Leaderboard

Due to really good ice conditions this winter I have been busy with a fun project. Having tried using wing(inflatable handheld traction device mostly used for foiling as in wingfoiling) as a propulsion device when ice skating, I could not let the thought that the thick leading edge of the inflatable wings were the limiting factor in top speed. So i buried myself in the shed and started building my own version. As usual no real plans to follow but somewhat inspired by kitewings ridgid frame wings. A week of late nights later and the wing was ready. About 3m2 sail area. Limited testing possibilities so far but the slim leading edge has a real advantage over the commercial inflatable wings when it comes to top speed but of course at a price of lower amounts of lift. However i like the fact that I could outrun wings with almost double the sail area when it comes to top speed. Some action up to around 50kmh 6ms windspeed gusting to 12. Soft slushy ice surface with pools of water on top. Nordic skates.

Wow! That was an exhilarating watch from the comfort of my couch. Well done. (I had to look up and refresh my memory about Nordic skates. I guess it might be a little trickier on my old hockey skates, eh? 😉 ) .

Hi Fireliner, You seem to know a lot about kite geometry and overall kite dy namics and physics. Trimming in my experiences is worth experimenting with. Little changes sometimes make big differences. Like you know sail loading is useful to determine pulling force. Your idea of keeping angle more perpendicular to wind should optimize wind. Like you said ease of use and manageability often out weigh other benefits. What is the clear panel? Mylar laminant? You seem to be on track for an awesome final motor. Your prototype looks very professional. Maybe some one might be interested in manufacturing some for sale. Good for buggy pulling too. That's also lots of fun. Keep tinkering and you should end up with a great result. Thanks again for the way cool video.

Hi Firelier, awesome area your skating. Your no plans approach is commended, more fun and experimenting and mistakes lead to success. Impressed with professional design. Since speed is main objective maybe lighten frame w/ carbon and maybe increase sail area a bit. Increase the l e curve for more lift out of the slush. A hybrid Ridgid and inflatable tube design might get you the benefits of both? Your definitely out performing the 2x inflatable foil that are not as user friendly as your design. Too much lift seems scary on skates. A handle or strap on l e might be HANDY. Let me know if you make another design. I am making a quad sort of like the Fulcrum. Good luck and keep on experiminting