Parakart racing

[Deleted User]

Or traction Kite buggy racing, call it what you want but this weekend was the annual Icicles race at Westward Ho! north Devon.

The day was merky grey overcast to sunny and the winds light

Here is the UK's Top Pilote



Getting the eye from another pilote



This is how you slow down to take a turn when you have no brakes, stick it into a slide to scrub off the speed (the speeds were quite tame this weekend, only about 30mph)




Thank you for looking

Tim

banjopete

These looks as though there is some really great potential, but I can't figure out what's they're holding on to without a shot showing the sail.

With that being said the shots look pretty solid, but a wider angle might do more to convey the action and to see what is actually going on.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the comments Banojopete, at the other end of the handles that the pilots are holding is a kite, the problem is the kite is 25mtr+ away from the pilote



I guess knowing the sport it is easy for me to comprehend what I am looking at but for those who don't know just wonder what they are seeing



Thanks for the commends

Tim

crmitche

That looks INSANE! Cool shots too! Nothing like that around here.

Cheers
Craig

tjk60

how often are the kite lines tangled? Looks like a lotta fun

ian408

I love watching these guys. There's a local park with not much room--it's a dirt parking lot--and they get some serious speed going. I couldn't guess the speed but it's pretty quick given the lot isn't more than 300 yds end to end.

Nicely done! Especially the second. That you've got the pilot's eyes is great.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the comments guys, fortunately line tangles between kites is not that common but with four lines per kite losing control of your own kite can leave you with a large ball of string to sort out.

I am going to another event at the same beach in April which runs for three days and covers all types of traction kiting. Last years event was sold out with 500 kite flyers, the beach was just a sea of kites.

Tim