Dave’s Kites

Ozone have just released another land kite. So if you are in the market for something to pull you in a buggy, on a board or just haul you around a field or beach I suggest you take a look at this. Ozone quality is second to none and I personally think they are one of the most experienced foil designers due to their paragliding roots. If you want to purchase one I suggest you take a look here. Take a look at the blurb from their site:

Although accessible to novices, particularly in the smaller 2 and 3m sizes, the Flow is a unique kite that is more than capable of meeting the demands and capturing the imagination of any seasoned kiter.
2m2 The 2 is about as much fun as you can hope to have with a small kite. Massive top end wind range for high-speed balls out buggy runs and just the right amount of challenge for anyone with ambition. Try flying on a bar as the kite boarding trainer of choice.
3m2 The 3 is the ideal entry point in the range for the land locked kiter generating power early on in the wind range while always being easy to control. Quite possibly the perfect introduction to land boarding.
4m2 The 4 has the bottom end power needed in the lighter winds likely to be encountered by novice snow kiters and is a great mid-range buggy engine or land board motor.
5m2 The 5 is the one to beat in is this category, with light wind performance for effortless traction and an upper limit the pros will just keep pushing.

In a similar move to that already seen at a number of sites in the UK - kite buggying has been banned at West Wittering. It seems this kind of accident is happening all too often! Something is needed to help protect the public from the dangers of kiting. There are far too many who get into the sport and are not in control of the massive kites they fly. This type of accident reiterates the need for proper training. Also - greedy retailers need to take responsibility and not sell unsuitable kites to newbies or even experienced kiters who do not have a proven record! The best thing is for kiters to only buggy or surf in quiet areas away from the general public. Most will say this is not possible, but at a lot of locations 5 minutes more walking gets you away from the small areas where the public venture from the car parks! I’ve seen a number of other sites in the NW where a serious kiting accidents will almost definitely occur - Fleetwood. This is a small crowded beach where the local kiters ‘rule’ the beach. We need to be careful - otherwise we will have to emigrate to enjoy our sport!! Below is an extract from the Chichester Observer: Read the rest of this entry »

Following years of frustration there could finally be some movement towards lifting the ban on kite traction at Lytham St. Annes on the Fylde coast, UK. This is a massive beach in the north west of england.

Fylde Council is now in talks with the British Federation of Sand and Land Yacht Clubs to bring tournaments back to the coast. This could pave the way for the reintroduction of all kite sports to the area. Paul Norris, executive manager of community and cultural service said: “The council has written to the remaining trustees of the sand yacht club offering them a variety of options”. Read the rest of this entry »