Information on the New Zealand Designed Blokart
How to Drive, History, and What it’s Like to Experience a Blokart
Aug 29, 2009
A Blokart is a small, three-wheeled cart that is powered by the wind. The sailor reclines in a sling seat, positioned just a few centimetres above the ground.
The Blokart is based on the principle of a sailboard, and is usually found on the flat sands beside the water.
A sailboard style sail catches the wind and pushes the Blokart forward.
The Blokart is steered with the front wheel that can turn in a very sharp angle.
Power is applied by pulling in the sail in the same manner as a sailboard or sailing boat.
The Blokart weighs only 29 kg (64 lb.). The entire Blokart, including the collapsible mast, packs up into a carry case that can be easily transported in a car. The Blokart can be assembled without tools in a few minutes.
How to Drive a Blokart
Driving a Blokart is reasonably easy, especially if the driver knows the general principles of sailing. That is, the direction of travel is generally at right-angles to the wind. The sail catches the wind and the action of the wind around the sail acts like the wing of a plane. This creates a force that propels the Blokart forward.
To turn a Blokart, the driver turns the Blokar’s steering wheel into the wind, the sail flips to the other side and picks up the wind. The Blokart then heads back on the same line.
The Blokart can be “tacked” or driven into the wind. This is when the Blokart is steered at an acute angle to the wind. The Blokart slows down, but by doing a zig-zag pattern, it is easy to drive the Blokart into the wind.
Where to Use a Blokart
A Blokart can be used on any wide, flat area with a constant, strong wind.
The most popular places are beaches where the tide goes out a long way, leaving a large, flat area which usually has uninterrupted winds.
Blokarts can also be used on large carparks, sports field or even on iced over lakes.
What’s It Like To Drive a Blokart
Driving a Blokart is tremendous fun. Similar to windsurfing, it is a simple way to be powered only by the wind.
Being low slung, with the driver’s backside just inches off the sand, is an exhilarating ride.
The most common ride is similar to sailboarding. A long, fast, downwind reach with the three tyres making a soft hiss on the sand as the Blokart gets up to high speeds. Followed by a challenging zig-zag tack back up the beach to do it all again.
Turning a Blokart can be an exciting experience. As the sails flips around and the wind catches it can lift the Blokart onto two wheels.
Beginner Blokart sailors have been known to tip the kart over while mastering the turn.
Unlike windsurfing, there is very little physical energy required, so a Blokart sailor doesn’t require much upper body and arm strength in order to sail successfully.
History of the Blokart
The Blokart is a New Zealand invention; developed by Paul Beckett in his garage.
The first Blokarts were sold in the year 2000 and nine years later there are around 12,000 throughout the world and 600 Blokarts in Australia.
Blokarts are gaining in popularity and are sure to be seen in many more beaches around the world. There is even a growing support base of Blokart devotees who are organising races, meetings and adventures to push their Blokarts to the limit.
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