WELCOME TO KITE BUGGYING
SWATK KITE LANDBOARDING
SOUTH AND WEST ASSOCIATION
OF TRACTION KITING
The South and West Association of Traction Kiting (SWATK), established in 2003, was originally formed by a small group of like-minded kiting enthusiasts to promote the sport of Power Kiting. We are a power kite traction club dedicated to promoting this sport. We are an affiliated British Kitesports Association (BKSA) club and can be found listed as "SWATK" on the British Kitesports membership and events portal.
Due to the Bristol Channel having the second largest tidal range (rise and fall) in the world, Weston and Brean offers a unique place to kite buggy, kite landboard depending on the winds and tide. Since we are also part of the BKSA you also have the opportunity to go further afield – see the BKSA website for details. Our members are a friendly diverse bunch. Our only aim is to have fun so please feel free to come and join us.
We look forward to meeting you The SWATK Crew
___________________________________________________________________
                              |
Saturday 19th September
All week the forecast for the weekend was looking good, we had the two days fully planned out with racing and free-flying on the Saturday and a have a go kite flying session on Sunday with a few people from the Vee Dub group. Saturday didn't go quite as planned, while the wind direction was on-shore there was barely enough for the pilots to get moving around in their buggies. By mid-afternoon the conditions hadn't improved and the decision to cancel the racing had been made. With little else to do but enjoy the warm weather we waited, eventually the wind picked up enough for everyone to get the big kites out and spend the last couple of hours of the afternoon tearing up the full length of the windzone before it dropped off. Finishing off the day with a BBQ, a few drinks and a lot of laughter. Sunday 20th Have a go and tandem buggy session. Back to beach to find it very soft and very wet, meaning we had to wait before all the vans could be parked up along side of the windzone, with vans unloaded, buggies set up and the arrival of the Vee Dub family the rest of the day was spent with the SWATK crew and members helping our guests get first hand experience of flying traction kites, followed by some tandem buggy rides being towed around by a couple of our experienced pilots. A lot of fun was had by everyone, and our guests left the beach with big smiles on their faces. A big thanks to the SWATK committee and club members for their time and help to make this day possible. Hopefully we will be able to do this again. See you on the beach soon... |
____________________________________________________________________________
|
15th March 2022 SWATK Race Weekend 12th- 13thMarch 2022 (BREAN SANDS) What a fantastic weekend it has been, after a 2 year break Club Racing has finally returned to the club. This past weekend was packed with some of our members socialising, free flying and full on buggy racing. Saturday morning and everyone on the beach by 10am, after a quick catch up, introductions to some new faces and checking the wind direction a course was set up for the first race day of the season. It wasn't long before the pilots had their kites in the air and making their way through the start gate and around the markers to get a feel for the course. The pilots racing were Karen Cutbush, Mark Coombs, Andy Barnett, Adam Whiston, Bart Bristow and 2 newcomers to club racing David Webb and Mark Brindley. Just after 12pm the first race got underway, the wind direction coming more or less cross shore and gusting up to 35mph, making the race a bit of a challenge for the pilots. After 3 laps the chequred flag was raised ending Race 1 with Bart taking 1stplace followed by Adam 2nd, Karen 3rd, David 4th, Mark B 5th and Andy 6th position. With short breaks between races to give pilots time decide if a kite change was needed races 2/3/4 & 5 were completed. With everyone on a high from the 5 races the decision was made to end the days racing there as the gusty conditions became an issue for the pilots. The overall results from the day saw Andy Barnett take 1st place, newcomers David Webb and Mark Brindley taking joint 2nd, Adam Whiston 3rd, Bart Bristow 4th, Karen Cutbush 5th and Mark Coombs 6th place. Well done to Andy for his 1st place, newcomers David Webb & Mark Brindley for some solid flying to take joint 2ndplace in their first race day and all pilots who took part, also a big thank you to Jo, Vicki and marshals for all their help keeping everyone safe during the races. With the racing done for the day, there was still some time for some free flying before packing up for the day. Sunday and back on the beach, the wind was forecast to drop off by early afternoon and so we needed to make the most of what we had, with similar conditions to the day before everyone got ready. Soon Mark, Adam, David, Karen and Vicki were cruising up and down the beach, the rain that was forecast had held off so far and we still had wind, by early afternoon a small course had been set up, the pilots spent the rest of the afternoon making their way around the markers and clocking up the laps in a practice session. By mid afternoon the rain had turned up calling an end to the day. This weekend we managed to get some long overdue beach therapy, spend time with friends and was a great start to the club's Buggy Race Season... For full race results https://swatk.weebly.com/race-series.html _________________________________________________ |
|
9/1/2022
Happy New Year Folks!
