Name:
Richy Stones
Location:
Barnstaple, North Devon, UK
How
did you get started in power kiting:
A friend at work got me into power kiting when he introduced me
to his Flexifoil Four Line Traction Foil. It took one session
to know that I would be flying again!
What
equipment do you use:
I don't like to stick to one brand of kite and have several makes
in my kit bag. The kite of choice for the start of 2004 is the
Flexifoil MkIII Blade for winds under 25mph. I have been flying
smaller kites for the higher winds but will be looking replace
them this season.
I
use a climbing harness with a carabiner and a pulley on the harness
line. With a couple of modifications the harnesses can be very
comfortable and allow you to move around in the seat real easy.
I
typically wear a helmet, something for the eyes – goggles
when it’s damp, elbow and knee protection.
Which
buggy do you use:
Flexifoil Freestyle Buggy. I try to keep it reasonably standard
making only minor modifications to the frame work. To improve
the responsive for freestyle riding I set the buggy downtube on
a short setting.
What
have you been doing the past year:
Spending as much time as possible down the beach! The past 12
months I have been focused on improving my aerial tricks, while
trying to find time to keep the ground work up to scratch. Flying
overseas for the first in the autumn was a real treat. I have
started this year by getting my Advanced Kite Buggy instructors
course.
What
plans do you have for this year:
I can see 2004 being busy. I’d like to go to as many powerkite
festivals as possible; Middle Wallop is definitely on the list
as are the X-Zone events to name only two. We are going to the
SBBB in Nevada for the first time in April for a weeks worth of
dry lake beds. This year will be my first year training as well
which, is something I’m really looking forward too!
Favourite
Buggy Spot:
It has to be North Devon beaches.
What is your most favourite piece
of kit for power kiting:
So far this year it’s got to be the Blade III 6.6m. It’s
has masses of potential for getting air in the buggy and gives
a soft landing. Give it a good wind and it comes alive!
What
would you recommend as a first time buggier who wanted to enter
into the sport, what kite and buggy would you recommend and why?
If you manage to find the time and get a bit of coaching, you
will progress really fast in this sport, be it freestyle or racing.
Keep this in mind when buying kit. Get a buggy that is well built.
If it’s built well and comfortable you will have fun in
it and progress quicker. For the kite, size is very important.
Don’t make the mistake of buying the biggest you can afford.
Go for a mid-size kite for your first. When you learn how to fly
it properly it will cover a wider wind range. Which range of kites
to go for depends on your personality and style of flying. Try
as many as you can before spending your money – you’ll
be surprised how different they can be.
What
kind of tricks do you like to do:
I get a thrill out of any trick – if I manage to do it well!
They all have their place and layer up to compliment each other.
But if I had to pick a trick, it would have to be the aerial rotations.
What
surface do you prefer:
Sand is the first choice. Nice short damp grass good too.
How
do you think the sport will grow:
We’ve seen a growth of new manufacturers in the past year
and this can only be good news for the riders. Kites will become
higher performing and at the same time more stable. The range
of buggies and boards is always increasing so more and more people
will become specialized in the terrain they use and their style
of riding. As people have the time to try snow and water, then
come back to land there’s going to be a massive crossover
of skills and tricks.
As
the numbers of people flying increase, I hope the acceptance of
the sport will increase as well - the buggy in particular. A lot
of good work has been done to keep many flying sites open but
it’s still a battle in some areas of the country.
What's is your best session to date:
So far there is no best. That’s the beauty of this sport.
Have you received any injuries from
power kiting:
No serious ones in a buggy.
Anything
else you want to say:
Haven’t I said enough already? Just get out there!
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