Welcome

Introduction to Power Kiting

The power generated by a kite in flight has been harnessed for a variety of uses throughout time. Kites have been used to pull large sailing ships from wind sheltered harbors; experimental "war" kites were used to lift scouts into the air to guide artillery shells. Kite lore tells that in China, kites were used to predict the fortune of a voyage. Before leaving port, the captain of a ship would find a volunteer to fly on a kite. The person was tied to the kite and if he flew it was a good omen, if he didn't it wasn't.

In the eighteenth century England George Pocock used kites to pull a specially designed carriage at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. Pocock's is the earliest written record of a kite buggy.

Recently the use of kite power has shifted to a more recreational focus. From 1982-1988 the C-class unlimited speed sailing record was held at 25 knots by Jacob's Ladder; a set of extended Tornado catamaran hulls, powered by a winch controlled stack of Flexifoil kites.

More recently with the introduction of the kite buggy by New Zealander Peter Lynn, land based kite sailing has gained popularity around the world. Also 'Kite skiing', water skiing with kites, has seen several recent advancements and has won several recent speed sailing competitions.
This booklet introduces the reader to the increasingly popular sport of kite sailing, using kites to propel a craft on water, ice or land. A description of the basic principles involved in sailing with kites; how you can go up wind, turn, etc., is given. Next a description of the different forms of kite sailing is given. The buggy and other land based traction activities are depicted, also water and ice kite sailing are introduced.

As more and more people become proficient at buggying the interest in racing grows. Unlike sport kite competitions the winner of a race is not a qualitative outcome that is dependent on the opinion of individuals, but clearly the first one across the finish line. The two basic forms of racing, applicable to all forms of traction kiting are described. One on one pursuit racing and multiple racer triangular course racing are described and a set of rules are included. Included as a guideline for event organizers are basic buggy control requirements for crowded festivals and racing.

Useful information is provided to those participating in traction kiting as well as those who would like to get started. We describe the conditions that make a spot suitable for each type of traction kiting. We also list popular traction kiting locations along with pros and cons of each spot. Next we describe equipment: kites, vehicles, and safety gear, both commercially available products and plans for those of you who prefer to build things yourself.
The final section of this book is devoted to other forms of traction kiting. Dragging is the first form of power kiting most of us experience and it is very exciting, however it is a gravity sport and will not get you back to where you started. Still whether it be on land, water or ice, dragging can be fun and if done with restraint, a safe way to enjoy the power generated by kites. The use of kites to travel downwind is gaining popularity among kayakers.

Finally we introduce the reader to the most dangerous and controversial forms of power flying, jumping and man lifting. These two activities are dangerous, however we feel that it is necessary to provide a brief description of these activities to inform would be participants of the dangers involved.

Safety
When practiced in a responsible manner, traction kiting is a safe and enjoyable sport. If practiced recklessly, like most things, traction kiting can be a dangerous activity to participants and bystanders. As of now traction kiting is relatively unregulated and allowed in most public places with few restrictions. In order to keep it this way we encourage the practice of safe, responsible traction kiting: placing participants and bystanders at minimal risk.

General Safety
These guidelines should be followed when participating in any form of traction kiting.

Keep clear of people, do not fly your kite over people when traction kiting.
Do not attempt winds, speeds or tricks that are beyond your ability.
Do not traction kite alone.
Stay clear of other vehicles.
Stay clear of over head wires. Remember you may have to let go of the kite sometimes
Use quick release handles so at least there aren't handles flying through the air to damage people, possessions, or worst of all, loop around electricity lines.
Do not use a harness system that does not have a passive release system, one that releases when you stop doing something.
Make sure you have a safe downwind recovery landing area for released kites.
Keep fit. Fit people have less injuries when they do crash.
Running into other kite lines is something to be watchful for.
Do not attempt to traction kite/power fly until you have mastered controlling your kite.
Learn to traction kite in light and steady winds.
Avoid traction kiting in gusty and variable winds.
Make sure that the area you traction kite in is clear of ditches, logs and other obstacles. Always check to make sure the area you plan to traction kite in is clear of hidden ditches, etc.