It's a new year and time to start getting ourselves and check our kit ready for the year ahead. Keep checking the members Facebook group for when and where other club members are organising a weekend of buggying and boarding. This years race dates will be uploaded to the Race Series page soon, and don't forget to check our Weston Weather and tide page before heading out for the latest forecast.
See you on the beach soon...
SWATK Crew.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Happy New Year Folks!
It's a new year and time to start getting ourselves and check our kit ready for the year ahead. Keep checking the members Facebook group for when and where other club members are organising a weekend of buggying and boarding. This years race dates will be uploaded to the Race Series page soon, and don't forget to check our Weston Weather and tide page before heading out for the latest forecast.
See you on the beach soon...
SWATK Crew.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
20/10/2019
Brean Beach did not disappoint, we had sunshine, onshore winds and a dryish beach. A perfect day for the last day of the SWATK Buggy Race 2019 season. Even though it was a small turnout we got in 3 great races with pilots Adam Whiston, Ryan Mcgavin, Mark Coombs and Steve Townsend battling it out.
The results for the races saw Ryan take 1st place on all 3 races and winner of the day, with Mark taking 2nd place with a 3rd, 2nd and 2nd, Adam came 3rd with 2nd, 4th and 3rd, and taking 4th place for the day in his first buggy race was Steve Townsend with a 4th, 3rd and 4th.
Well done to all who raced today.
The overall results for the season:
1st Place Adam Whiston 108 pts
2nd Place Mark Coombs 106 pts / 3rd place Ryan Mcgavin 60 pts
4th Bart Bristow 58 pts / 5th Mark Bruford & Karen Cutbush 54 pts / 7th Steve Townsend 52 pts
Congratulations to Adam, Mark, Ryan and well done to everyone who took part. Thanks to everyone who takes part and assistant race officers who helps make these races possible.
That's the end of the 2019 Buggy Race Series, but in this sport it's not the end of the season. Take this opportunity to get out on the beach as often as you can and use the time over the winter months to have fun and get yourself ready for the SWATK 2020 Buggy Race Series.
It will be here sooner than you realise...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Brean Beach did not disappoint, we had sunshine, onshore winds and a dryish beach. A perfect day for the last day of the SWATK Buggy Race 2019 season. Even though it was a small turnout we got in 3 great races with pilots Adam Whiston, Ryan Mcgavin, Mark Coombs and Steve Townsend battling it out.
The results for the races saw Ryan take 1st place on all 3 races and winner of the day, with Mark taking 2nd place with a 3rd, 2nd and 2nd, Adam came 3rd with 2nd, 4th and 3rd, and taking 4th place for the day in his first buggy race was Steve Townsend with a 4th, 3rd and 4th.
Well done to all who raced today.
The overall results for the season:
1st Place Adam Whiston 108 pts
2nd Place Mark Coombs 106 pts / 3rd place Ryan Mcgavin 60 pts
4th Bart Bristow 58 pts / 5th Mark Bruford & Karen Cutbush 54 pts / 7th Steve Townsend 52 pts
Congratulations to Adam, Mark, Ryan and well done to everyone who took part. Thanks to everyone who takes part and assistant race officers who helps make these races possible.
