FROSTYFREEZE Posted October 9, 2003 Report Posted October 9, 2003 A lead on from the WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR SPORT? Thread. I ventured down to Camber Sands Today (Thursday) for a fly of my new BLADE 3 4.9:p Flew it last Sunday at Epsom and was very gusty and got caught out a few times. Arrived at Camber and set kite up. Was very windy, probably about 15-20 MPH. Got kite up and straight to top of window, and it was pulling like crazy. There were four people flying kites with an instructor further up the beach. I tried to bring the kite into the window and have a good fly of it but was far to windy and the beach was getting busy, as it was a lovely sunny day. As much as I wanted to keep flying it, after the long journey to get to Camber, I knew I was not proficient enough to control it in the wind so begrudingly bought it down and packed it away. I did get to feel the power of the BLADE and I had a good hour with the kite and NO ONE GOT INJURED. As I was packing away a few people came over and asked why I was doing so. The were amazed I was stopping. They thought the idea was to get dragged out of control around the beach, as this is what they often see at Camber. I hope I have changed their views on Kite Flyers and they will keep being tollerant of us Respect the Public and their free spaces and we will keep flying, abuse it and we will suffer. ENJOY Quote
Tom183 Posted October 9, 2003 Report Posted October 9, 2003 Hmm... Maybe that's one of our problems - to someone who doesn't know anything about kites, an in-control kiter having a blast looks the same as a newbie with a 11m Razor... Quote
FROSTYFREEZE Posted October 10, 2003 Author Report Posted October 10, 2003 Exactly. As Kiting is now become more and more popular, the general public are obviously become more aware of it. Any good, open, accessible piece of land is being used by kiters now aswell. So all the dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists who have been the space for years are bound to get a bit peeved when a kiter drops their kite within feet of them from a great height and at speed. It is not a nice walk on the beach for locals now as their peace and safety is being jepoardised by DANGEROUS KITERS. They then moan to the local authority, who don't properly know how to sovle the problem so they just ban us. Giving us designated areas could be one way to solve it, and t hen it is down to us to regulate who flys in these areas. We don't want to be flying our kites while there is the chance of us getting hit by some lunatic with no regard for others around. Quote
HORLEY_KITE_NUT Posted October 10, 2003 Report Posted October 10, 2003 FROSTYFREEZE might be worth getting a smaller kite to take with you (even if it's a delta , power 6 or 8 , buster 1.4 ,etc,etc) as well as the blade you got - specailly if you go all that way and end up takeing the kite down cos you are getting over powered and saves haveing a bit of a wasted journey (and will help home the ol' kiteing skills). Quote
FROSTYFREEZE Posted October 10, 2003 Author Report Posted October 10, 2003 Probably will get a smaller kite, but my point is I realised the kite and wind were to strong and bought it down safely. I am fairly new to kiting and love it and want to have fun, but I know my limits. If every new kiter knew their limits then kiting would not be getting the problems it is. The public like watching kiters donig jumps, tricks etc as it is a new phenomenum to them, it is the bit of kites coming flying at them out of control and at speed they dont like. HOPEFULLY COMMON SENSE WILL WIN OVER THE COMMON PEOPLE:D Quote
MartinP Posted October 10, 2003 Report Posted October 10, 2003 Frostyfreeze If u r up the downs again and its blowing a gale and u c either an ozone or bora up come and say hello (usually got a white billabong cap on) and have a blat on the them, saves a wasted trip to the downs Regards Obelix Quote
FROSTYFREEZE Posted October 10, 2003 Author Report Posted October 10, 2003 Cheers Obelix, I will do that. Going to head down to Camber this Sunday for an early start with Coastguard Kites. Used to plsay golf at 6am every Sunday. Kiting is defo more worth getting up for:D I will b over the Downs the following week though so if ur there I will say Hi. Cheers again:) Quote
Planet Mike Posted October 10, 2003 Report Posted October 10, 2003 Frostyfreeze and Obelix, Noticed the Downs mentioned a few times... Just started flying up there myself (live in Leatherhead). Is there any organised club for kiting at Epsom? Would enjoy having some other fliers to talk to and discuss kit etc. If either of you see an Orbit Delta or (more likely) a Flo-Green Super 10 - come and say hello. Easiest way to recognise me is the fct that I'm 6'6" tall! Fly and be free! PM Quote
MartinP Posted October 10, 2003 Report Posted October 10, 2003 Planet Mike Is there any organised club for kiting at Epsom As far as i no there is no club Im usually up there when ever i get the chance woz up there on monday pm no one else around and it was howling great fun I Try and get up the downs most weekends usually later in the afternoon Just depends wiv familly comittments If u see a white billabong cap come over and say hello Im always up for a chat wiv fellow kiters There is a nice crowd up the downs at the moment flying all sorts of kites, they all seem to b a friendly bunch, the ones i have spoken too Just dont go near the model aircraft as they have a habit of buzzing the kites bless em !! Quote
Man_in_UK Posted October 10, 2003 Report Posted October 10, 2003 The Downs is gonna be my prefered flying site now the wind has picked up. The local park is a bit too small when things get fun. If you see 2 blokes with a pile of Blades & Stackers come and say hi. I once saw a ranger type bloke telling a kid that he could not use an ATB on the downs, he was pointing toward a sign saying it was clearly in writing ........ I have since read this sign and it does say NO BUGGIES. Where do we think we stand on this one ??????? Quote
