Kite Buggying
Whether on grass, sand or dry lake bed, Kite Buggying is an exciting wind sport in its
own right. Sitting inches from the ground on the Stainless Steel Buggy, you are
propelled by highly maneuverable 4 line kites. Adjusting the kite for optimum
efficiency with your hands and steering the Buggy with your feet. Flying lines are
usually 75 feet long and with a little practice you're able to cruise around and get
back to where you began. As with all sports activities, it is important to seek
professional advice before starting.
Where and how
You can Kite Buggy on any flat open space with constant 'clean' wind. Trees, buildings
and people are to be avoided. Hard packed sand, (hard enough to bycicle on) or a
grassy sports field, (with permission) are best to get started on. Learn to fly your
kite well, before getting into the buggy. Start with a
small kite. As basic guidelines; In the early stages, position the
kite overhead, were the pull is minimized and then get into the buggy. Point the buggy
about 70 degrees off downwind and steer the kite gradually into the power zone on your
downwind side until you begin to move forward. The leading edge of the kite generally
points in the direction of travel, not straight up. Do not allow the kite to get too
far into the power zone as the pull may become excessive. If you steer the buggy too
far downwind you will initially accelerate, but the flying lines will slacken as you
catch up to the kite. Steering the buggy too far upwind will cause forward motion to
stop and if the kite is low and downwind, you will be dragged sideways. To slow down,
steer the buggy upwind and fly the kite high and out of the power zone. 180 degree
turns should be quite tight with the buggy, so as not to travel too far downwind and
catch up to the kite. Gradually slow down, bring the kite to a high position and turn
it, then turn the buggy towards downwind, trying to maintain tension in the flying
lines. Once you've mastered the basics, try a dry lake-bed for some of the best kite
buggying around!
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