That's the end of the 2019 Buggy Race Series, but in this sport it's not the end of the season. Take this opportunity to get out on the beach as often as you can and use the time over the winter months to have fun and get yourself ready for the SWATK 2020 Buggy Race Series.
It will be here sooner than you realise...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
09/10/2019
We are under 2 weeks away from our final race day, hopefully we will be able to finish the race season on a high with some good full on buggy racing. The venue for the race weekend on our winter home of Brean Beach.
We are making a change from our usual race weekend, we plan to hold the weekends racing on the Saturday, this will give us the option to use Sunday for racing if we are unable to race on Saturday.
Details now up on the race page.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
15/09/2019
Last week a few of the SWATK race crew took part in the 4 Nations Kite Buggy race in Scotland , the end results saw three members of the crew take home 1st place trophies.
Well done to Ryan Mcgavin taking 1st Place overall, Karen Cutbush 1st Ladies and Mark Coombs 1st place Fixed Bridles.
Also well done to all pilots that took part in what was some difficult race conditions.
Next weekend will be round 5 of our club race series, details now up on the race page.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Last week a few of the SWATK race crew took part in the 4 Nations Kite Buggy race in Scotland , the end results saw three members of the crew take home 1st place trophies.
Well done to Ryan Mcgavin taking 1st Place overall, Karen Cutbush 1st Ladies and Mark Coombs 1st place Fixed Bridles.
Also well done to all pilots that took part in what was some difficult race conditions.
Next weekend will be round 5 of our club race series, details now up on the race page.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
01/09/2019
Last week saw some of the SWATK race crew head north to the south west coast of Scotland, this club road trips main reason going back to Scotland is to take part in the 4 Nations Kite Buggy Race taking place next week.
The couple of short videos below shows the crew stopping off on the way to spend some time on the waters of Loch Ken kayaking.
Updates will be posted up as their journey unfolds...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Last week saw some of the SWATK race crew head north to the south west coast of Scotland, this club road trips main reason going back to Scotland is to take part in the 4 Nations Kite Buggy Race taking place next week.
The couple of short videos below shows the crew stopping off on the way to spend some time on the waters of Loch Ken kayaking.
Updates will be posted up as their journey unfolds...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
14/07/2019
The end of last month a few club members headed over to Les Hemmes to take part in the annual 8hr Endurance Race, followed by a short trip up to Amsterdam before returning home. Next weekend we will be returning to Uphill (Weston Super Mare) for round 4 of our own club race season.
Details for round 4 are now posted on our Race page...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The end of last month a few club members headed over to Les Hemmes to take part in the annual 8hr Endurance Race, followed by a short trip up to Amsterdam before returning home. Next weekend we will be returning to Uphill (Weston Super Mare) for round 4 of our own club race season.
Details for round 4 are now posted on our Race page...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
8H LES HEMMES 2019 from Mark Coombs on Vimeo.
KAYAKING ZEEBURG AMSTERDAM from Mark Coombs on Vimeo.
27/05/2019
This weekend just gone saw SWATK members descend on Weston Windzone for the first time this year for 2 days of flying with some racing thrown in for good measure, Saturday turned out to be a great session with cross onshore winds and a dry beach followed by a BBQ later that evening. Sunday however didn't turn out as planned, the weather had decided to change on us and the racing had to be cancelled due to rain, but we still manged to have fun and get some footage from saturday's buggy action.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
This weekend just gone saw SWATK members descend on Weston Windzone for the first time this year for 2 days of flying with some racing thrown in for good measure, Saturday turned out to be a great session with cross onshore winds and a dry beach followed by a BBQ later that evening. Sunday however didn't turn out as planned, the weather had decided to change on us and the racing had to be cancelled due to rain, but we still manged to have fun and get some footage from saturday's buggy action.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
SWATK Summer Playground from Dazman on Vimeo.
20/05/2019
Ok folks, just under a week to go before round 3 of the club race season and we a back to small course racing as we are back in the wind-zone for the summer
Details about the racing is on the Race Series Page.