kk Posted October 11, 2003 Report Posted October 11, 2003 To get back to the point... Good on you, Frostyfreeze. The more responsibility kiters show when flying, especially in marginal conditions, the longer we'll all be able to fly. Quote
Planet Mike Posted October 11, 2003 Report Posted October 11, 2003 Man_in_UK Don't see what the fuss should be about on the Downs with buggies. The only problem I can see is the huge number of people up there at the weekend could make it a bit dangerous. I have the same feelings about the planes (going back to Obelix). I also fly R/C when there's no wind (that's why I got into kiting, so I could fly in all weather!) but I refuse to use the Downs site as it seems far to dangerous because of the people and the kites. Been flying up north this week as I'm visiting the folks but I'll be back on the Downs during the next week (wind willing). Will come and say hello if I see anyone up there! PM Quote
MartinP Posted October 11, 2003 Report Posted October 11, 2003 Am i correct in thinking that R/C planes cant be flown in moderate / strong winds? The downs is a huge place and there is a particular area just in front of the grandstand which would be ideal its off the normal walking path and the planes don’t tend to go over there surely something could be structured I was up the downs last Monday evening no planes (wind was far to strong) And there was ALL this space EMPTY it was an hour or so before it got dark I have spoken to the council and was past over to the park wardens who just quoted bye laws and wouldn’t explain why buggys/landboards were not permitted The main problem is the downs is not directly owned by Epsom council and i haven’t found any contacts to talk to Maybe its time to get something structured?? True weekends are busy but with the onset of winter winds It’s an ideal location (not many picnickers when its windy) And during the week its empty!!! I for one am fed up with traveling an hour or so just to buggy in an over crowded park and only at the weekends!! i.e. Richmond park, this will soon change when the polo and rugby clubs want there pitches back Sorry for going on but we are fortunate to live in a green belt area with NO green area to exercise our sport?? We respect the fact we cant fly before noon because of the race horses, BUT waht about the rest of the time ?? As has been mentioned in other threads we don’t pollute the environment, or create any noise pollution Rant over Obelix PS do i feel a campaign coming on?? Quote
ray mitchell Posted October 11, 2003 Report Posted October 11, 2003 FROSTYFREEZE FOR PRIMEMINISTER:D Quote
Miniac Posted October 11, 2003 Report Posted October 11, 2003 Some R/C planes will fly in high winds, some won't. Just like kites really. Quote
MartinP Posted October 12, 2003 Report Posted October 12, 2003 Miniac Thx i dont fly R/C planes and wasnt sure if there was any limits or circumstances as to when they could fly If anyone wants to see the bye laws covering epsom downs the links below should take you to them http://www.flyrc.btinternet.co.uk/newlaw.htm http://www.flyrc.btinternet.co.uk/blawscan.htm dosnt help much Obelix Quote
Planet Mike Posted October 12, 2003 Report Posted October 12, 2003 Cheers Obelix, Will have a look at the bylaws when I get home and have more time. Would be interested in seeing them from both the kiting and R/C point of view. Miniac is right, R/C planes can fly in most wind speeds (except a howling gale), it's all a case of size and weight (a bit like kites). I agree with your thoughts on buggying, I haven't got that deep into the sport yet, but there are huge areas of the Downs which are used for nothing once the horses finish. I think there's also a huge area over the back of the racecourse that is visited very rarely (also on the windward side of the slope I think). Let me know if you have any more thoughts and if I can be of any help. PM PS, Just had a quick look through the links. The rules seem to be a bit restricting at the moment: NO 4-string kites over 5 meters NO Buggies NO Jumping(!) NO stacks over 3 kites NO going outside the area on the left of the course Some of these seem to rooted in common sense, but others I think could be open to discussion. PM Quote
HORLEY_KITE_NUT Posted October 13, 2003 Report Posted October 13, 2003 there was a time when you could buggy down there - but cos of 2 idiots (unknown) who caused a bit of a problem with some family (they kepy buzzing them and getting to close ,so i hear ) they got 'erm banned (cheers chaps who ever you were (NOT)) !!! Quote
MartinP Posted October 13, 2003 Report Posted October 13, 2003 Planet Mike It’s good to get the other side of the coin, the view from the R/C flyers And thanks for your feedback I think there's also a huge area over the back of the racecourse that is visited very rarely I think i know the bit you’re talking about, i saw some BIG kite surfing kites up there at the weekend, out of everyone’s way Is that particular area covered under Walton Downs?? Horely_Kite_Nut Do u have any more info Where on the downs? How long ago? It would help as a bit of background if this is taken forward and brought to a discussion with the council It also means they did allow at one point in time !! which has to be positive ray mitchell FROSTYFREEZE FOR PRIMEMINISTER If not then certainly Sports Minister !! I think that if the more sensible flyers as started in this thread by FROSTYFREEZE are as like minded as that flyer and a collective, responsible group were to approach Epsom downs who knows, there must be enough of us!! The thing i live by is 'If you don’t ask, you don’t know' Regards Obelix PS And its only Monday!! Quote
