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Kite Buggy / Kite Buggying
Frequently Asked Questions
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Starting the sport without any knowledge?
Powerkiteshop’s trained staff who all fly
kites are always keen to help you, but first, check out our most
commonly asked questions to get you started.
If you have a question that hasnt been answered
here - you can simply call us on Freephone
0800 007 5707 and we will be pleased to hear your
query!
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 A
Buggy is a three-wheeled cart often with its frame made
of stainless steel.
Pilot skill can make it capable of achieving speeds of
over 60mph and all manner of tricking and manoeuvring.
It is one of many ways of
using a power kite as a form of traction to move about.
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How
does a Kite Buggy Work?
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 The
basic principles of Kite Buggying are easy to grasp with
kite experience. A lot of technical theory is not a requirement.
The front wheel is steered
by the pilot's feet, leaving the hands free to control
the kite. With practice you can steer the kite and buggy
in any direction, even upwind.
Manoeuvring the kite will
enable you to pick up speed, steer, perform tricks, slow
down and stop, even in a low wind.
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I
am a beginner to Kite Buggying - which is best for me?
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Decide what kind of rider you think you'll be, Freestyler
or Racer.
Freestyle buggies are good for recreational, blasting
up and down the beach or even moving on to big air tricks.
They are light, shorter, compact, very manoeuvrable, have
low maintenance and will fit into the rear of most cars.
Racing buggies are usually
slightly heavier, more stable with longer back axles,
sideframes and a deeper seat with backrest for long buggy
durations.
Consider
yourself - Weight and Height
We’re all different
sizes, heavier or stronger pilots may require a heavier
and stronger designed buggy. Even lighter weight pilots
may require stronger buggies for doing more extreme buggy
tricks. If you are not comfortable in the buggy it spoils
your fun and capability.
Leg room on most buggies
is adjustable. Some buggy designs are limited in design
but most have some form of modification available to enhance
either comfort or manoevrability.
For people with previous
kite flying experience and looking to get involved in
kite buggying - check out the suitable options below:
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Why
would I need to worry about downtube adjustment ?
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 Shortening:
Makes the wheel base shorter and brings your feet closer
to your body, this effectively moves your overall centre
of gravity forward in relation to the buggy. This gains
manoeuvrability, moves like 180’s, 360’s spins
and wheelies become easier.
Lengthening:
You can get more stability by lengthening the downtube.
This is worth considering to avoid tipping over in strong
gusty conditions or when carrying out high speed runs
where safety is paramount. Ensure you are still in full
control of the steering following any lengthening modification.
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Why
should I buy a wide rear axle?
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 Wide
axles are a good investment especially if you are looking
to do speed runs or possibly racing. The wider axle will
give you better traction and stability against the kite
and give you better upwind capability.
You will notice the difference
the moment you put one on. Most buggies have this modification
as an option.
Click
here for wide rear axles >>
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 Standard
Tyres:
Standard Tyres Size will be favourite for 90% of us. They
work really well on most terrain except for particularly
soft continous sand.
Rolling resistance is at
a minimum and their lightness provides manouevrabilty
and ease of use.
Some tyres are tubeless for
lightness but all wheels, tubes, tyres and bearings are
serviceable.
Click
here for Standard Tyres >>
Wide
Tyres:
Wide tyres are slightly heavier
and have greater rolling resistance and will initially
slow you down but their advantages give greater lateral
traction if conditions are dry and will glide over the
occassional sand drift.
They excel on tarmac and
the extended track width enable better upwind capability
and general stability.
Click
here for Wide Tyres >>
Bigfoot
Tyres:
Bigfoot type tyres are usually
heavier and bigger diameters raise your centre of gravity
and can make a small buggy unstable.
Their advantage is when terrain
changes to softer drifted sand dunes where a smaller or
thinner tyre would just sink and halt a buggy.
Click
here for Bigfoot Tyres >>
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What
kite can I learn to Buggy with?
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The Kite Buggy is just the craft we sit in and accelerate
away on using the power of the wind and kite. There are
no mechanical brakes and only the steering of your craft
and the kite will halt you.
Emergency procedures can
kill a kite’s power instantly.
Be aware that different kites
of equal size can handle and lift very differently. It
is far easier to learn with a smoother, predictable, steadier
flying kite than a high performance kite.
Remember that some days the
equipment you own just will not be suitable, the wind
may be too strong to fly safely - any kite flown in too
stronger wind can be dangerous. Some days the wind will
be frustratingly light to achieve what you have set out
to do. Limits either way may also be determined by pilot
skill level.
For people with previous
kite flying experience or looking to get involved in kite
buggying, consider a 4-line kite between 3 - 4m in size
for use in a majority of wind conditions. Check out the
suitable options below:
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4-Line
Handles or 4-Line Control Bar?
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 Four
Line handles are safe, precise and easy to use and give
you the maximum manoeuvrability over your kite. Four line
handles allow you to slow the kite down, stop it in mid-air,
reverse the kite, park it on the ground and if it crashes
on it's nose - reverse launch the kite back into the air.
This makes them ideal for landboarding, buggying, snowkiting
or flying recreationally.
Four line control bars usually
have built-in safety systems enabling you to launch and
land your kite on your own. The power of the kite is distributed
across both arms for easier flying but at the same time,
less control is available due to their overall setup.
Check
out our range of 4-Line Handles and Control Bars >>
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 A
harness is used to take the strain off your arms, allow
you to fly in stronger winds and reduce overall fatigue.
A harness is not essential when you first start out.
Harnesses can be used for
either 4-line handles or control bar. Depowerable kites
require a harness to function correctly.
Simply find a harness that
is comfortable for you - personal preference is the key.
Seat harnesses fit around
the legs and lower back giving you lots of support and
hip protection. These harnesses stop any chance of the
harness riding up your body when the kite is overhead.
Waist harnesses fit around
the lower back and abdomen giving you freedom of movement
for technical manoeuvres.
For advice on selection call Freephone
0800 007 5707
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 Safety
is paramount and kite buggying can be a dangerous sport.
It is recommended you wear
a minimum of a helmet for all activities. Safety methods
and devices are being reviewed and updated all of the
time.
For advice on selection call
Freephone 0800 007 5707
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Should
I fit footstraps to my buggy?
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 Not
at the beginning. You will need to get in and out of the
buggy easily and without restrictions when your first
start out.
Only when you have been buggying
for some time - will you know when you need them.
Check
out our selection of kite buggying accessories >>
For advice on selection call
Freephone 0800 007 5707
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