If a summer of doing the same old things is putting a damper on your vacation, have a look in a kite store and bring home one of their kite buggies and a power kite for some addictive fun. These amazing kites are nothing like the one Ben Franklin used; they are a new generation of simple machines that let everyone, take outdoor entertainment to the next level.



What Is A Power Kite?

If you head to the kite store and compare a power kite to a traditional one, you will see the differences instantly. Often called a traction kite, a power kite is a large inflatable material designed to pull rather than glide. To turn, they have strings attached along the edges that are pulled on one side or the other to turn in the right direction. Perhaps the biggest benefit to traction kites is the variety of different activities that they can be used for. This includes landboarding, surfing, and they can even pull you along on rollerblades.

In order to decide which kite to buy, keep in mind that the bigger they are the harder they pull, and therefore, if you are an inexperienced flyer, you should start with a smaller kite. If you talk to a kite store, they will be able to help you choose the right one. You should also purchase safety equipment that should be worn at all times in order to keep you safe while enjoying this new activity.

What Are Kite Buggies?

Once you have become an expert flyer, hook it up to one of the many kite buggies for a new thrill. Kite buggies are a light go-cart type vehicle that can be attached to a power or traction kite to propel you across open land. There is no steering wheel or handles. Instead, there is a short piece of lightweight metal on either side of the front tire to allow the driver to brace himself when using the strings of the traction kite to turn and stop. To get one, a specialty kite store will often carry different styles and some experts even custom design their own.

Extreme Kite Sports

For the most experienced power kite flyers, several extreme sports have been developed to keep their adrenaline levels up. Kite surfing is popular on large bodies of open water while snow kiting is for those who prefer the snow. For kite buggies, buggy jumping and racing attract thousands of enthusiasts each year. Buggy jumping can even include different styles of jumps similar to skateboarding.

Whether you are an avid kite flyer or are new to the sport, power kite flying is a great way to experience something new and exciting. When you have that mastered, visit a kite store to find kite buggies, landboards, and other equipment to provide you with new challenges. As long as safety is kept in mind, a traction kite can provide years of outdoor entertainment.