HORLEY_KITE_NUT Posted October 13, 2003 Report Posted October 13, 2003 Originally posted by obelix PS And its only Monday!! Don't i know it !!! Originally posted by obelix Horely_Kite_Nut Do u have any more info Where on the downs? How long ago? It would help as a bit of background if this is taken forward and brought to a discussion with the council It also means they did allow at one point in time !! which has to be positive when me and my brother 1st went down there (must of been about a year and a bit ago) we were talking to some RC helicopter flyer (to get a feel and rules of the place) who told us about the ban - at the time he stated it had kicked in about a month before then (we then used our boards that day and no one appraoached us or told us other wise, but i have again heard they are no longer allowed now ) and i have heard some other people (other kiters who we have speoken to down there) mention the same thing since about them 2 buggiers !!! it was appearently at the normal kite flying section of the downs (i don't know the full in and outs of it ) Quote
MartinP Posted October 13, 2003 Report Posted October 13, 2003 Horely_Kite_Nut Thx for the input The dates sort of ties in, as to when they changed the Bye-laws Just another bit of useless information I didnt realise that the R/C planes on the downs don't belong to any structured club Regards Obelix Quote
4x4xFinch Posted October 13, 2003 Report Posted October 13, 2003 FrostyFreeze, I took the same attitude as you when I was at Richmond Park yesterday. Whilst it wasn't blowing that strongly when I first got there, it was enough to make me think twice (probably mid teens) especially as I had Wife & Kids in tow. I have flown in this speed and above before, but at the time didn't get that much enjoyment standing like I was surrendering with my arms outstrected above me, waiting to be hoiked skywards. Kept Blade in bag and got kids small parafoil out for 8 year old (he had a blast in the strong wind) and I got out my Delta and had half an hour of whizzing about then handed it over to my wife for her first proper go with it -she did great and enjoyed it. Later on the wind dropped a bit and I got the Blade out - everyone had fun and no tears or heart stopping moments. Like Horley_Kite_Nut says, get a couple more kites and you don't have a wasted journey, and also getting the chance to go back to a totally different sort of kite after I'd been concentrating on the Blade all summer was refreshing. I like the rush I get from my Blade but I'm still learning big time. Though I like extending my limits, I do there are time when I just want to enjoy my flying and not have to fight every minute the kite's in the air. After all it's only a bit of nylon flapping in the wind, not something worth risking your life for... Fly Safe (and have fun!). Simon Quote
Planet Mike Posted October 13, 2003 Report Posted October 13, 2003 Obelix I think the R/C planes on the Downs do belong to a club, can't remember the name at the moment but they do have a website. It's not a club I fly with as I think the Downs is a dangerous area to be flying something that can way up to 7kg and has a large lump of metal and prop strapped to the front! Would be interested in being involved in any attempt to structure kiting on the Downs. Even though I don't buggy or board at the moment I think a group of sensible flyers could offer alot to the sport simply by being able to give help and advice to the many people using the area for recreational kiting. On the actual subject of this thread - only being a mere beginner myself I only have the two kites at the moment but will be seeking to increase the collection as I progress so that I have something to fly in any conditions. Weather is predicting 10-21mph tomorrow and I have the day off, so look out for a Flo-Green Super 10 if you're about and come and say hello! Cheers PM Quote
MartinP Posted October 14, 2003 Report Posted October 14, 2003 Planet Mike Would be interested in being involved in any attempt to structure kiting on the Downs. Even though I don't buggy or board at the moment I think a group of sensible flyers could offer alot to the sport simply by being able to give help and advice to the many people using the area for recreational kiting. Anyone else have any thoughts for getting something structured on the Downs!! I for one would be up for something, do not know quite what as yet and where it will lead On the actual subject of this thread - only being a mere beginner myself I only have the two kites at the moment but will be seeking to increase the collection as I progress so that I have something to fly in any conditions. We all start somewhere and i was fortunate enough to have good people around me with sound advise and plenty of kites to play with, I think this is what sets the sensible kiters apart from other sports; it’s an interactive outdoor social thing Weather is predicting 10-21mph tomorrow and I have the day off, so look out for a Flo-Green Super 10 if you're about and come and say hello! I will get up to the downs tomorrow (fortunately I’ve had a meeting cancelled ) probably be around 4ish, let me know when u r around This is an open invitation to anyone who has shown an interest in this thread, or is around Epsom downs later. To come and have a fly/meet later at the downs It would be good to see as many as poss & I know its short notice And Thx to FROSTYFREEZE for kicking this off Now look at what you’ve started :) Hopefully c u on the downs later Probably best to park in the car park just before crossing over the race course as the gates in theory shut at 5pm Regards Obelix Quote
Planet Mike Posted October 14, 2003 Report Posted October 14, 2003 Should be there! Will park in the car park outside the track, next to the roundabout. If you see a green escort with a flexifoil sticker on the rear screen then I'm about somewhere! Hope to see people later PM Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.