Kiting Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are new to the sport or having been kiting for many years, there will always be questions to be asked.
Below we will post questions we get asked on a regualar basis and hopefully help to answer some of your questions.
If you have a question and cant find the answer, why not join our kite forum and ask the question there.
This sport looks fantastic, where can I get lessons?
TK are in touch with instructors in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland so why not contact us today and we will try and find an instructor close to you.
TK are in touch with instructors in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland so why not contact us today and we will try and find an instructor close to you.
I want to get in to the sport, what kite should I buy?
We recommend you to read our buyers guide. This will hopefully give you a better idea of what kite to buy.
We recommend you to read our buyers guide. This will hopefully give you a better idea of what kite to buy.
People keep on saying I should buy some kite killers, what are they?
Kite Killers are a safety system for 4 line traction kites.
Many kite manufacturers make and supply kite killers with their kites and can be bought seperately.
They are velcro straps which you place around your wrists and then attach the flex which is connected to the velcro straps to the brakes lines or handles on your kite.
Kite killers allow you to let go of your kite handles when you are over powered or in difficulty and but it allows you to still have relative control over the kite.
When you let go of the handles, the kite killers pull the brake lines on the kite and the kite will land safetly. This means if you are on a busy beach and you let go there is no risk of the kite hitting anyone or going in to the water.
Kite Killers are a safety system for 4 line traction kites.
Many kite manufacturers make and supply kite killers with their kites and can be bought seperately.
They are velcro straps which you place around your wrists and then attach the flex which is connected to the velcro straps to the brakes lines or handles on your kite.
Kite killers allow you to let go of your kite handles when you are over powered or in difficulty and but it allows you to still have relative control over the kite.
When you let go of the handles, the kite killers pull the brake lines on the kite and the kite will land safetly. This means if you are on a busy beach and you let go there is no risk of the kite hitting anyone or going in to the water.
Are there any restrictions in Scotland regarding kiting?
There are no complete bans on beaches that we are aware of. Some beaches such as Tentsmuir, near St Andrews, only allows you to static fly. Your not allowed land boards or buggys on the beach due to it being a nature reserve.
If you know of a ban near you, please let us know so we can tell others.
Have a look at our location map to find a park or beach near you.
There are no complete bans on beaches that we are aware of. Some beaches such as Tentsmuir, near St Andrews, only allows you to static fly. Your not allowed land boards or buggys on the beach due to it being a nature reserve.
If you know of a ban near you, please let us know so we can tell others.
Have a look at our location map to find a park or beach near you.
How fast can you go in a buggy with a kite?
With the correct conditions and a large enough area kiters have been known to hit speeds in excess of 30mph!
With the correct conditions and a large enough area kiters have been known to hit speeds in excess of 30mph!
When travelling at these speeds in any buggy, we highly recommend that you wear suitable safety equipment
e.g. A helmet designed to withstand an impact at high speeds.
Where can I get insurance from?
If you require 3rd party insurance for traction kiting then we would recommend visiting the scottish power kite association's website. (SPKA.org)
If you require 3rd party insurance for traction kiting then we would recommend visiting the scottish power kite association's website. (SPKA.org)
The SPKA support Scottish kiters by running the Scottish racing series and also buggy and land board freestyle competitions.