flyhigh142 - 18-5-2007 at 08:03 AM
I went out buggying yesterday after work and tried the harness and seat belt route. Big f#$%@g mistake, given my relative lack of experience. I have a
wide axle, so I figured I'd slide before I flipped. I did both, but when you flip and you're attached to the buggy and the kite, it hurts a LOT more.
It's the difference between the trip and fall, and someone grabbing your ankle and not letting go. Your face hits the ground a lot harder. This was my
first attempt using a harness and strop between my handles, and it started out sooo well. There was less feedback, but also much less strain on the
arms. Everything went well for half an hour or so, then the wind picked up a bit more. As I dropped my Blade into the window and began a skidding turn
to the right, the rear wheel lifted and I was slammed to the ground and pinned there, then hit over the head with one of the back wheels (forensic
evidence) and dragged on my stomach thirty feet through the weeds before I could get control of the kite. I couldn't release because the buckle is in
the front, and the kite got bow-tied so the brakes were fairly inneffective. Luckily, I had all my protective gear on. Can't wait to do it again! I
have no idea how I scraped my elbow, I was wearing hockey elbow guards that start near my wrist and end near my shoulder. It was one of those
experiences where you slowly get to your feet, shake your head to clear the cobwebs a bit, then say out loud - "I love helmets!"
kitemaker4 - 18-5-2007 at 10:07 AM
Just a note. Seat belts are for jumping to keep you in the buggy. If you do not plan on jumping there is no need for a belt.
Glad you are ok.
Stay safe.
Susan
zloty - 18-5-2007 at 10:44 AM
I'm glad You are OK.Most people will tell You that seat belts are bad idea even if You don't plan to jump.Here is few facts and what I learned over
one Year riding strapped.If You are new to buggy don't strap Your self.You have to learn most ground moves and be comfy with riding overpowered.Do not
use belt without quick release.if You are strapped You have to have plan B if things go south.That is why using seat belt You have to have extra quick
release to lose the kite.Once You are Ok with being overpowered practice being lifted from a buggy.This will help You to remember this feeling and
learn how to act if You are lifted.use as much protective gear as needed.People ask me often why I'm overdressed.Well I had few good wipe outs and I
know that It's better to be safe than sorry.In the end I can tell that if You learn to ride strapped You will have much more pace of mind knowing that
if things go wrong You more likely will get away from being wipe out while You are strapped.It always help to ask first people that do this stuff then
experiment on Your self anyway.Hope that this will keep new to this sport away from doing stupid things and help advanced riders to progress their
riding.
Flyhigh we should hookup.I will be on Pismo beach this weekend (Kite Expo) feel free to stop by,check new gear and chat with riders.
flyhigh142 - 18-5-2007 at 09:44 PM
Thanks to you both! (Hi Susan,we met at Superior) I look forward to meeting you Slawek, but this weekend I'm up here in Oregon visiting my daughter.
While I was well outfitted with gear, that part about a quick release completely slipped my mind! I'd researched it, even have a few bookmarks for the
wichard snap. Total brain fart. I've been lifted from my buggy a few times, but never had a problem with it, and just thought...Just thought... Hmmm,
I really can't say that I was thinking at all. On the bright side, I learned a great lesson with relatively few scrapes to show for it. I hope others
who were stupidly considering the same thing learned from my mistake(s). I'll give you a yell when I'm back in town, Slawek. Thanks again.
kitemaker4 - 19-5-2007 at 08:34 AM
I remember you. You had a problem with your camel back.
Susan