with the wind, perhaps even use it as a weapon with concealed blades?

Art and neat wind mage concept:  requiembeatz