Surfing Traction Pad

Surfing Traction Pad

Riding a wheeled board with a land kite providing the traction is a similar sport to kite surfing. All it really takes to get into kite boarding over land is some open space, a traction kite and a landboard of just about any kind. Oh, and some basic power kite flying skills of course! The idea is to get the kite overhead first. Then, when you are on your board and ready to roll, the kite is brought down to generate some sideways pull like a sail. With the kite moving in the same direction as the board, you are on your way.

Here's some reasons why newcomers to kite sports might prefer boarding with a land kite over kite surfing out on the ocean waves...

• it's a lot easier to learn
• most people get the hang of it in under 2 hours
• the equipment is cheaper
• you don't have to get wet!
• if necessary, power kiting skills can be picked up while you learn

Landboarding has been around since the 90s, and like snowkiting is making use of all the latest traction kite technology. A close relation to the land board is the buggy. It's just a bit bigger and encloses the driver, but the techniques are similar. It's still 4 wheels and a kite. Here some of the names that are used to refer to either one of these variations on the sport:

• kiteboarding
• kite landboarding
• land kiteboarding
• fly boarding
• parakarting
• kite buggying
• land surfing
• kite sailing

The Kites

There are a lot of similarities here with snowkiting. The requirements are so similar. You want a steerable kite with decent pull, crash-proof in case it contacts the ground hard, and packable into a small space for traveling convenience. Also desirable is the ability to re-launch off the ground without having to walk over to it, and the ability to 'depower' the kite during strong gusts of wind.

All that adds up to one particular kind of kite. The parafoil, often abbreviated to just 'foil'. Foils are flexible, with an upper and lower surface when inflated. Openings at the front edge allow air in which pressurizes the kite and makes it behave like an aircraft wing. Most depowerable designs have 4 lines, which allow steering and also the 'angle of attack' to the wind which controls power. Like many modern kites of all types, rip-stop nylon is the most commonly used material for the sail.

Pulling one end of the bar at a time steers the kite. Pulling both ends in towards your body increases the pull of the kite, while letting the bar out decreases the pull of the kite. For emergencies, some land kites have a quick-release mechanism to let you get rid of the kite in a hurry. The people who sell the kites can advise on how to get into the sport with the right gear.

The Boards

Many kite boarders use 'mountain boards' which are basically over-sized skateboards. The wheels are pump-up rather than hard as on traditional roller skates or skate-boards. Since so many people are into these sports, there are many manufacturers all trying to get a piece of the action. That means more different kite board designs than you can poke a stick at!

Even so, it's possible to make some very general statements about all these boards. Here's a few reasons to consider the most expensive boards, if you can afford them...

• these boards are easier to use since they allow turning while traveling at lower speeds
• most of them have 'active suspension', which is handy for doing jumps or going over rough ground
• composite construction is more expensive, but results in much lighter boards - important for kiting

Other Kite Boarding Gear

Did I say all you need is a land kite and a board or buggy? That's not quite true if you want a painless experience! Here's all the other bits of gear that complete the picture.

• a ground-stake to keep the kite tethered when you're not actually using it
• a wind meter so you know exactly what wind strength you are dealing with
• spare parts and repair tape
• tools
• safety equipment such as helmet, kneepads and elbow pads

Conclusion - Where To Do Kite Boarding

The best place to do land kite boarding is any large flat area with constant wind and no obstructions. However, with some care, any open space can be used. You just don't want yourself or the kite to crash into anything. In particular, things to avoid include power cables, buildings and other people.

Here's a summary of the types of areas kite boarders can be seen at.

• parks
• sports fields
• farmers' fields
• large outdoor parking lots
• hard-packed sandy beaches
• school grounds
• dry lake beds

Here in Australia you could probably add clay pans and salt lakes as well!

Tim Parish and his family have rediscovered the joys of kiting. They blog their kite flying fun on their my-best-kite.com website, and also research the kiting world. This site will introduce you to many kinds of kites and kite flying activities, including land kite boarding, of course!

Traction Pad $40.99 Stomp Grip Traction Pad A better alternative to grip tape Will not grind or rip pants and boots Helps to reduce arm pump and fatigue Aggressive traction for ultimate control Ultra clear elastomer material Peel and stick super strong adhesive

Surfing $10 Surfing

Universal Traction Pad Sheet $40.99 Stomp Grip Universal Traction Pad Sheet If you are a grip tape fanatic, you should consider switching to the Stomp Grip traction pad Make gripping the bike incredibly easy, and requires less energy to hold onto the bike A better alternative to grip tape Will not grind or rip pants and boots Helps to reduce arm pump and fatigue Aggressive traction for ultimate control Ultra clear elastomer material Peel and stick super strong adhesive Sheet measures 7.5" x 14.75"

GARRETT PARKES Traction Pad $38 The groms are out! Surf fast, light, and fluid like Garrett Parks with this sick new signature traction pad. Stick your big airs and turns, and stop blaming your falls on your crappy wax! Features include: DIAMOND LOC TRACTION DESIGN Ultra thin pad base Big kick with bevelled sides 3M adhesive backing VIVID COLOUR handcut patterns

KOA SMITH Traction Pad $38 Wave of the day comes to you...you make the drop, pull under the curtain, and your back foot slips off right before getting the barrel of the day.... Surf better with this new signature Koa Smith traction pad. Features include: SQUARE LOC traction design Ultra thin pad base Big kick with bevelled sides 3M adhesive backing VIVID COLOUR handcut patterns

AARON CORMICAN Traction Pad $38 Very few people pull big airs as regularly as Aaron Cormican...Notice how he stays over his board, and sticks almost everything? Who else to design this sick new signature tailpad? Features include: SQUARE LOC traction design Ultra thin pad base Big kick with bevelled sides 3M adhesive backing VIVID COLOUR handcut patterns

walrus mouse pad Surfing Mousepad by CafePress $13 Bill loved surfing the web at work. Surfing Mousepad Keep your mouse rolling in style on our durable cloth top mousepad. A great gift for geeks, gamers, or anyone with a computer. Rubber backing prevents the mousepad from sliding. Machine washable.

