|
|
Kite Landboarding / KGB /
Kite Mountainboarding Frequently Asked Questions
|
| 
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 hasnt been answered
here - you can simply call us on Freephone
0800 007 5707 and we will be pleased to hear your
query!
 |
What
is a Kite Landboard?
|
 |
| |
 Kitelandboards
are mountainboards that powerkiters have made use of to
move about. To look at they're just like large skateboards
with longer decks and trucks to give stability complete
with larger wheels to allow you to use them on rougher
terrain.
Using the kite for traction,
a kitelandboard can be manoeuvred around open space simulating
snow boarding without the snow or surfing without the
water. With rider skill they are capable of achieving
speeds of over 40mph and achieve all manners of tricking
and manoeuvring.
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
How
does a Kite Landboard Work?
|
|
| |
 As
you resist against the pull of the kite - the power is
transmitted to the wheels of your board. By manoeuvring
the kite and board it will enable you to pick up speed,
stop, perform tricks and with practice get airs even in
low winds.
Because the kite provides
so much lift it will actually help you balance on the
board and allow a skilled pilot to easily achieve big
airs if you're that way inclined. Once rolling you can
quickly pick up speed.
Once you've learnt where
to position the kite in the sky and how to balance on
the board, you’re away and can travel in any direction,
even upwind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I
am a beginner to Kite Landboarding - which is best for
me?
|
|
| |
We are all different
sizes, heavier or stronger pilots may require a heavier,
stronger and more stable board.
Lighter weight pilots often require boards that are easy
to manoeuvre do tricks or even get air.
Consider
yourself - Weight and Height
If you are not comfortable on the board it spoils your
fun and capability.
Steering and suspension set ups often have some form of
modification or adjustment available for control, comfort
or enhancement.
For people with previous
kite flying experience and looking to get involved in
kite landboarding - check out the suitable options below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
What
kite can I learn to Kite Landboard with?
|
|
| |
Be warned, power kites can be dangerous! However emergency
procedures and control devices 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 looking to get
involved in kite landboarding, consider a 4-line kite
between 3 - 4m in size that can be used in a majority
of wind conditions. Check out the suitable options below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
4-Line
Handles or 4-Line Control Bar?
|
|
| |
 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.
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.
Check
out our range of 4-Line Handles and Control Bars >>
|
|
|
|
|
|
Which
Kite Landboards can I do speeds runs with?
|
|
| |
 The
longer the board usually the more stable it is.
This helps tall people balance
easier and allows the rider to reach higher speeds giving
increased confidence and a smoother ride.
These boards are often considered
ideal for carving and are stronger for heavier riders.
Click
here for competition / race landboards >>
|
|
|
|
|
|
Which
Kite Landboards can I do freestyle with?
|
|
| |
 The
shorter boards are usually more responsive and require
quicker input from the rider.
The advantage is they are lighter in weight and therefore
more capable of being used for tricks and airs.
They are often not ideal for simple high speed runs but
unbeatable for manoeuvrability.
Click
here for freestyle landboards >>
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why
are different sized wheels available?
|
|
| |
 The
larger the wheel and tyre diameter - the less the initial
rolling resistance will be. This may become important
if the terrain is soft, rough or uneven.
Rolling resistance becomes
less of a problem at speed however, greater speed usually
is easier with larger diameter wheels.
The normal 200mm diameter
tyre is ideal for most terrain.
Click
here for our range of Kite Landboards Accessories >>
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can
my Kitelandboard be used for Mountainboarding?
|
|
| |
 Some
Kitelandboards are kite specific and have a heel-side
bias that is of benefit to kiters but not to downhillers.
There is nothing to stop you grabbing your current symmetrical
mountainboard and using your kite to power you down the
hill or even up it! Both types of boards work best with
a kite on smooth level ground.
Click
here for our range of Kite Landboards >>
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why
are there different type of trucks for Kite Landboarding?
|
|
| |
 New
truck designs are ever forthcoming but the two main catagories
are:
Channel
Trucks
Channel Trucks are usually
stronger, heavier and incorporate coil springs. Steering
dampening can be changed by altering spring settings and
elastomer hardness.
Skate
Trucks
The skate trucks are much
lighter reducing overall weight on a kitelandboard significantly.
Minimal adjustment is required with just one nut stiffening
or softening steering control. Alternative dampening bushes
can be fitted.
Click
here for our range of Kite Landboard Accessories >>
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 A
harness is used to take the strain off your arms, allow
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.
Simply find a harness that
is comfortable for you - personal preference is the key.
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 Freephone
0800 007 5707
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 Safety
is paramount and power kiting can be a dangerous sport.
It is recommended you wear
a minimum of a helmet for all activities. Safety methods
and devices are being reviewed and updated all of the
time.
For advice on selection call
Freephone 0800 007 5707
|
|
|
|
|
|
Will
Kite Landboarding help my Kitesurfing Skills?
|
|
| |
 Kitelandboarding
is a great way to learn the principles of Kitesurfing
without spending a huge amount on inflatable kites and
beginner boards.
Even when you have bought
all the Kitesurfing gear - they offer a great light wind
alternative to Kitesurfing. If the wind drops or goes
offshore - get onto the beach, grab your Landboard and
practice some light wind tricks.
Click
here for our range of Kite Boards >>
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
