Power Kiting at Garry Point Park
What is Power Kiting?
Garry Point Park is approved for Power Kite use by the City of Richmond. A power kite or traction kite is a large kite designed to provide significant pull to the user. Power kites are generally used in conjunction with a buggy or board, such as in:
- Kite buggying on a purpose-built three-wheeled cart
- Kite landboarding on an all-terrain/mountain/land board
- Kite skating on all-terrain roller skates
Power kites can also be used recreationally without a buggy or board, as in kite jumping or kite man lifting, where a harnessed kite flier is moored to the ground or one or more people to provide tension and lift. Anyone who uses a foil kite or leading edge inflatable kite to power a buggy, landboard, roller blades, skis or simply scudding and static flying are considered to be power kite pilots and require a permit to use power kites in Garry Point Park.
The North American Power Kiting Association (NAPKA) aims to support power kite activities throughout North America. The organization’s mission is “to develop and promote the following segments of wind powered traction kiting in North America (kite buggies, all-terrain bikes/landboards, dirt surfers and kite skates) by working with the public and local authorities to keep and/or open new areas for our pilots to participate in their activities safely”.
Code of Conduct
A Code of Conduct and a permit system for power kiting at Garry Point Park has been developed to ensure that power kite operators have committed to operating their buggies in a safe manner that respects other park users.
- Safety helmet with visible permit sticker must be worn at all times when participating in any form of land-based power kiting.
- Power kite operators must be in control at all times and use caution around park users.
- Park users have the right of way.
- Power kites shall only be operated in accordance with the North American Power Kiting Association (NAPKA) safety guidelines.
- Power kites and other equipment shall not cross the perimeter paths.
- Only permitted power kite operators can operate equipment.
- Power kite operators shall avoid other kite lines. Running into kite lines can be dangerous for the operator and other parks users.
- Power kite operators shall not operate equipment in a careless, reckless or otherwise dangerous manner that may pose a hazard to persons or property.
- Power kite operators shall not operate equipment while under the influence of alcohol or judgment impairing drugs.
- The City of Richmond reserves the right to prohibit power kiting during scheduled programs and events.
Obtain a Power Kiting Permit
A non-refundable Power Kiting Permit can be obtained via mail or in person:
- Payment must be made by debit, credit or cheque only. Cheque payable to: City of Richmond
- Drop off or mail your application to:
City of Richmond
Parks Department, 5599 Lynas Lane,
Richmond, BC V7C 5B2
Attention: Power Kite Permit - For lost permit stickers, a replacement sticker may be obtained at Community Services, Parks Department for a nominal fee.
More Information
For more information, contact the Parks Department at parks@richmond.ca or 604-244-1208.
For more information on power kiting guidelines, visit www.NAPKA.org or contact the City of Richmond at parks@richmond.ca or 604-244-1208.
Report a Problem
To report misuse or concerns, contact the City of Richmond at bylawrequest@richmond.ca.