See you all next week.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ok folks, just under a week to go before round 3 of the club race season and we a back to small course racing as we are back in the wind-zone for the summer
Details about the racing is on the Race Series Page.
See you all next week.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
22/04/2019
After a fantastic start to the race season back last month we are just under a week away from round 2 of the race season. Check out the video below of footage from the Round 1.
Details about the racing is on the Race Series Page.
See you all next week.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
After a fantastic start to the race season back last month we are just under a week away from round 2 of the race season. Check out the video below of footage from the Round 1.
Details about the racing is on the Race Series Page.
See you all next week.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
18/03/2019
THAT WAS ONE WILD AND WINDY WEEKEND ON BREAN SANDS.
After last weeks storms, this weekend gone saw the SWATK Crew and members hit the beach for round 1 of the club buggy race series.
SATURDAY: with winds gusting over 40 mph and cross onshore, a few brave souls spent a few hours ripping up the sand and dodging the debris left by the tide. With GPS units strapped to their buggys it was a good day for speed runs, with the fastest run of the day made by Karen Cutbush at 52.5 mph.
SUNDAY: the wind speed had dropped off a bit but was still well above 20 mph forecast to build and onshore, perfect for a days racing. Pilots briefing called shortly followed by the first race, with little time for a break between each race due to the increasing wind speeds the racing was all over with in less than 90 minutes leaving all pilots exhausted but with smiles on their faces.
The racing itself was extremely close and intense with the pilots determined to catch up and overtake each other, making it highly entertaining for any spectator to watch. After the races the pilots managed to continue ripping up the beach before the winds increased lifting the sand and shifting it up towards the dunes, after 2 days of being blasted by high winds we left the Brean Sands feeling windswept but happy after a great weekend and fantastic start to the Race Season.
RACE RESULTS CAN BE FOUND ON THE RACE SERIES PAGE...
Video's and Photo's from the weekend will follow soon.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
THAT WAS ONE WILD AND WINDY WEEKEND ON BREAN SANDS.
After last weeks storms, this weekend gone saw the SWATK Crew and members hit the beach for round 1 of the club buggy race series.
SATURDAY: with winds gusting over 40 mph and cross onshore, a few brave souls spent a few hours ripping up the sand and dodging the debris left by the tide. With GPS units strapped to their buggys it was a good day for speed runs, with the fastest run of the day made by Karen Cutbush at 52.5 mph.
SUNDAY: the wind speed had dropped off a bit but was still well above 20 mph forecast to build and onshore, perfect for a days racing. Pilots briefing called shortly followed by the first race, with little time for a break between each race due to the increasing wind speeds the racing was all over with in less than 90 minutes leaving all pilots exhausted but with smiles on their faces.
The racing itself was extremely close and intense with the pilots determined to catch up and overtake each other, making it highly entertaining for any spectator to watch. After the races the pilots managed to continue ripping up the beach before the winds increased lifting the sand and shifting it up towards the dunes, after 2 days of being blasted by high winds we left the Brean Sands feeling windswept but happy after a great weekend and fantastic start to the Race Season.
RACE RESULTS CAN BE FOUND ON THE RACE SERIES PAGE...
Video's and Photo's from the weekend will follow soon.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stormy Dayz from Dazman on Vimeo.
03/03/2019
We are 2 weeks away from the start of the clubs buggy race season. Saturday is the usual free flying session and a good time to get some practice in before the race day. Lets have a great turn out, if you haven't raced before and would like to give it a go this weekend is a great opportunity to find out more about it.
Details about the racing is on the Race Series Page.
Remember this weekend isn't just about the racing, it's also a good time to join in the fun and catch up / fly with other members.
See you all in a fortnight.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
We are 2 weeks away from the start of the clubs buggy race season. Saturday is the usual free flying session and a good time to get some practice in before the race day. Lets have a great turn out, if you haven't raced before and would like to give it a go this weekend is a great opportunity to find out more about it.
