The Midstates Land Sailing Association serves land sailors in Kansas and Oklahoma. This site primarily will serve as an introduction to land sailing and a calendar of upcoming Association events.
Introduction to Land Sailing
Land sailing is still considered an "Extreme" sport, but it is being enjoyed by an ever increasing and diverse set of athletes. Many water sailors are attracted to the sport since they have already mastered many of the skills necessary to be a successful land sailor. More and more new people are being attracted to the sport, however, who have no previous sailing background. It is definitely not necessary to have a sailing background in order to become successful at land sailing.
The first modern land sailers began to appear in the 1960s and 1970s. These yachts were primarily designed for dry lakebeds, and the sport was largely confined to the American Southwest, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Many of the sailers were homebuilt out of a variety of materials, creating very unique boats. Now, however, many companies produce micro-yachts which are rugged, but light and inexpensive. They can easily be taken apart and transported. Best of all, they are easy to learn on.
Club members often sail in large parking lots when they are not in use, such as school or college lots. A park that is about 2 or 3 soccer fields in size will also do nicely. Remember to ask permission before sailing on private property!
Closely related to land sailing is ice boating, which is also popular in this area. The vast flat plains of western Kansas and parts of Oklahoma can provide excellent ice boating possibilities when the weather conditions are right.
Upcoming Events
Links
Colorado
Land Sailing and Ice Boating
Dave Lords Kite, Kite Buggy and Land Yacht Page - USA
French Federation of Land Sailing
Colorado Manufacturer of Ice and dirt "boats"