Frequently Asked Questions
IS IT DIFFICULT TO LEARN TO SAIL A BLOKART?
It’s so easy!
If you have some sailing experience you will take to it in minutes.
It is the same principle as sailing on water, only easier and quicker.
If you’ve never sailed before you should still be able to pick it up very quickly (a couple laps and you’ll be fully confident).
You will be given complete instructions and a safety briefing when you are issued your safety equipment.
Then we’ll go over it again on the track before you sail.
Our instructors are always available to provide help and advice.
HOW FAST DO THEY GO?
You have complete control of your speed.
So, it really depends on the conditions and how fast you want to go.
With a nice breeze you can get along at around 30-40 km/h.
With stormy conditions you can reach speeds closer to 60 kph.
The current blokart speed record is 125 km/h on a dry lake in Nevada.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD ON THE DAY?
If the wind is blowing it is a good day!
Blokarts on our track sail best with 8-22 knots of breeze.
However, if it isn’t looking good and there is no wind (or wind from the wrong direction) on your rental day, give us a call prior to coming out we’ll let you know if we need to reschedule.
We have a range of sails for most conditions, but if the wind is too strong for safe sailing we may temporarily close the blokart track.
We are very reasonable and we understand if Mother Nature gets in the way of your sailing plans, so we’re happy to organise a postponement or refund deposits if you can’t sail.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING?
We recommend sun-smart, comfortable clothing, and sunglasses. No high hair in a bun or high ponytail, we need to be able to fit a helmet.
A helmet and gloves will be provided or you are welcome to bring your own.
You DO NOT require closed-toe shoes, flip-flops (jandals in Kiwi-speak) are just fine!
HOW SAFE ARE BLOKARTS?
Assuming you follow instructions and use a little common sense, they are very safe.
They are probably the safest sail sport on the planet!
Our experienced instructors will choose your sail based on the conditions, your size and skill level.
If you are a little nervous just tell the instructor and they will set-up your kart with a smaller sail.
Of course, we ask you to sign our liability waiver (no good holiday is complete without some waiver-signing!).
We just ask that you follow the instructions, use good judgement and you’ll be “safe as houses” (as we say in New Zealand).
}You can view the waiver here, but you can sign the electronic version when you arrive.
IS THERE A WEIGHT/HEIGHT LIMIT?
Yes, blokarts are a very light-weight land yacht and designed for speed and agility.
So, make sure you’re under 150kgs (330lbs), and you’ll be sweet.
For the super-tall people, if we can’t fold your long limbs into a single blokart, we’ll try in one of our doubles which allow a bit more space for knees etc (and this applies to our 6’6″+ people).
I'M IN A WHEELCHAIR. CAN I STILL GO LANDSAILING?
Blokart landsailing is one of the few sports on the planet where able-body and wheelchair athletes can compete equally in the same event.
This is because blokarts require no lower body movement.
Some of our blokarts have been set up with 5-point harnesses to ensure the disabled pilot remains stable in the seat.
But that is the only special modification required.
If you can hold a rope and steer using the steer bar (similar to bicycle handlebars), you’re set!
Some of our wheelchair pilots choose to line the seat of the blokart with their personal seat from their wheelchair just for extra comfort and familiarity.
The sides of the blokart frame can be lowered to make access easier.
And we can bring the blokart right up to the side of your vehicle or wheelchair for a smooth transfer.
Check out this interview at the 2022 Blokart World Champs with some fantastic competitors who have overcome more than the usual obstacles to compete
We encourage you to experience the absolute THRILL of being in complete control of your own sailing vessel with only the wind to provide propulsion! “Get your grin on!”
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
We say 8-108 … but we even accommodate under 8yo. If you have little people age 3-8yo they are welcome to ride with an adult in the shadow kart. When they’re 8yo and over they can sail solo (we have some small sails). Our oldest person, so far, was a 91yo lady. We don’t accept age as an excuse!
DO YOU PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO THE TRACK?
We sure do. Give us a call.
We have a 14 passenger van, modern and airconditioned.
Let us know where you’d like to be picked up. There is a $10pp fee. This is for the round trip (we return you back to town!).
If you’re arriving by cruise ship:
SOUTH PIER pick up:
We suggest you wait near the ATM machine on the roadside as there is shade there. As you leave the secure area on the pier, continue straight, up the stairs and towards the road – taxi stand on your left, ATM machine on your right. We’ll pull in with the van (lots of landsailing signwriting) and be ready to welcome you on board. Click here for the South Pier PIN location.
NORTH PIER pick up:
If your ship docks at the North Pier, please wait for us at the Tourist Kiosk, located across the street just past the circular monument.
As you leave the pier, walk straight toward the circular monument and cross the street. The Tourist Kiosk will be right there. There is shade under a large tree beside the kiosk, where you can wait comfortably.
We will meet you there with our van (look for the landsailing signage) and be ready to welcome you on board. Click here for the North Pier PIN location.
PICK UP TIME IS USUALLY 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO BOOKED TIME. WE ALWAYS USE LOCAL TIME, GMT-4 (which can be different to ship time). Please be ON TIME for your pick up.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If there is a reason, beyond your control, like the ship/plane doesn’t arrive or leaves early/arrives late, etc, then of course, there is a full refund. Otherwise, we ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice if YOU need to cancel. If you do not contact us with enough time to rebook your slot you will be expected to pay for your session.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate and we need to cancel, there will be a full refund if we can’t rebook you. We try to give as much advance notice as possible so ensure we have a way to reach you.