Universal Traction Pad Stunt Kit $84.95 Stomp Grip Universal Traction Pad Stunt Kit STOMPGRIP Traction Pads for streetbikes make gripping your ride incredibly easy, and therefore require less energy to hold on to the bike. The Signature Stunt Kits are custom designed by Jason Britton and Aaron Colton and engineered to fit tank sides, tank tops, tail sections, & more. The kits are universal and can be used on most stunt bikes with tank tops that have built-in kicktails and pieces to place where it's needed for stunting. Increased bike control. More contact between the bike and rider. Reduced fatigue and arm pump. More lower body grip and less upper body stress. Ultra-clear proprietary elastomer material. Developed to meet STOMP's exacting specs. (pat. pend.) Also available in black. Aggressive volcano profile traction bumps. Paint and graphics remain visible through the traction pads. Non-abrasive material. Designed to wear down and be replaced like a tire. Does not wear leathers as compared to griptape. Pre-molded with rounded edges that resist peeling. Super strong 3M peel-and-stick adhesive. MADE IN THE USA

Xtrak Igniter Traction Pad (Assorted) $36 The trident is 11 x 12.5 back 2-piece with heavy tail lift. The front pad 2-piece is 12 x 2.5. The crossbow is a back pad 2-piece 11 x 11 with tail riser. The front of pad 2-piece is 12 x 6. The igniter has kick, and built in arch. This is a 3 color design. Order blue for the igniter, black for the crossbow, and yellow for the trident. It's a great pad

Danya B Qba75345Ens Surfing Wall Decor Set $41.54 4 piece surf wall decor set includes surfing memo pad with mirror and pegs 2 surfing hanging hooks and a surfing wall clock. Ideal to decorate a child s or sports fan room.. Materials: MDF Mirror Cork. Dimensions: Closk: 10 ; Memo Pad: 20x12 ; Pegs: 4.75x4.75 each

GARRETT PARKES Traction Pad - rasta, one size $38 The groms are out! Surf fast, light, and fluid like Garrett Parks with this sick new signature traction pad. Stick your big airs and turns, and stop blaming your falls on your crappy wax! Features include: DIAMOND LOC TRACTION DESIGN Ultra thin pad base Big kick with bevelled sides 3M adhesive backing VIVID COLOUR handcut patterns

Dakine Machado Pro Traction Pad - Midnight $38 Get the ultimate in comfort and functionality with this Machado Pro Traction Pad by Dakine. Made with Dakine’s specially formulated EVA, this pad is guaranteed to retain its specific density and 100% memory in any water temperature. It stays sticky and grippy in icy waters, won’t rub your knees raw in warm tropical waters and since it’s made from the best 3M Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, it won’t peel off until you take it off! With this pad, you’ll always be in top form.

Dakine Machado Pro Traction Pad - Pop $38 Get the ultimate in comfort and functionality with this Machado Pro Traction Pad by Dakine. Made with Dakine’s specially formulated EVA, this pad is guaranteed to retain its specific density and 100% memory in any water temperature. It stays sticky and grippy in icy waters, won’t rub your knees raw in warm tropical waters and since it’s made from the best 3M Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, it won’t peel off until you take it off! With this pad, you’ll always be in top form.

Xtrak Slingshot Traction Pad (Assorted) $36 This is a cool design on something so functional brought to you by trak. Order blue for slingshot and red for raptor.

Dakine John John Pro Traction Pad - Black $38 Get the ultimate in comfort and functionality with this John John Pro Traction Pad by Dakine. Made with Dakine’s specially formulated EVA, this pad is guaranteed to retain its specific density and 100% memory in any water temperature. It stays sticky and grippy in icy waters, won’t rub your knees raw in warm tropical waters and because it is made from the best 3M Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, it won’t peel off until you take it off so you’ll always be in top form! You'll only get the best from Dakine.

Dakine Thinline Pro Traction Pad - Black $35 Get the ultimate in comfort and functionality with this Thinline Pro Traction Pad by Dakine. Made with Dakine’s specially formulated EVA, this pad is guaranteed to retain its specific density and 100% memory in any water temperature. It stays sticky and grippy in icy waters, won’t rub your knees raw in warm tropical waters and because it is made from the best 3M Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, it won’t peel off until you take it off so you’ll always be in top form! A stout 25mm of rolled tail kick, will keep you dug in your sweet spot through the most critical sections. You'll only get the best from Dakine.

Dakine Thinline Pro Traction Pad - Lime Green $35 Get the ultimate in comfort and functionality with this Thinline Pro Traction Pad by Dakine. Made with Dakine’s specially formulated EVA, this pad is guaranteed to retain its specific density and 100% memory in any water temperature. It stays sticky and grippy in icy waters, won’t rub your knees raw in warm tropical waters and because it is made from the best 3M Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, it won’t peel off until you take it off so you’ll always be in top form! A stout 25mm of rolled tail kick, will keep you dug in your sweet spot through the most critical sections. You'll only get the best from Dakine.