Details about the racing is on the Race Series Page.
Remember this weekend isn't just about the racing, it's also a good time to join in the fun and catch up / fly with other members.
See you all in a fortnight.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
17/02/2019
SWATK has always been about making sure our members have fun, over the 16 years since the club was formed back in 2003 there has been many road trips around the beaches of the UK and Europe.
With many friendships formed and some great memories made the following video created by Mark Coombs and Ian Lloyd is a fantastic compilation from the past 10 years of Club Members doing what they do best and that is having fun!!!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
SWATK has always been about making sure our members have fun, over the 16 years since the club was formed back in 2003 there has been many road trips around the beaches of the UK and Europe.
With many friendships formed and some great memories made the following video created by Mark Coombs and Ian Lloyd is a fantastic compilation from the past 10 years of Club Members doing what they do best and that is having fun!!!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
TEN YEARS OF SWATK from Mark Coombs on Vimeo.
19/11/18
Well folks
This weekend just gone saw the end of our buggy race season, it's been a hard season with half the race days cancelled due to the weather conditions, but we at least managed to get 3 races in on the final day despite the gusty off shore winds. The pilots did really well and seemed to enjoy themselves going by the girly screams that could be heard as they made their way around the course.
Well done to everyone who took part throughout the year, and congratulations to Ryan Mcgavin taking first place, Mark Coombs second and Bart Bristow with third place in the Depower Class. Also congratulations to our Sponsored Rider Adam Whiston taking home the first place trophy in the Handles Class.
A big thanks to Race Officer Assistants: Ryan Mcgavin, Russell Winters, Bart Bristow for all their help to run these race days.
For the full season race results go to the race season page....
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Well folks
This weekend just gone saw the end of our buggy race season, it's been a hard season with half the race days cancelled due to the weather conditions, but we at least managed to get 3 races in on the final day despite the gusty off shore winds. The pilots did really well and seemed to enjoy themselves going by the girly screams that could be heard as they made their way around the course.
Well done to everyone who took part throughout the year, and congratulations to Ryan Mcgavin taking first place, Mark Coombs second and Bart Bristow with third place in the Depower Class. Also congratulations to our Sponsored Rider Adam Whiston taking home the first place trophy in the Handles Class.
A big thanks to Race Officer Assistants: Ryan Mcgavin, Russell Winters, Bart Bristow for all their help to run these race days.
For the full season race results go to the race season page....
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
11/11/18
Next weekend will be the last Race day of our 2018 Buggy Race Season, and the SWATK AGM (For members only).
Saturday is the usual free fly day and the last chance to get a bit of practice in before the racing on Sunday.
Sunday morning the AGM will be held on the beach before the racing, and will start between 10.00 and 10.30.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Next weekend will be the last Race day of our 2018 Buggy Race Season, and the SWATK AGM (For members only).
Saturday is the usual free fly day and the last chance to get a bit of practice in before the racing on Sunday.
Sunday morning the AGM will be held on the beach before the racing, and will start between 10.00 and 10.30.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
16/9/18
Well that’s another Swatk weekend over. There were tears there was blood and a lot of laughter and that’s before the race day lol . Big hand to Adam the Swatk sponsored rider on passing his practical PKA test .Theory next then see you at Brean for round one of the PKA series. Saturday saw some very close flying which was not without its traumas (Russ). Sunday saw 3 races not the best direction and lumpy winds and a very fast incoming tide . This was some great short course racing with some of the cones under water as well as the pilots . Well done to all the pilots that took part and well done to Adam not the easiest racing and thanks to Daz, Russ and David for a great race day .
Race Results are now up on the Race page.
Photo's and video's from the weekend to follow...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Well that’s another Swatk weekend over. There were tears there was blood and a lot of laughter and that’s before the race day lol . Big hand to Adam the Swatk sponsored rider on passing his practical PKA test .Theory next then see you at Brean for round one of the PKA series. Saturday saw some very close flying which was not without its traumas (Russ). Sunday saw 3 races not the best direction and lumpy winds and a very fast incoming tide . This was some great short course racing with some of the cones under water as well as the pilots . Well done to all the pilots that took part and well done to Adam not the easiest racing and thanks to Daz, Russ and David for a great race day .
