I had my first buggy run tonight. Winds were gusty and around 10 mph. The park I use has plenty of room with the only obstacles being frisbee golf posts that are somewhat camouflage gray and rust colored. Our snow had melted and the ground had re-frozen so the surface was smooth and hard. There was not another soul in the park, probably because it was 20 degrees. It went well. I picked up going downwind right away and I was getting further upwind with each run. I now understand what all the talk about backrests is about. I little more support in the xr would have been nice, but other than that I was very happy with the performance. I had a couple partial obe's but I just let go of the handles before total ejection. I was suprised that my lines didn't get tangled too bad. Also, my kite took a little more abuse than when I fly static. I probably crashed 3 times and I can't remember the last time I crashed flying static. (forget I mentioned that when you see this kite come up for sale:D) All in all it was a great experience and am looking forward to more runs.

Way to GO !

There is a cheap mod' for a backrest using PVC pipe.
Try not to send the kite back over your head past zenith. A real common issue with beginners. It will end up in an ejection if the wind is strong.

...yea good stuff

Awesome ssayre! Congrats on your first run! You have now been consumed by the "just one more buggy kite" syndrome :evil:

Congratulations and welcome to the addiction!

Quote:

You have now been consumed by the "just one more buggy kite" syndrome

Yes, now more than ever, and I didn't think I could get any more consumed with getting more kites.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

I now understand what all the talk about backrests is about. I little more support in the xr would have been nice, but other than that I was very happy with the performance.

I have 4 words for you: VTT XR Rail Kit
http://www.bigmikeskites.com/VTT/XR-Rails/XRRailKit.html
Makes a BIG difference for sure!

Congrats on the first run for sure friend! Now you'll start thinking about how to make a tandem so you can take your wife and kids for a ride....

Yeah, or that "just one more buggy" thought that goes along well with the "one more kite" problem too.

You did well to let go of the handles before you OBE'd. Much safer than wearing killers in the bug, so long as people aren't too close.

Awesome Ssayre!
I can see the grin on your face. Down here we use it to filter the flies on the beach. Every run will get smother and the surprises fewer. You have a good quiver; just watch out for the lift - but it sounds like you have a handle on that.

Keep us posted on the progress. The weather gets better from here.

Fair winds

Thanks Angus, glad to here your operation went well and wish you a speedy recovery. As to my quiver, I hadn't planned on getting a buggy when I purchased the kites. I was planning on just some scudding and jumping. I don't think I'll have too much trouble with the lift as long as I pay attention, but what do I know, I've only buggied once, so it will be more trial and error.