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Power kite sports
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Lukas Jones from Llandudno runs the Turbulence kite shop with his brother. Here's his guide to all the different ways you can make great use of a power kite.
How did you get started?
About ten years ago I decided to buy a kite from a shop in Glasgow and got hooked.
Where did you go from there?
I kited for a few years, then became a qualified instructor to help and teach friends. I gave up work as a civil engineer and opened a kites shop.
My brother and I run the national training centre here in Llandudno and train instructors in kite sports as part of the Power Kite Sports Federation.
First of all you've got kite buggying. This is where you attach a big power kite to a three wheeled buggy. You can get up to speeds of about 70 mph on a clear stretch.
Then you can attach a kite to a mountain board. This tends to be for those who want to perform more jumps and tricks.
Then you can use a slightly different type of kite for the sea, attached to a special surf board. You basically use the kite instead of the sales of a boat.
You have to be very aware of the weather. We do presentations with school children and tie it into the national curriculum by teaching them about the Beaufort scale and ways of interpreting the weather.
What clothing and equipment do you need?
The best way of seeing if you like the sport is to come and have lessons. The equipment will be provided - kites, buggies, boards - and everyone has third party insurance. It's a good idea to wear warm clothing and a wet suit if you're out on the sea.
Power kiting on land is a lot cheaper than on the water. A land kite costs between £60 and £300. A buggy and kite can cost about £500 and a kite for surfing costs about £1000.
What's your most memorable experience?
Kite boarding in Egypt where the water's as warm as bath water and the wind is really strong.
Have you got a favourite place?
There are a few good beaches in North West Wales - Westshore, Llandudno for example.
We've got a good relationship with the councils and harbour masters to arrange designated areas/permits for power kiting.
Any other points?
Basic kiting is very simple. It takes about ten minutes to train and some may make progress more quickly than others onto a buggy or board, but there are all sorts of different sized kites to suit different people.
Anyone can start kiting - the oldest guy we've got is 73 and has had a few strokes but he still goes kite-buggying.
Power kite sports are quite physical but if you do have a physical disability, come along and we can see what we can do. We have worked with people with learning difficulties and it was great.
You can just use a very small kite which isn't going to pull you around so much - it's just nice to get out there and make use of our great beaches.
Useful websites:
www.northwalespowerkiteclub.com
www.ukkiting.com
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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Sam H Birmingham
I only want to power kite fly up to about 6ft in the air. If I buy the cheapest power kite will I be able to do this?
Tue Apr 14 09:45:43 2009
andy watt, kent
i've been power kiting for a while and am planning on getting a land board. i have a traction kite but do i need any other stuff, like handles or lines?
Mon Apr 2 09:58:26 2007
Cliff James
I manage a Children's Home for adolescent boys aged 11-16. We have purchased a kite and buggy but are unable to use them until a member of staff is trained to instructor level. Can you help, and roughly how much will it cost? Staff at present just fly 2.5mtr flexifoil kites.
Thu Nov 9 15:52:06 2006
mike lindo
would like some information on how to become a power kite instructor
thanks.
Mon Sep 18 11:11:17 2006
jamie davies
power kiting is really cool. I enjoy everything from just flying a kite to kitesurfing, kitebuggying and landboarding. It is easy to learn and good basic lessons will make things really quick to pick up. It is a good healthy sport that can be enjoyed by all.
Fri May 5 14:26:39 2006
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North Wales Power Kite Club
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