Power Kite Forum

FLOYD BENNET FIELD - Brooklyn, New York

cheezycheese - 5-8-2010 at 04:31 PM

FLOYD BENNET FIELD - Brooklyn, New York

so it seems like the interest in FBF is growing. I have noticed a post or two in the past week from NY'ers who ride there. If anybody can elaborate on the riding experience there please post here.

Jaymz and I had a brief outing there earlier this year with mixed results (mostly because we were inadequately prepared for riding on tarmac.) However there is apparently a large group who ride there regularly, as there is a section
dedicated solely to "Land Sailing". From what i understand there is a bit of chatter on one of the blokart forums about riding there, although i am not sure which one.

Dean, Danny, Paul i know you guys are trying to plan a road trip. I made a call today to the Gateway National Recreation people to inquire about permits. I explained that a group of folks from out of town were coming in to ride and that the required yearly pass didn't make much sense, being that the riders would most likely only be here for a weekend. I got a call back from a higher up who was willing to sell us a "special event/single use" group pass that will cover us for the time we are there.... :wee::wee::wee: i have the application and will cover the fee.

now what about a date...? i know some have mentioned trying to combine this with the WW trip in Oct. if that is all that works for you guys cool. however i do want to mention that the two locations are about 31/2-4 hrs apart. i think it would be better as a separate trip, maybe to be paired up with a run on one of New Yorks beaches. Not sure what the rules are on the beaches here but i will look into it if the interest is there.

Discuss...

:cool:

Todd - 5-8-2010 at 05:32 PM

Agreed on a separate event, no need to foot the bill yourself when you know everyone will chip in! :bigok: I would like to see the place up close and in person... Google just doesn't cut it.

Camping possibilities?

cheezycheese - 5-8-2010 at 06:02 PM

Don't really know about camping. will inquire... :cool2: how does Sept. look for people...?

kteguru - 5-8-2010 at 10:39 PM

Many thanks for all your help Cheezy. We were thinking early Sept. as well might be a good time to go. Personally I would gladly get a yearly pass if the place is really fantastic to ride at. I could definately make it down there 4-6 times a year since its less than 4 hrs away for me. I thought that I read on one of the websites that camping was allowed on the property somewhere. I could be wrong though.

AD72 - 5-8-2010 at 10:50 PM

If you meet-up in mid October I will be visiting Marine Park and can go. I thought that would be a perfect spot. Unfortunately the sport was not around when I lived there.

gemini6kl - 9-8-2010 at 06:57 AM

i live in brooklyn and fly at floyd bennet field throughout the year with my landboard its an excellent spot the only drawback is tht its concrete but its huge and we have our own area blocked off area for kite sports. there are only 2 other guys i know of that flys there and its such a waste cause its a beautifull spot. there is a yearly permit required at a cost of 50 dollars . where do u guys live anyone live in brooklyn queens or long island and if so where do u fly.

kteguru - 9-8-2010 at 07:51 AM

Hi Gemini. I responded to your U2U.

You mentioned that there is a special area blocked off for kite sports. Does this mean we do not have access to all the runways? Is there any chance you could post a link or a picture that shows the designated flying area? Thanks for all the help. See you down there soon.

gemini6kl - 9-8-2010 at 10:07 AM

Back in the day a few years back when i first started kiting i had the whole area for myself i kited anyywhere at floyd bennet then they came up with the permits and a restricted section specifically for kite sports its a big area though so no problems there. The reason they did that is cause they recently built a huge sport complex there so there is car traffic sometimes on the other side of the fields ,,back in the day the place was abandoned . There also used to be blokart guys a few years back but i dont see them anymore ,:no: i will take a few pics later and post them.

cheezycheese - 9-8-2010 at 01:04 PM

Dean, the area that is blocked off for us are the runways. if you look at google earth there is a spot with three runways in a triangular pattern, that's all us. the only thing i noticed is that the area in center of the runways has trees, so i'm not sure which direction the wind needs to be for us...? Have you guys discussed any dates for a meet-up...? i need a two week notice to get the wknd off from work. also are you guys gonna camp there or will you be needing accomodations. i would offer my place but i am 2 hrs away.

@-Gemini- Hi and welcome. have been meaning to respond to your post. i am in NYC a few days a week, send me a u2u with your digits so we can talk. maybe we can meet up. Do you know Ssameer? i know he also frequents Plumb beach but gets out on the water.

cheezycheese - 9-8-2010 at 01:06 PM

AD72, give me a holla when you get out here. i will definitely try to hook-up with you... :bigok:

gemini6kl - 9-8-2010 at 09:07 PM

sure i sent u a message..

kteguru - 9-8-2010 at 10:25 PM

That's great that 3 of the runways are usable! If only one was usable that would really limit what wind directions were ridable. I was thinking about the first or second weekend in Sept.. I'll call Dan and Jens to see if that works for them. Camping or hotel works for me. I'll run it by them to see what the consensus is. Looks like 5 of us coming down at the moment.

