Buggying

We would recommend that before anyone attempts to use a buggy that they have had a good few hours flying time with the kite. The key here is to be able to fly the kite well enough that you do not need to be constantly looking at it - it is far more important to check what is in front of you when riding in the buggy. Another good tip would be to duplicate the idea of riding in the buggy by sitting on the ground whilst flying the kite. The lack of movement is one of the biggest differences that you experience when riding in a buggy and in a situation where you would take a step or two backwards to restore control of the kite you don't have this option in the buggy.

When riding in the buggy it is best to run on a cross wind line so that you can turn around and return to your starting point. Eventually it will be possible to tack upwind and follow the kite down wind but these are more difficult techniques to learn. It is important to understand how the power generated by the kite will vary according to it's position in the sky (wind window). In general terms, the kite pulls hardest directly down wind and at about 30 - 60 percent height. Pull reduces as height increases, so you can use this to your advantage when it is time to turn the buggy. To slow the buggy for a turn when on a cross wind run we would suggest taking the kite to about 90 percent height in the wind window. If this hasn't slowed the buggy enough to make a safe turn steer slowly away from the kite (up wind) and the speed will decrease. This needs to be done carefully as the kite could pull you sideways if you take too steep an angle. Once you have slowed enough you need to turn the kite and buggy together and head back towards your starting point. In the case of slow turning kites, you need to initaite the turn of the kite before the buggy to keep it in the correct position through the turn.

As with most things, it will all become easier with practice and we hope that you enjoy it.


- Tradewind Kites - Tel / Fax. 0118 961 8393
You can e-mail us here sales@tradewind-kites.demon.co.uk