madonkites

Personally, I don't like them. I use a wheeled harness and a quick pull back on the handles releases the strop without having to let go of the handles. This is obviously harder the more powered up you become. So rather than think about how to release yourself if when you get into trouble, concentrate on staying out of trouble in the first place. A quick release may give you a false sense of security. As already stated, OBE's happen so fast, you don't have time to let go of the handles, let alone grab for the nearest dangly bits!

I gets dark from @ 6pm! Carl.

Powersliding at 40mph+ with the big foots bouncing and flexing is a real buzz :D :D Carl.

Not strictly true. Kite surfers have been asked to use the West end of the beach (Rye Harbour end) but have generally ignored it. I presume the BKSA event this weekend has sought permission for using the East end but the East end is not supposed to be used for kite surfing. I'm surprised kite surfers do use the East end, as the groynes make it dangerous at high tides - my opinion. Carl.

With the increased use of the beach by a variety of different activities, buggying is now restricted to the Broomhill end for the whole 12 months. I haven't been down the Central car park to see if signs have been erected, nor have I heard of anyone being specifically told they cannot buggy at the main end. For my part, I intend to stay at the Broomhill end. When the wind's up, there will be much less sand being whipped up to fill the car etc. The Broomhill end will mean having less beach to use during the limited winter hours so anyone is well recommended to get a tide table and study it closely. Cheers, Carl.

Are you guys really going to want to have an electric motor mounted on your headstock (visibility) or back axle for the once in a blue moon time when you need to walk back? Bet you the batteries will be dead just when you need them! The 'walk of shame' is all a part of learning, whether it be through changes in the wind or poor line or buggy maintenance. It might even be because you dunked your kite in the only puddle for miles. The 'walk of shame' allows you the time to contemplate your errors and learn from it. I would agree a good after market seat could be very good for most people. However, I wouldn't be needing one as I have a Libre Full Race seat, complete with back pocket for spare strops, car keys (in a water proof bax) and rope with loops for putting over the foor pegs to tow the buggy aff the beach (unless the wind is right and I can buggy up the shingle bank to the car park ). I'd still go for a simple, cost effective device for stopping my buggy rolling backwards but still allowing me to tow it when empty. Don't know how this would be done. Good luck to whoever takes this on. Cheers, Carl.

Even in the middle of winter, I tend to wear just a one piece fleece. You don't want to sweat up to much, as the liquid (sweat) will speed the cooling process. Look after your hands and feet and you won't go too far wrong. The neck (and wrists) should be tight but not too tight to restrict circulation. You should be able to insert a few fingers and let the air out of the suit without choking yourself to death! When trimming the rubber ( a ring at a time), don't over do it - you can't put them back! Cheers, Carl. PS. Definately my best investment for last year!

Something a bit more serious for you! When I get out of my buggy, it rolls backward off any slight incline - the bearings are too good. It needs some kind of weight or foot activated brake that will stop the buggy wandering off on its own - I can't think of a solution that will not cause problems in various situations but hey, you're the student. Good luck! Carl. PS. Needs to be robust enough to put up with puishment from salt and sand - and it needs to be cheap!

A few of us went to Camber Sands last winter (or was it the winter before), when the wind was doing 70mph, gusting to 80+. We had the beach to ourselves Just trying to stand was a task - leaning at angles where gravity should have taken over. We used a Chameleon buggy and a very small Peel (I think) on 2 lines - trying to sort out a 4 line was impossible - hours of knots to sort out after. Our biggest problem was the sand being blown across the beach - when sat in the buggy, it was very difficult to see the kite or anything else (including people). Goggles and masks were a must! We didn't break any speed records - that would have been plain dumb - but we did have a real laugh. I felt I did not have the experience some of the others had and did not actually have a buggy. Just holding ono the kite was enough for me. I regret not having a go but am also glad that I could say no (and not be scourned upon by others) as I didn't feel comfortable. Respect the conditions, fly a smaller kite and know your own limits. Carl.

detachable face guards will detach at speed when dragged across the ground. I just hope your face isn't in it at the time! Don't scrimp on the helmet - shop around but avoid bicycle/bmx/snowboard/paragliding etc helmets - they are not designed for the impacts at speed we can expect to receive. Always go for a helmet designed for motorcycling of one description or another. Carl.

I guess this will not help but I run Big Foots on sand. PSI no greater than 6psi - regularly below. Interesting when power sliding at 40mph+ - you can feel the tyres flex! Cheers, Carl.

IMHO, a helmet is a must. A bike/skate helmet is not designed for our speeds or the force of a rear axle crashing into the back of your head. Go for a full face motorcross helmet - anything less may provide a false sense of security. You don't NEED to spend a fortune - I picked mine up in an end of line sale for £50 - just keep your eyes open and regularly visit your local motorcycle stores. Carl.

I have written a document that may be of use to newbies and interested on-lookers alike. It has been adopted by a number of sites - racekites.com is one of them (don't be misled by the site name - it's not for racing. It is a good site, with plenty of reviews and information targetted to all levels of ability) http://www.racekites.com/safety/buggy.asp It doesn't talk about buggy etiquette but it could be expanded to include this. For what it is worth, I interpret the 'pass to the right' rule as 'look after your right side'. This works for me regardless of whether opposing buggies or travelling in the same direction (although the buggy overtaking should make allowances and the other buggy should not make any hasty moves and put both buggiers in conflict). I don't agree with the coloured flashes on the buggy as this can lead to the false idea that no flash is an experienced buggier. Not only that, but how many newbies will want to display their lesser skill levels? The 'P' plate for cars is voluntary - how many do you see? I would further suggest that those who do display a coulored flash will be more aware and safer than those without, as they are aware of their limits and the effect it can have on others. At the end of the day, give every buggier you do not know a wide berth until you have assessed their competency. I understand newbies may feel intimidated (as I did once) but you shouldn't do so - come and talk to us and we will help where we can. I will also try and be more aware of this in future and offer assistance when I can. Cheers, Carl.

Sarah, To gain confidence, learn the 'highway code' and dramatically reduce your learning curve, you should consider taking some lessons from a qualified instructor (I'm not one, so no plug!). Mutley may have been a bit blunt but he does have a point - you can't fly a plane or drive a car without any instruction, why should you be able to buggy without any (not personally directed at you - general statement). I do not promote licensing our sport but I do fly with my numbers on the buggy, so I can be identifiable should anyone wish to complain about me. Everytime we launch a kite or take to the buggy, we are responsible for our actions upon others - being a newbie is not an excuse for causing harm or distress to others. Carl.

Sorry, I'm just arguing for the sale of arguing. Flexifoil have done such a brilliant job at marketing that it annoys me that everyone should think of Flexifoil as being the place to start (something I have to live with). Flexifoil produce some wonderful kit - but then so do many other manufacturers. Arguably, many other manufacturers produce better kit than Flexifoil but Flexifoil produce good kit for the masses - the Mondeo isn't the best car but it is a good car for many people. I find myself wanting to go on and on and on ....... but I resist. Any good publicity is very very good news for the sport - just a shame Flexifoil had to get the free plug (IMHO) Carl.