Hello fellow kiters,

I am an industrial design student and i am doing my thesis project on kite skiing and boarding. I am at the begining stage and looking at a wide range of problems and possibilities and therefore taking everything into consideration.

I have been doing a fair bit of research and my first question is:
I was wondering if anyone knows of any winter buggies (other than the expedition ones!).
Also i am looking into improving existing harnesses for winter use.
Is there any problems with kite surfing harnesses used in the winter?
fit, protection?

Is there anything that would make your winter kiting experience, easier, safer or more exciting?

Does a totally different way of riding a kite in the winter seem crazy?


If anybody has any ideas, coments, or feedback that would be greatly appreciated.


ciao

mf

Quote:

Originally posted by kiko I was wondering if anyone knows of any winter buggies

Many people use their standard land buggy replacing the wheels with short skis or ice blades. Some folks are producing the blades for sale, but no names come to my mind so early in the morning.

I did a quick Google search and found this site. It shows a makeshift/homemade buggy with blades, but you get the idea. He also has a side-gliding contraption that looks weird but fun:
http://web.media.mit.edu/~ewilhelm/projects/proa

I have snowbuggied a few years ago with Ted Dougherty in the Colorado mountains and had a blast. He made short skis with sharp metal cutters along the sides so the buggy could travel through snow and ice. Seemed to work well enough (he has the pics).

Regarding harnesses... I find that the surf harnesses work great and can't make any suggestions for improvements. Perhaps the guys at the kitesailing school in Switzerland can offer some ideas. They host several winter events each year.
http://www.kitesailing.ch

Good luck with your project,
BC

Hello,

Thank you very much for the reply and the links. They are very helpful. I guess what i am thinking, after seeing what is out there is that if people are making their own or customizing existing buggies to make a snow or ice buggy then there is definite market and potential to make a kickass buggy. I also think this because winter buggying poses different scenarios that have not been looked at in the design and manufacturing of kite products.
Concerning harnesses for example i went to the local surf shop and was looking at various different buckle systems. Most made of metal, and were not able to lock in unless you were to take your gloves off. This may be due to the fact that it is still a new an growing sport as oppose to kitesurfing and landbuggying, which has taken off completly.
I guess what i would like to do is design something for winter kiting. Design for a growing sport, and make it more an enjoyable, safe and intuitive experience.


Well that is what i am thinking anyway!!

Thanks again for your feedback. I appreciate it greatly

If there is any more thoughts or opinions concerning these topics, please feel free to reply, it is always good to hear from other users, beginners and experts ...

take it easy, and happy kiting !!!

ciao

mf