titanflyer - 6-1-2012 at 06:06 AM
Hey guys,
Its seems to me that new people coming into this sport have one issue in common. If they want to land board or buggy, they have to find a suitable
place to do that. I don't know what the minimum, or even the perfect conditions for a field are for an inland location, but I would love to hear
opinions.
Its one thing to go to the local soccer field, but around these parts with our fairly mild climate all year, not to mention the obstacles such as huge
flood lights and fences, its really hard to get a day when the whole or part of the field isn't occupied.
I see some mentions of turf farms etc, but those being businesses based on the quality of the product, seem to be something you would have to be crazy
to let a bunch of guys trample on and ride buggies etc, so I don't see many of them being ok with it.
Since I am discussing mostly inland capabilities and not the beach, I am asking for some advice on what to look for, or some examples of great finds
that may be common to other locations... e.g. how did you convince the <insert location here, like a large public park etc> owner to allow you
to fly there. Are there implications and solutions to the liability? Possibly a waiver or something.
I really would like to own a buggy and be able to go out at my convenience in the middle of a slow day at work and practice, but the more I look, the
less open areas I see. It appears to me like if I could find an area like this I could then attract others to come out and try this addictive
sport/hobby and start a club etc.
Any ideas?
James
ragden - 6-1-2012 at 07:01 AM
Finding an ideal place to fly can certainly be a challenge. This is one of the reasons I do not ride my buggy all that often. I have been spoiled on
good conditions, and just do not bother flying in places that are too gusty, or small.
I used to fly in a mediocre sized park just north of DC, but there were lots of obstacles that had to be navigated. Fences, benches, backstops, etc.
It made for a very interesting flying experience. In a pinch, it worked, but it was far from ideal.
Then I found a very decent spot on the south side of Baltimore. The key to this location was that it is right along the water front. This allows for
smoother winds as the water/bay gives plenty of room for the wind to smooth out. Again, there are trees bordering the other sides. Meaning wind
direction has to be perfect. And even then, it can be a little gusty.
I did manage to convince a sod farm to let me have access at one point, but that went sour when people started showing up without the owner's
permission.It was a fun place to fly, even with lots of room, it was still a bit gusty.
I live about 4hrs from Wildwood, which is the best spot I know of within reasonable driving distance. I make the trip when the conditions line up,
which is not all that often, but it is well worth the trip. But I'm spoiled. You can get by with smaller areas as long as you are willing to put up
with gusty winds...
PHREERIDER - 6-1-2012 at 07:19 AM
knowing conditions for the seasons will help see flyable wind for your area. weather data history can be help and keeping up with the weathering
elements helps and give you and indication of frequency.
a spot ?? gotta go look, gotta ask. not that much "turn key" places for kiting. try the RC clubs they need space? keep looking!
WELDNGOD - 6-1-2012 at 07:37 AM
some times you gotta "poach" some sand. as in the case of beetle vs. buggy!!!
:wee:
Bladerunner - 6-1-2012 at 07:43 AM
As you would expect there has been a lot of talk on this subject. Finding a good spot is tough ! We have to drive many hours to find snowkiting. In
CANADA !
I am off to work but there was a recent thread about land owner liabilaty that you will be interested in.
shehatesmyhobbies - 6-1-2012 at 07:49 AM
I have two public parks I use inland. One has a decent sized multi use field. it is approx. 300yds by 400yds. I can get up to 35 mph on either of
these parks and have enough room to turn around safely. Let google map be your friend. There may be something out there you were not aware of that
would make a perfect spot. An old airfield, park, any open area that you may be able to gain permission to ride at your leisure.
titanflyer - 6-1-2012 at 08:15 AM
Thanks guys. I have spent a lot of time Google Mapping my way around the area, and see a couple spots that look like they would be awesome, but they
are all owned by corps now adays and asking them would be a trip. There is an open area I could spit on from my house that looks like it would be
awesome for all types of wind sports, but finding out who owns it and asking is going to be tough.
I live in the subdivision to the right hand side and there is a fence around the whole thing.
I will try the RC groups, thats a great idea.
I do apologize for asking the same things that have been asked before, but honestly its not easy to find what you are looking for sometimes.
BeamerBob - 6-1-2012 at 08:26 AM
Most GA counties have a website with GIS mapping and when you find a parcel you can click the "info" button and select the parcel to find all the
ownership info. I did land development design in GA for 5 years so I can help you out if needed. Let me know your county and an address around the
field you are interested in and I'll look it up for you.
I used to have the same struggles as you when I lived in Augusta GA and was lucky enough to move within 35 minutes of Ivanpah dry lake. It is awesome
to be able to ride so far you can't see your car you left a few minutes ago.
titanflyer - 6-1-2012 at 08:28 AM
I am in Charlotte NC, well, south of the city. Do you still have that ability in NC counties?
BeamerBob - 6-1-2012 at 09:10 AM
It depends on the county. Lemme give it a shot for you.
titanflyer - 6-1-2012 at 02:49 PM
I found the owner and its owned by the country club on the other side of me... Jack Nicholas Signature course... multi million dollar homes.. anyway,
I have been give the guys name to ask, but was told they don't really allow anyone on the property. We shall see, it would be an awesome location.
James