Let’s Go Fly A Kite

Long lost seaside skills had to be re-learnt when the Adventurous Activities Group went kite buggying on Cam- ber sands in Kent.

We all flew kites when we were young but these kites were big and strong and we had to learn how to control them. Fortunately, we were blessed with a fine sunny day and a good strong off- shore wind But even in perfect conditions we all accidentally pulled the wrong control line and suffered spectacular kite crashes. Eventually we got the hang of it and could keep them airborne and more or less under perfect control.

The instructor was very strict, insisting we could not go near the three- wheel sand buggies until our kite skills were up to scratch. When he finally allowed us to sit in them and use wind power to get rolling it made perfect sense. High speed accidents are common among beginners!

It is tricky work, keeping your kite flying high above you as you stepped into the buggy and sat down. Steering with your feet while looking skywards also took concentration but It was such good fun that our three-hour lesson passed in a flash.

We were left with a few aching muscles but all agreed it was a great day out to spend by the seaside.

Mark Dowdney