Just curious what you guys think is the best way to start. I initially thought I wanted to go landboard and eventually end up with a depower kite, but as of lately I've been leaning towards buggy. The reason is I would be riding on grassy areas and I think the learning curve will be less with buggy and the potential for injury would be less. What do you think?

Dealing wth kite flying and maintaining proper direction to the wind is the task in the buggy, while the landboard adds in keeping your balance. Learning the landboard would be more difficult on lumpy grass that isn't so easy to modulate traction like on hard pack sand.

I prefer to sit down... Just sayin'

Thanks Bob, that's kind of what I was thinking. I had always planned on landboard because it is a little cheaper and easier to transport, but given that my riding spots will be grass (not necessarily smooth grass) and I'm thinking it will be easier to teach the kids or friends if interested, than the bug might be what I would get the most use out of.

Thanks soliver, I agree. Flying on a landboard looks cool, but at my age and physical condition (39 and average), I think the bug might be where it's at.

I think riding board is a hoot but think going with a buggy is a better place to start for the reasons you already see.

The big drawback with a buggy is transport and set-up time. For a quickie in my small, walk in local park the ATB always seems to win . I am glad I have learned both but have no regrets in starting with a buggy.

On landboard you should be "active react".
On buggy you get more time to react.
If you like to cruise... buggy!
If you got very good balance, active reflex... and if you don't really care to crash... landboard.
Wear protective gear in both case!

Sayre- i really prefer to landboard and started out thinking that was what i wanted to do, now I do both and in grass fields unless they are manicured (think soccer or football field) i prefer the buggy. When riding local, i ride the buggy when i get to the beach i ride the board. The bigger difference to me is the wind- to ride a board having a cleaner wind and enough wind is what makes it fun; whereas with a buggy I can tolerate the gusts or lulls more and think of it a lot of times on low wind days sorta stunt kite flying with a little bit of movement
Scott
PS as for age stop whining im 43 and most of the guys on here are older than you and push it pretty hard.

Great advice from all. Flyguy, your right I will quit whining about age. Bladerunner, I do like the idea of being able to get a session in without as much time and set up with the board. I think eventually I will have both. There is a park near my house that has a paved path that looks like it could be good for the land board and I have access to a private field that I'm hoping to use the buggy in. Anyone have any experience with the kitetrike 3? It seems affordable and looks well made.

no experience with a kitetrike but really not heard too many good things about them- i know its more cash but i would look at Vans cricket (i think thats the right one- entry level) as for buggies and grass regular barrows have been what i find works the best and as for riding both could not agree more- both are fun and basic buggying is definetly easier. as for setup and go, i have a pickup truck so my buggy and fixed bridles just stay in the back- i HATE boarding with a fixed bridle and also dislike the bar in a bug- a little food for thought since you already have the FB kites i would lean towards a buggy first. Depower not required for board but i think makes it more fun, safer,and enjoyable. I want a big kite above me when i am on a board makes hitting the ground a litlle softer
Scott

44 and counting....

Briefly read most entries....Don't limit yourself to just using the kites one way, but for now....Get the buggy.....
1. As flyguy stated you already own FB kites...
2. If you don't use/enjoy the buggy in my opinion you will be able to sell that a bit quicker then a landboard
3. I would 2nd a VTT (Van's buggy) choice if you are buying new.


I have skied and buggied for years all on my FBs (handles only) and I have tons of great memories and smiles to prove it...

Quote: Originally posted by flyguy0101

PS as for age stop whining im 43 and most of the guys on here are older than you and push it pretty hard.

Yeah. I like that bruise on the rump footage from lasts year's JIBE vid Scott. I'm sure it hurt then, but looking back now, it has to be quite funny. LOL

Kite trike will leave you wanting to upgrade or do repairs / upgrades. They are better than nothing and can be found very cheap second hand. Therefore buying new means a big loss when selling.
The PL isn't a whole lot better and I find them uncomfortable without a back rest. Again they can be cheap enough second hand. PL will resell better if you are buying new.

Van's buggies are worth a look if you want to go new.

At 63,I'd say the buggy is marginally safer and easier to learn on, but I've seen (and been part of) some massive OBE's
In the end you'll probably try anything and everything that can be powered by a kite, and that's what it's all about.
My older flexifoil S.S. ride has held up well over the years if you can find one used, I'd go with Van's if I was buying new. He has some sweet rides.

I was already an extremely experienced kite flyer when I got into traction. I was able to get rolling and even stay upwind within 30 minutes of my first time sitting in a buggy. I still can barely even stay upright on my board in spite of trying it several times now.

Van's buggies are awesome, and I do love them. Used PL bugs are also a great first.