cheezycheese - 10-8-2010 at 03:25 AM

Dean that's awesome!!! Will Paul be with you guys...? Todd and Jimmy are you guys following this...? Looks like a nice little meet-up. Dave, Rich, Ryan you guys ain't too far either... :singing::singing::singing:

kteguru - 10-8-2010 at 06:47 AM

Can't wait to get out there with you guys Cheezeman:thumbup::thumbup:. I haven't ridden in more than 3 months:(. So far its Paul, Dan, Rick, Jens, and myself. That would be cool if some of the other guys can join us:thumbup::thumbup:. We'll have a whole fleet of buggiers taxiing onto the runway:smilegrin:. You'll have to swap out your bigfoots for the high speed dragster tires and show us some cheezy power:smilegrin:

cheezycheese - 10-8-2010 at 08:25 AM

yes, this will be an excellent primer for WW. Can't wait..... :D:D:D

Wayward - 14-8-2010 at 02:21 PM

So I live in Brooklyn, the williamsburg area, and am new to power kiting but loving it so far. I just received my first kite in the mail this week and took it out for a spin at a local park today. I was promptly told by the park guys that I wasn't allowed to fly something that big there. I poked around for local spots on google and found this forum. I'd love to give Floyd Bennett a shot, but can any other brooklyn locals give some tips on other places where I might be able to practice? Looking for something a bit closer, looks like this airstrip is quite a ways away from me. Thanks, and glad to be a new member here!

kteguru - 14-8-2010 at 04:42 PM

Welcome Wayward. You might want to U2U Gemini6kl. He lives in your area and might be able to steer you to some great spots to fly at. The rest of us are quite a few hours away but will be having an informal get together at Floyd Bennet some time in September.

gemini6kl - 14-8-2010 at 04:48 PM

hi there wayward there is a huge kiting community in brooklyn although most are kitesurfers,:spin: the sites we fly at are floyd bennet field, for landboarding and buggying, ( u will need a permit ) there are like 3 or 4 guys who go there regurlarly , then plumb beach is the unofficial kitesurfing beach may be 10 to 30 guys kite surf there regularly and thts right off belt parkway around the sheapsead bay exit u willl always see kites there in the summer time once wind is blowing, and coney island beach in the off season guys fly foils there also . I have heard there are a few fliers in long island not sure where they fly though, if u want to meet up send me a message , i fly ever week on my off days.

shehatesmyhobbies - 15-8-2010 at 06:27 AM

Just sent you a u2u Mark. I have to keep an eye on the dates, but I am definitely interested!

Jaymz - 15-8-2010 at 07:57 PM

Get it on! I've been out of the loop for a few weeks, but I'm back. I'm about an hour south of FBF (with no traffic) I'd be in for Sept. 11/12 but might not be able to make Sept. 18/19.

Wayward - 16-8-2010 at 12:54 PM

Thanks for the replies guys, I think it'd be a blast to meet some other kiters and see what people are up to with the sport here in NYC. I'll be looking forward to the 11-12 of september, sounds like there might be a few people showing up that weekend!

matthewlavin - 19-8-2010 at 10:13 AM

Count me in guys! I live in the east village NYC, and I'd be willing to share a ride and chip in on expenses too. Anyone have some room??
I don't think it is a easy commute using public transportation.
I also want to check out LIberty State Park in ny. I've seen some landboarding there too.

I've been out west in LA landoarding at the huge parking lots near venice beach the last couple years. I used a long board and 3m samurai 2 on short lines. You go wicked fast on tarmac. The dry lakes are a blast too.

LETS DO IT!! http://www.powerkiteforum.com/images/smilies/singing.gif

matthew

:singing:

kiteplace - 19-8-2010 at 02:26 PM

You have captured my interest.
I'll keep a watch on what's up and try to get together with the group on the day(s) you set up.
Looks like a great place to Buggy, Board, or BloKart!
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&...
Is there still a group of BloKarters that do Jones Beach in the off seasion?
Pleasant Breezes, Don

gemini6kl - 19-8-2010 at 05:50 PM

If anyone knows how to post a pic to the forum let me know i have a few pics of floyd benet field to share.

kteguru - 19-8-2010 at 08:47 PM

Hope to see you out there Don. I guess the consensus is either the weekend of Sept 11/12 or 18/19. I can't seem to get confirmation from anyone yet on the date. We need to light a fire under their butt to get things moving here:smilegrin:. I'll go down on both weekends if possible:smilegrin:.

To post a pic Gemini I think you need to put it on a photo sharing site like Photobucket then you can link to it.

