Class 8 parakarts

Skimming across a beach, seated only an inch or two above the surface, a large 'foil' catches the wind and drives you along at 35+ mph - that's parakarting!

Whether it be the recreational or competitive aspects of parakarting that appeals to you, it provides an exhilarating experience for the pilot. Freestyle riding, high-speed cruising, or pitting your skills against others in a race, the choice is yours!

Also known as kite-buggies, these are the only craft featured in these pages that use a kite for traction. Various sizes are used, matched to the speed of the wind - small kites for high wind and larger kites for low. The most commonly used kites are of the four-line 'traction variety' - very powerful, but they can be controlled with a great deal of precision.

The parakart, like the traction kite, has developed considerably over the last few years and it has evolved into two basic types. The freestyle parakart is light and manoeuvrable, whilst the racing parakart is more strongly built with a longer wheelbase and wider track. Construction remains basically the same - a frame supporting three wheels and a seat, the front wheel being steered by the feet.

The parakart can operate on a variety of surfaces. Large beaches are possibly the most popular, but just about any open space can be used including fields, parks and airfields.

There is a range of racing events to suit just about everybody, from the 'have-a-go' races run at festivals to country-wide events that create national champions and a team to represent the country in class 8 international competition.

Fun and sportsmanship are the key elements though, and there is a large supportive community ready to welcome new members. If you would like further information, take a look at the Club page, or the selection of websites featured here.

To get a taste of what class 8 land sailing is about, take a look at the video clips on the Wirral SYC web site. The clips feature a number of pilots on the vast sand banks off the coast of Hoylake.