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A kite buggy is a light, purpose-built Vehicle powered by a Traction Kite (power Kite) . It is single-seated and has one steerable front Wheel and two fixed rear wheels. The driver sits in the seat located in the middle of the vehicle and accelerates and slows down by applying steering manoeuvres in coordination with flying manoeuvres of the kite. This activity is called '''kite buggying'''. The speed achieved in kite buggies by skilled drivers can range up to around 100 km/h (60 mph), hence Protective Clothing , including a safety Helmet , is commonly worn. The invention of the kite buggy is generally attributed to Peter Lynn of New Zealand . He built and used the first kite buggies in the early 1990s. With obvious similarities to Yachting , Land Yacht ing and Windsurfing , much of the terminology and techniques of kite buggying have been adopted from these activities. Terms and techniques such as "offshore / onshore wind", "leeward", "tacking", "sailing close to the wind" and "jibing" are commonly used. Kite Buggies are classified as Class 8 Land Yachts and competitions are often based on established land yachting guidelines. DETAILS, STEERING, SEAT The kite buggy's rear wheels are mounted at the ends of the rear Axle . The front wheel is mounted in the front fork. In advanced buggy designs either or both front and rear wheels can be attached via Suspension Mechanisms . The front fork is not unlike a Bicycle's Fork apart from proportions and the fact that there is no handle bar at the top. Instead there are two foot rests sticking out on the left and right of it, attached to the fork very low down, near where the wheel is mounted. These foot rests have two main purposes:
Foot rests can be fitted with foot straps and grip tape to prevent the feet from sliding off the rests during extreme buggying action. The seat of the buggy is a Bucket Style Seat giving the driver good side and back support. This is necessary as the driver has to transfer the force of the used traction kite into the buggy. POWER AND BRAKING The buggy is powered by a traction kite, controlled by the driver. The traction kite is normally not directly attached to the buggy. Instead it is—through its lines and handles—either held by the pilot or attached to the pilot by a harness and strop line. The kite is used to accelerate the buggy and also assists in braking. The buggy itself does not have any dedicated Braking System that would apply a braking force directly to the wheels. Instead, rapidly stopping the buggy requires the driver to perform the following:
With some practice the buggy can thus be halted out of considerable speed within a few metres. FRAME, WHEELS AND WEIGHT The geometry and measurements of a buggy's frame determine what kind of buggying activities it is best suited for. Longer buggies are generally running more stably on a straight line whereas shorter buggies tend to be more nimble when cornering. A wider rear axle will make the buggy more resistant against accidentally toppling over. However, intentional trick riding, e.g. on only two wheels (the front and one of the rear wheels), is more difficult. Rear axles will generally be in the range of about 1.1 to 1.5 metres. Shorter or longer measures are possible for more extreme applications. Possible styles of wheels vary from very thin (like a speed-sail's wheels) over standard size (like a Wheelbarrow 's) to very large, also known as "big foot". The used wheels will in no case expose bare Spokes (like bicycle wheels do) to protect the buggy driver's hands and kite handles from getting caught. The different types of wheels are used in different terrain conditions and buggying activities. Here a few examples:
The buggy's (and rider's) mass has a considerable impact on its handling. A very light buggy is more agile and quicker to manoeuvre. A heavier buggy does not slide sideways as easily, though. It is able to transfer higher lateral kite Forces into the ground via Friction . This allows the use of higher powered kites which can propel the buggy to higher speeds. To increase the usable kite force, a buggy can be equipped with additional weights. These weights will be attached to the buggy as low down as possible to keep the overall Centre Of Gravity low. Also possible is filling some of the buggy frame's usually hollow tubes with a Dense substance such as e.g. Lead . BUGGY JUMPING Kite buggying, by its nature and the nature of some of the people it attracts, is under constant development with enthusiasts constantly "pushing the envelope" with what can be achieved. One of the most extreme manifestations of the sport so far involves the buggy pilot attaching themselves to a very large kite using a harness and strop, and then to the buggy with a lap belt. The pilot then flys the kite overhead to generate maximum lift and is hoisted sometimes tens of feet into the air while still attached to the buggy. While still airborne, advanced pilots can perform aerial manoeuvres such as 360° (or more) turns , side swings, pendulum swings and even reverse landings. Though impressive to watch, this degree of control requires considerable skill and experience. Severe injury can and does ensue when things go wrong. Buggy Jumping is NOT for the beginner! TANDEM CONFIGURATIONS Some buggies allow for attaching a second buggy using a specialized kind of trailer coupling. Buggies joined up like this can be powered by a single kite controlled by the pilot in the first buggy. This allows the passenger in the second buggy to be simply pulled along passively. Alternatively, a tandem kite configuration can be flown where both front and rear buggy pilots steer a separate and independent kite each. This requires very skilled pilots and good communication between them. EXTENSIONS, CUSTOM DESIGNS In addition to the traditional 3-wheeled buggy there are designs applying 4 wheels—with a more complex Steering Mechanism . Even 2-wheeled buggies exist—with only one single wheel at the back instead of the common 2-wheel rear axle. Some buggies can be equipped with Ice Skating blades replacing the wheels for use on Ice or cut-down skis for use on snow. SAFETY Kite buggying and other traction kite activities are often classified as extreme sports - and with good reason. The kites can be extremely powerful and buggy speeds in excess of 70mph are possible. As buggies use the wind as a power source, which can often be unpredictable, an attitude of caution and respect for the wind is essential, particularly for the novice. Common advice is to start with a smaller kite (3.0m2 or below) and progress to bigger kites as ability improves. Developments in safety including kite killers, quick release harnesses and depowerable kites have come a long way in recent years and are constantly evolving. The most essential piece of safety equipment is considered to be a good helmet and most organised events insist on them. A downhill mountain bike helmet with ventilation and chin guard is ideal. Pilots are encouraged to obtain 3rd party liability insurance as there is frequently a risk of coming into contact with bystanders or each other. This is available through the various national organisations such as the British Buggy Club (BBC) or the Power Kite Sport Federation (PKSF). Most responsible shops now strongly discourage newcomers from buying very powerful kites without instruction, and can organise tuition for novice pilots through PKSF-accredited instructors. As with all kite-flying activities, the kiting code of conduct applies. [http://www.airpowerd.hiflyers.co.uk/Code/code.html |
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