Power Kite Forum

Perfect wind but couldn't get going on soft sand!

frostbite - 5-3-2011 at 04:38 PM

I had a great time seeing every one else kite at Kite storm last weekend, but since there weren't enough wind for my 10m charger, I had to stick with spectating.

So wind's really blowing today in NYC, of course the snow's all gone but I figure I can use my mountain board. Of course my regular spots in the neighborhood parks are all full of people enjoying the nice weather, so the beach it is!

I went to Riis Beach, nice large open area and wind was probably 15 gusting to 25mph. This was the most wind I have ever launch my charger in so I was feeling some trepidation. Took me an extra 15 minutes to sort out the lines but with all that wind the kite inflated in about 30 seconds! Had no trouble launching the kite and it flew straight to the zenith fully powered.

So I was ready to go, except.. that when I got on the board, it was stuck! The sand was too loose and I couldn't get the board to roll. I tried a few more time and had to give up, here's the not so exciting video..



So am I doing something wrong? is landboarding simply not compatible with soft sand? Could I get bigger wheels for my board?

Kamikuza - 5-3-2011 at 04:59 PM

Soft sand is the suck :( try lowering the tyre pressure and 'lifting' your feet when you start, to unweight the board ... sometimes, once you're rolling it's ok. And you want a nice long aggressive power stroke too ... I'm sure Carl etc will add more :) And lean back, shoot your feet out in front of you!

clintopher - 5-3-2011 at 05:58 PM

I'm surprised no one makes soft sand tires for land boards by now.

lunchbox - 5-3-2011 at 07:51 PM

That sand looks way too soft. I've tried going as big as 10" tires and had no luck in soft sand. Gonna have to ride on the hard pack by the waters edge.

...or get a bigfoot buggy ;-)

geokite - 5-3-2011 at 10:20 PM

Ya, that sand looks like faceplant city. Way too soft

WELDNGOD - 6-3-2011 at 08:16 AM

Need to ride on the low tide hard pack Bro'

cheezycheese - 6-3-2011 at 09:13 AM

dont worry bro, you'll get rollin at WW next month....:roll:

bobalooie57 - 6-3-2011 at 09:27 AM

If you get back there before Wildwood, be sure to try right where the breakers are washing up, the water's edge is usually where I see all the riders at Wildwood.