Blowing the cobwebs out

The chilly winter weather hasn't stopped thrill-seeking kids enjoying a wheelie cool KidsFest event.

Nine-year-old Luka Anderson goes for a spin on a blokart.

On Friday about a dozen children took part in a session where they were taught to sail wind-powered blokart land yachts on a purpose-built sealed track at Bexley Reserve.

The KidsFest event is  being run by Velocity Karts every week day of the holidays, with sessions for up to 15 children offered at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm, if the weather permits. 

The three-wheeled karts are fitted with a sail and can reach speeds of about 20kmh. They are easy and safe to operate for anyone aged over eight.

“We had a couple of granddads here on Tuesday and one of them was 79,'' says Velocity Karts owner Ian Brown.

There are four different sail sizes so the right one can be chosen for the size of the rider and the strength of the wind.

“We put little sails up if it’s really windy and we’ve got the option of tandem karts, if we need them," Mr Brown says. "The karts can kick up on to two wheels if the wind gets up, but they’re very straightforward to sail. When there’s a puddle the kids can go around it or through it, and about half of them choose to go through it.”

At the beginning of the session the children are taught a basic understanding of the wind, its direction and strength using different measuring tools. Then they have the chance to put their knowledge to the test, sailing their kart for up to 30 minutes wearing a helmet, gloves and a seatbelt for safety.