Race Results are now up on the Race page.
Photo's and video's from the weekend to follow...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
9/9/18
We are 1 week away from Round 5 of our race weekends.
Details for this weekend is on our race page...
This means we are just over a month away from our final race day at the end of October, which we will be sharing with the PKA at the start of their Race Season... more details of this will be posted early next month...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
We are 1 week away from Round 5 of our race weekends.
Details for this weekend is on our race page...
This means we are just over a month away from our final race day at the end of October, which we will be sharing with the PKA at the start of their Race Season... more details of this will be posted early next month...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
12/8/18
Next week is the 4th round of our race season, current forecast for next weekend is looking good and as we have only managed to hold a few races we could do with a few more.
Details for this weekend is on our race page...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Next week is the 4th round of our race season, current forecast for next weekend is looking good and as we have only managed to hold a few races we could do with a few more.
Details for this weekend is on our race page...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
SWATK ROAD TRIP 2018 from Mark Coombs on Vimeo.
14/7/18
The past few weeks has been the club has been busy check out the our video/photo gallery to see what we have been up to.
We have finally had our first buggy race of the season, go to our race page for the results.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The past few weeks has been the club has been busy check out the our video/photo gallery to see what we have been up to.
We have finally had our first buggy race of the season, go to our race page for the results.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
14/6/18
SWATK EURO TRIP 2018
This week has seen some club members and family head off on a 2 Week Road Trip around Europe. You can follow where they have been on our news & articles page...
_______________________________________________________
SWATK EURO TRIP 2018
This week has seen some club members and family head off on a 2 Week Road Trip around Europe. You can follow where they have been on our news & articles page...
_______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
EURO'S 2017 - HOYLAKE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Tuesday 29 August to Saturday 2
Last week saw 5 club members join the England team to take part in European Kite Buggy Championships competing against 4 other countries Scotland, Germany, France and The Netherlands. Well done to Karen Cutbush, Ryan McGavin, Barry Cook, Russell Winters, Bart Bristow and the rest Team England.
RESULTS can be found here www.kitebuggyeuros.com/
and Video coverage of the event below thanks to Bicycle Production.
Last week saw 5 club members join the England team to take part in European Kite Buggy Championships competing against 4 other countries Scotland, Germany, France and The Netherlands. Well done to Karen Cutbush, Ryan McGavin, Barry Cook, Russell Winters, Bart Bristow and the rest Team England.
RESULTS can be found here www.kitebuggyeuros.com/
and Video coverage of the event below thanks to Bicycle Production.
EUROS 2017 HOYLAKE from Mark Coombs on Vimeo.
RACE WEEKEND 5th/6th AUGUST 2017
This weekend was Round 4 of the Club race season at Weston Super Mare Windzone, we had a great turnout with 12 Pilots racing round a short course. Check out news & articles and see what some of our members comments from this weekend, race results are posted in the Race Series page and a few photo's and video can be found in our Photo/Video Gallery.
This weekend was Round 4 of the Club race season at Weston Super Mare Windzone, we had a great turnout with 12 Pilots racing round a short course. Check out news & articles and see what some of our members comments from this weekend, race results are posted in the Race Series page and a few photo's and video can be found in our Photo/Video Gallery.
SWATK is not only just about kiting, there is an active social side to the club. Our latest social event was a road trip around Scotland.
Check out some the sights we saw as we traveled from the West to the East Coast of Scotland in the photo gallery.
Check out some the sights we saw as we traveled from the West to the East Coast of Scotland in the photo gallery.
TUESDAY Night Kite Fly is now finished for this year
they will be back in Spring 2018....
Weather permitting: check their facebook page.
they will be back in Spring 2018....
Weather permitting: check their facebook page.
