Kite Landboarding
Kite boarding this is sometimes referred to as kite landboarding or even kite groundboarding, this section of the sport entails being pulled around on a mountain board or kite specific landboard, these boards look very similar to a skateboard after a good dose of steroids. This section of the sport can take place on both fields and beaches,speeds depending on the surface can reach in excess of 35mph!! and depending on the type of kite being used, you can jump 12-15 feet off the ground and more!!
It goes without saying that this can take YEARS of practice and we would strongly advise full training and correct safety equipment be used at ALL times, this is at the extreme end of kite flying, injury can be common place!! having said that this a lot of peoples preferred aspect of the sport and take it from us its just so much FUN!!
Getting Started
With the kite above your head at the top of the window and board placed just in front of you Step onto the board keeping an eye on the kite at all times. Place your leading foot into the footstrap followed by your trailing foot.
Lean back against the power of the kite and point your board slightly downwind (approximately 45°) - towards the kite. Move the kite into the power window slowly and lean back with your knees bent.
You will slowly begin to start moving - as you continue moving across the beach - try dipping the kite further into the window and you will pick up more speed.
If there is too much pull steer towards the kite and bring the kite nearer to the top of the window.
If there is too little pull make the kite work moving it around the power zone.
Position on the board
Posture is everything on a board wherever you move affects balance - keep this in mind and use to your advantage. Normal flying posture should be standing upright, knees bent and leaning slightly over the back wheels.
Caution
It is advisable to always use a smaller kite when starting out or learning a new maneuver. Helmets are a minimum of protection and should always be worn even in the lightest of winds.
Insurance
It is also advisable that you obtain third party insurance - available from the British Buggy Club (BBC) or the British Kitesurfing Association (BKSA). Manx Power Kite Club will be only to happy to point you in the right direction, remember you could be travelling at great speed to this affect could cause great damage if you hit someone or something!!
