Abstract: A kite reel device includes an elongate shaft having a reel slidably mounted thereon. An elongate sleeve formed of somewhat flexible, plastic material is loosely positioned around the shaft for relative sliding and rotative movement therebetween. The shaft can also be gripped to prevent rotation of the reel. When the sleeve is tightly gripped and compressed against the shaft, the sleeve serves as a brake for the shaft and the reel thereon. When the reel is shifted to one end of the shaft and the sleeve is loosely gripped, the reel and shaft may be revolved as a unit thereby permitting winding of the reel. In another embodiment of the invention, two reels are slidably mounted on a shaft and permit controlled maneuvering of the kite.