Hope to see all you guys out there. September isn't coming quick enough:wee::wee:

kteguru - 21-8-2010 at 05:47 PM

Well it looks like Sept 11/12 will be the dates we go with. I'll let Cheezy post the details. Only a couple weeks away!!! Can't wait to get out there!! First annual Floyd Bennet Cheezeball Run here we come :lol::lol::wee:

cheezycheese - 23-8-2010 at 06:07 AM

i have some photos of the runways courtesy of Gemini6kl. will try and post.

rghtfield.JPG - 136kB

cheezycheese - 23-8-2010 at 06:23 AM

another...

barier1.JPG - 162kB

cheezycheese - 23-8-2010 at 06:25 AM

last one.... :wee:

lftfield.JPG - 140kB

Todd - 23-8-2010 at 06:34 AM

Wow that looks fast!

kteguru - 23-8-2010 at 07:00 AM

WOW! Looks impressive. We're gonna have some fun out there:wee::wee:

cheezycheese - 23-8-2010 at 07:26 AM

i just spoke with the park ranger and camping is booked for the fall, so that's out. we can however use a trailer as a rest/refreshment base camp while we are there (are you reading this Jimmy!!!). i will look into other local camp areas if that's what most want to do. there are local fleabag motels as well. let me know what you guys want to do..

So it's official, the first annual Cheezball Rally is underway !!! :bouncy::bouncy::bouncy:

gemini6kl - 23-8-2010 at 07:33 AM

great marc i see u were able to retrieve the pics after all. yeah its a great spot . our spot to ride is behind the orange barricade . its such a great spot too bad its hardly used.

bobalooie57 - 23-8-2010 at 07:34 AM

Pad up gentlemen, those runways can be really grippy!:ticking: A good gust can tip you over in a flash! But fast!!!! Unbelievable accelleration on tarmac/cement. Have fun! :bigok:

kteguru - 23-8-2010 at 11:52 AM

I'll go along with whatever you guys are doing for accomodations. Let us know what the weekend fee is to use the runway Cheezy. If the winds are good I'll buggy thru the night right into sunday:D. I thought you'd like the name Cheezy..........in your honor:thumbup:. Thanks for putting this together for everyone:wee:

Wayward - 1-9-2010 at 02:45 PM

I'm going to try and make it down there 11-12, mostly just want to check out the scene and watch what these buggies can do. I just have my one 3m pansh that I'll be static flying and I'm looking forward to being able to fly it without someone telling be to bugger off :)

-Brennen

rando - 6-9-2010 at 06:38 PM

Yo!

I'll be there. Riding up with Jim. This is great!!!

Can't wait to be cruisin with the gang and oh yeah, this should certainly solve my dilemma of wearing the little rubber things offa my buggy tires, lol :singing:

kteguru - 6-9-2010 at 07:58 PM

You'll have those things smoked off in no time Randy:wee::wee:

rando - 11-9-2010 at 10:35 PM

I'll be there tomorrow!

Is anyone going to have kites for sale there?

-Rando

doublespeed360 - 12-9-2010 at 07:00 PM

had a wicked good time at fbf/we really tore up the tarmac to day before the rain came in.funny az hell kiteguru found the only tree to get his kite in.wind was smooth from camp to the trees .started with 6m jojo rm took 1 run an had to let go ,next 3.8 ekko that got to to much ,2.8 ekko not fling well so went 4 m access .elmo and me where in buggy bliss,put on 28 miles today ,top speed today was 38 mph but i might have got right after i let go of 3.8 m,no room for down wind runs like nabx/sbbb,not as frighting as yesterday 44mph where any moment i was on the verge of getting lofted and i made it around all the run-ways woo hoo. thanks mark for having me, always nice to see you ,had a blast.

Maven454 - 13-9-2010 at 02:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by doublespeed360
funny az hell kiteguru found the only tree to get his kite in.


One of his Blades? Did he get it out okay?

kteguru - 13-9-2010 at 07:28 AM

4m blade in the tree. The tree was only 10 ft tall and the kite only hit the side of the tree so it was an easy recovery. Coming in hot toward the orange barriers sometimes leaves you with no good choices. No damage done though :)

Maven454 - 13-9-2010 at 07:34 AM

Glad to hear it.

frostbite - 25-9-2010 at 01:27 PM

Just want to say hi, I was the guy with the funny 3 wheel scooter that pull up at the end of Saturday. I am just starting to learn and was happy to see a bit of action.

I am still just learning but have been getting pretty comfortable with my Hydra 3.5. so hopefully will be able to come up with the scratch to step up to a larger kite.

Are there any one who does landboard at Floyd Bennet field regularly? would love to meet some locals.

cheezycheese - 25-9-2010 at 04:35 PM

Frostbite, glad to hear you had a good time. You should send Gemini6kl a U2U he is a Brooklyn local.

f.b.field

iradsail - 24-10-2010 at 08:33 PM

thumbs down to floyd bennet field..the front barriers (where most people set up) have been moved in. Now there is no set up area and the runways are blocked off from each other.
It's still useable but that fast turn seems to be gone. Don't know why they did it, hope things will get back to normal.

cheezycheese - 25-10-2010 at 05:02 AM

Boy that really stinks!!! Thanks for the update... Were you out there with us in Sept. ?

iradsail - 25-10-2010 at 04:48 PM

ya, this is starting my second year buggying all of it has been on the runways, didn't know all were coming here.
I showed up Sunday for my weekly ride but the weather didn't give me the time to set up. Been to wwbb in May and
Saturday this Fall....sand what a concept!