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Kite Buggy / Kite Buggying Frequently Asked Questions:

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop


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 hasn't been answered here - you can simply call us on +44 (0) 121 544 9514 and we will be pleased to hear your query!

Need help? Check out out Kite Buggying Product Selector >>

 
 

Kite Buggying Quick Links:

What is a Kite Buggy ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

A Buggy is a three-wheeled kite powered vehicle 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.

Click here for our range of Kite Buggies >>
 





 

How does a Kite Buggy work ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

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 to an upwind point.

Manoeuvring the kite will enable you to pick up speed, steer, perform tricks, slow down and stop, even in a low wind.

For more information on how-to Kite Buggy - check out the Power Kiting How-To Guide >> 


 

I am a beginner to Kite Buggying - which Buggy is best for me ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

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 manoeuvrability.

For people with previous kite flying experience and looking to get involved in kite buggying - check out the suitable options below:

Peter Lynn Comp Buggy >>

Flexifoil Navaro Buggy >>

Peter Lynn Comp XR Buggy >>


What kite can I learn to Kite Buggy with ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

Be warned, power kites can be dangerous though safety mechanisms are often built into equipment!

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 more often than not.

Check out some of the suitable options below to get you up and riding:

HQ Beamer >>

Peter Lynn Hornet >>

PKD Buster Soulfly Pro >>          

Ozone Octane >>

Flexifoil Rage >>

HQ Scout >>

Ozone IMP Quattro (Junior) >>      

Flexifoil Quark (Junior) >>

4-Line Handles or 4-Line Control Bar for Kite Buggying ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

Personal preference is the key. 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 and can easily be used with a harness.

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. Providing your control bar has a connecting loop, you can also use a harness.

Check out our range of 4-Line Handles and Control Bars here >>

 






 

 

Why would I need a wider rear axle ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

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.

For advice on selection call Telephone + 44 (0) 0121 544 9514

Check out our range of Kite Buggy Accessories >>







 

Why do I need to adjust my downtube ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

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.

For more information on how-to Kite Buggy - check out the Power Kiting How-To Guide DVD >>





 

Why are different size wheels available ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

New tyre designs are ever forthcoming but the two main catagories are:

Standard Tyres:
Standard Tyres Size often known as barrow wheels 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.

For advice on selection call Telephone + 44 (0) 0121 544 9514

Click here for our range of Kite Buggy Accessories >>



Extra 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.

For advice on selection call Telephone + 44 (0) 0121 544 9514

Click here for our range of Kite Buggy Accessories >>






Bigfoot Tyres:
Bigfoot type tyres are usually heavier with bigger diameters which can raise your centre of gravity and can make a small buggy unstable.

Their advantage is when terrain changes to softer drifted sand dunes they will keep going whereas a smaller or thinner tyre would just sink deep into the sand.

For advice on selection call Telephone + 44 (0) 0121 544 9514

Click here for our range of Kite Buggy Accessories >>



 

Should I fit footstraps to my Buggy ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

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.

Due to the injuries associated with footstraps and lap straps, no manufacturer currently produces this item and would be at your own risk to produce either of these items.

For advice on selection call Telephone + 44 (0) 0121 544 9514


Check out our range of Kite Buggy Accessories >>




 

 

What about Depowerable Kites for Kite Buggying ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

Depowerable kites are excellent for buggying as it allows the rider to alter the kite's power as you ride.

Depowerable kites allow you to use a single kite over a much larger wind range. This is achieved by the depower control bar and bridle system that can be adjusted to alter the amount of power generated as you ride. 

Bring the bar closer to you will increase the kites power. Pushing the depower control bar away will decrease the kites power but also increase the kites speed as the kites angle of attack changes. 

A harness is essential for using depowerable kites. However you can fly them in light wind conditions without the benefit of depower.

For advice on selection call Telephone + 44 (0) 0121 544 9514

Click here for our range of Depowerable Kites here >> 



 

Do I need a Harness ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

A harness is used intially to take the strain off your arms, allowing 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.

Personal preference for choosing a harness is the key. Simply find a harness that is comfortable for you.

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 Telephone + 44 (0) 0121 544 9514

Click here for our range of Harnesses and accessories >> 

Do I need Safety Gear such as a Helmet ? :

Getting Started Kite Buggying at Powerkiteshop

Safety is paramount and kite buggying, as with any extreme sport can be a dangerous.

It is recommended you wear a minimum of a helmet for any traction activities such as kite buggying or landboarding.

Safety methods and devices are being reviewed and updated all of the time.

For advice on selection call Telephone + 44 (0) 0121 544 9514

Click here for our range of Safety Gear and Helmets >>






Email Enquiries:

We will always endeavour to reply to your e-mail as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.

To ensure that the correct department receives your e-mail please contact:

Email Enquiries:

Order / General - info@powerkiteshop.com

Training - training@powerkiteshop.com

Website queries - webmaster@powerkiteshop.com

Media/Press - media@powerkiteshop.com

Alternatively you can enter your contact details and enquiry into the form below:

Contact Information

Telephone Enquiries - 0121 544 9514:

Our staff can answer most of the questions you may have.

If they do not know they will find out and get back to you as soon as possible.

To ensure that the correct department receives your e-mail please contact:

Our trained staff are available at the following times.

Monday-Friday: 10.00am to 6.00pm

TELEPHONE NUMBER: +44 (0) 121 544 9514

If you are calling from abroad, you can call the number below:
Landline Phone Number: +44 (0) 121 544 9514

All other times including weekends we're available via the help lines but we may be out flying!

If we are unavailable you can usually leave a message for a later response.

Powerkiteshop / Postal / Returns Address:

You can visit the shop, send any enquiry / cheque payments via post or return any item to the address below:

Powerkiteshop
Studio 2 - 4
Euro Business Park
Summerton Road
Oldbury
West Midlands
B69 2EL
United Kingdom

Items must be returned with a returns form enclosed by Recorded delivery and clearly marked for the attention of the Mail Order Dept.

Our trained staff are available at the following times.

We will not accept responsibility for lost parcels, or postal charges incurred when returning goods and we do have the right to refuse an exchange or refund, if we consider the goods have not been treated in accordance with the instructions provided with them.

Videos, DVD's will only be exchanged if faulty.

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