« February 2005 | Main | June 2005 »
March 16, 2005
Seat Harness or Backstrap, Handles or Bar?
I have been a staunch back-strap user ever since I could fly a kite big enough to warrant one. Today I picked up a Quadrifoil seat harness.
My excuses for not switching to a seat harness before were many. Back-straps are simple and easy to get out of in a hurry (great for learning). But my favourite thing about a back-strap is you feel like part of the system.
The power from the kite goes through your torso and is transfered to the buggy, so you are really 'in touch' with both kite and buggy. Another way to say it is you work your a*se off using a back-strap. This is great if you are kite buggying to stay trim and fit; no need for a gym membership. But if, like me, you are starting to buggy for longer periods of time, and greater distances, you need to find ways of conserving energy. A lot of energy can be saved if you can really relax at speed, with a loaded kite. Not easy to do with a back-strap, especially on long runs.
Last weekend I tried a seat harness so I could have a test fly of an 8m Rebble (yes, it does exist and it is a beautiful thing). At first I felt there was a little less control than I had with the back-strap, but as I relaxed with it I realised it would very quickly feel quite natural. The energy required to maintain speed was a lot less too; there is no strain on the back or stomach muscles, and this is what made me decide to switch.
I'd like to hear some comments from other kite buggy pilots on what system you use with your kites. Seat Harness or back-strap, Handles or Bar? Why do you prefer what your using over the other systems?
Posted by murrayneill at 05:12 PM | Comments (5)
Kitesports Challenge 2005
Above: The scene on the beach Sunday morning for the second day of the event.
Above: He's been doing it again. Craig jumping his big foot.
Above: PL was there and the fastest thing on the beach. He pipped Craig on the 9km time trails by a mere 20 seconds.
The weekend of the 12th and 13th of March saw the 2005 Kitesports Challenge on South New Brighton Beach, near Christchurch. Both Craig and I attended and had a blast. Kitesurfers, Landboarders and buggy pilots all shared the beach and mingled at a Saturday night BBQ.
I have posted a gallery of my photos here.
Posted by murrayneill at 02:12 PM | Comments (0)