Suiting up with a helmet and weathered fingerless gloves, my trepidation and I follow Garry to our waiting blokart.
Blokarting (pronounced blow-karting) is a form of land sailing, invented here in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island. The blokart is a three-wheeled, steel-framed buggy with an enormous triangular sail shooting skywards. The user nestles into a canvas cradle at near ground level, from where they steer and control the sail with ropes.Typically used recreationally on long stretches of hardened sandy beaches, the blokart has evolved, karting people across desert and ice and becoming competitive with regional and world championship events.
"There are three rules," says Garry, very seriously, as I nestle in to the blokart and fasten my seat belt.
"Rule number one: let the rope go.
"Rule number two: let the rope go.
"Rule number three: let the rope go.
"Remember that, and you'll be fine," he assures me, as the wind scoops into my sail and I career off across the slick tarmac course. It takes a few moments for me to realise I didn't ask how to stop...
This is the world's only custom made blokart speedway and as I fly blindly along with the wind, picking up pace, I feel like I'm nearing the 93km per hour blokart speed record. Obviously I'm not, as Garry hurtles smoothly up behind me and casually snaps some action shots on his way past.
As I approach the first corner I summon all those high school science classes in which I never paid attention, trying to decide if I let my rope in, out or leave it where it is. Too late: before I know it I'm flying out of control around the U-shaped bend, emitting an involuntary high-pitched shriek. Remembering Garry's rules I let the rope go and my sail flips outwards, pulling me to a near stop along a straight. At snail's pace I roll along the course, playing with my sail cord until I reach a respectable speed. A corner approaches and I whip round it so fast I'm sure that two of my three wheels leave the ground.
Forget physics: this is fun!
The blokart was created by Blokart Heaven Managing Director Paul Beckett in 1999. Combining his interests of hang-gliding and land sailing, Paul set out to create a wind-powered toy that was fun, fast and compact. With the speedy 27kg blokart, which can be folded down to fit into the boot of a car, Paul accomplished his mission. In the eight years since producing the prototype, Paul has seen his product take off around the world. Over 9000 blokarts have been produced at blokart International's Papamoa base. 2008's inaugural blokart world champs, held in Papamoa, welcomed karters from 11 countries - some of whom had undertaken a blokart safari across the Gobi Desert, or competed in the Lithuanian ice-blokart championships.
2008 also saw Blokart Heaven featured in an episode of the reality TV series, The Amazing Race.
"Competitors had to find their way here, and then assemble their karts before doing a number of laps around the track," recalls Garry.
"It was actually really funny to watch!"
As well as TV crews and international blokart champions, the Blokart Heaven track is popular with locals, holiday makers and those on business.
"We get crew members from the cruise ships coming out for their day off," says Garry. "English language schools also enjoy it, as well as companies hosting corporate or team-building events."
The track also has its regular local blokart club members. "The youngest club member we've had here was three years old," says Garry. "Kids pick this up really quickly, and they love it."
They're not the only ones. The wind comes in gusts as I recklessly navigate the track, sending my 2m sail into noisy flutters. As the track is about to close for the day, a few of blokart Heaven's staff come out to join me. With their 5m sails they career smoothly around the snaking tarmac, expertly dodging each other and the grass verges, outclassing my dawdling, haphazard style.Garry hurtles up behind me and draws parallel. "This way, this way!" he urges, heading towards a grassy knoll that serves as the track exit. Bumping off track I follow him, slowing steadily as I drive across the grass and accidentally roll to a perfect stop in the blokart parking zone.
If only my high school physics teacher could see me now...
Amelia is Content Editor of the New Zealand travel and tourism website www.fourcorners.co.nz.
She experienced Blokart Heaven courtesy of Tourism Bay of Plenty and http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/
