Ok here it goes If I am going to this event I have to at least think I know it all. So, #1) Required gear, Bet as specific as possiable please.#2) Whats the weater generally like day and night? #3) Is there a newbie section?#4) Ya know what? I don't have to know it all. just trying to know what to expect. I guess I'll just have to show up and have fun in any case. Thanks.

Originally posted by Sthrasher38
#1) Required gear, Bet as specific as possiable please.

Helmet, knee & elbow pads, ground stake, a stuff sack after landing your foil, and smaller foils... most of yours listed are about the max size you will use. Your smallest should be around 2m and all should be stable in gusty winds.

#2) Whats the weater generally like day and night?

Hot to very cool. No wind to high winds. Bring t-shirts and a coat. Levis offer better protection than shorts should you get ejected. (the playa is like sandpaper)

#3) Is there a newbie section?

Yes, and we all stand around and laugh. Kidding! Actually no, just remember it's a big playa so spread out. Corey should be along shortly with more specifics. He loves to tell people where to go. :frog:

#4) Ya know what? I don't have to know it all. just trying to know what to expect. I guess I'll just have to show up and have fun in any case. Thanks.

Just take it slow and easy. Start out with a smaller foil than you think you will need as the playa is very fast and the winds tend to build as the day goes on. Watch out for the sucker wind though, don't get too far from camp when the winds first start building as they can drop to zero again for minutes to hours at a time. Carry a length of rope to pull your buggy with in case of the sucker wind or other equipment failure.

Also, watch out for the dust devils. If you see one coming, unhook from your harness and be prepared to let your foil go if necessary. Watch your back side continuously as they're sneaky devils.

And yes, just show up and have fun!

Bring something for the mornings (or day) where there is no wind. Fighter kite, boomerang, something.

Steve Bateman

I have been told to leave my big kites at home. Is this good advice ?

Also, if I took my Surf style impact vest would it be of any value ?

If you don't bring it:you will need it!..............aj

I think one of the main things that you need to remember is that this is a fun event and designed around that simple thing.

The Playa can throw anything and everything at you at any time so trying to say which kites you should and should not bring is about impossible. Bring it all because one day it could be blowing well into the upper 20's or 30's and the very next day you may be watching smoke rise straight up.

As mentioned, you should wear plenty of protective gear. The surface is like a very coarse sandpaper and if your skin comes in contact with it, the surface will win. Long pants/jeans and maybe a long sleeve shirt/jacket are usually preferred when buggying because of the added protection. When not buggying you may want to change out to shorts and a tank top (depending on the weather) or you may want to add on a sweater. Knee and elbow pads are also recommended, especially if you are boarding and always use a helmet.

That time of year the temps can get pretty warm during the day but it can drop down and get quite chilly at night. The winds are generally stronger that time of year but they can be a bit unpredictable. As said, mornings are usually a little calmer. The wind usually picks up around 1 to 2-ish pm.

Bring lots and lots of water and drink it constantly. Alcohol and soda are also welcome but with the temps and the dust it is super easy to get dehydrated...especially if you come from an area with more moisture.

The event is geared around fun. Relax, enjoy the people, don't be afraid to venture into other camp areas and say hello, introduce yourself. If your there...your family. Get to know your buggy brethren. You will get the chance to ride with some of the best buggiers on the planet...but you will also be able to learn with some of the newest family members to our sport. You are welcome to participate in everything and encouraged to do so. If you need any help or info, just ask your neighbor. If you can help someone else then awesome. If you need help then we are all there to lend a hand.

I as well as all of my buggy family will be looking forward to seeing you on the playa!

Thanks everyone! Very helpful also. Lots of great advise and very friendly thanks.

don't forget glow sticks, potato guns, misc light up toys and magnetic attachable night lights for buggy and kites.

AFLAC is good too.

I think potato guns are off limits on the dry lake by the blm.

Susan

Night lights will be cool though. Oh, I get ta go,I get ta go, I am so excited!! My wife finally agreed to go with if I buggy for two days and take her to vegas on the last day.I love her! Well I will be looking forward to meeting a lot of you. This is something I could only dream about a year ago.So life has been good to me lately. Never say never because dreams do come true. How many days left? lol.

8 weeks to go

Agreeing with all of the above, water, leave no trace, protection, stuff to do when not buggying, different kites, every size kite(always! I did it again last year, and got skunked!), bring some fire wood for the night community fire(approved burn barrels only)if you are driving, single line kites, sport kite for light wind, a new joke to tell Corey, make a shot car, make sure you have a small traction kite for the higher winds.

One thing i always do, after having learned the hard way, is to take a kite much smaller than what i think i'm going to need, and just do some warm up runs. If you haven't buggy'd [sp] on the hard, it is fast, and it can surprise you.

Don't hesitate to ask for help either or advice, that's what we are hear for.

Make sure you check the big white tents white board everyday for activities you might like to join in.

We are a wind driven sport, so things we want to do have to wait till there is wind to do them, and we never know when Earl is going to show up, and or how hard.

Now, for some aoxomoxoa. . .