Thursday 22nd March: The Best RV is coming to NABX: Will you be there?

Words by Alex Brown

I think you should all come to the NABX this April... What's NABX? Ok, so it’s the world’s largest international land event that attracts people from all over the globe. I was really lucky to be able to get out there last year, but this year it’s going to be off the hook.

NABX stands for the North American Buggy Expo, which takes place on a dry lake bed on the boarder of California and Nevada, just down the road from Las Vegas. The event takes place in the first week of April, and is host to a wide range of land kite variations from boards to blow carts. The annual buggy races are most popular, but now with the growing scene in USA for landboarding, a real smart crew of land boarders are now starting to attend regularly.

No doubt we'll be hooking up once again with my board sponsors MBS, they put a great show on last year and this year with extra support from ther Best team it should be extra special.

In a few weeks time, Gavin our in-house photographer and myself will be driving the RV from Corpus Christy, TX, across the desert 1800 miles to hit up the event, which will be webcasted on the Best website each day. All the best action from NABX videod and edited daily and available for everyone to download. If you think kitesurfing is sick, just imagine doing the same tricks over the land.

NABX starts with the pre event on El Mirage Dry Lake Bed on March 31st till April 2nd. The El Mirage Lake offers some variation in riding terrain, with great off-road riding on mountain trails, MX jumps and big open areas just like Ivanpah. This is a great place to ride at first, to get used to the desert before things crank up with the main event.

The NABX main event starts on April 3rd and ends on the 9th. You need to register to ride at the event if you’re coming. The lake is out back of the small casino town of Primm, where you can get a cheap hotel. Camping is permitted on the lake bed itself, look out for the bus! Come on over and say hello, you'll get the chance to try the latest kites from Best.

Were going to be shooting some key parts of Drill 2, the landboarding advanced instructional movie. The desert is great if you’re looking for miles of flat riding, with smooth constant wind and good weather. The ground itself is a little tough, so bring some knee pads.

If you're thinking, “tube kites on land, are you crazy, Alex?!” don’t worry! We've been doing some stealth testing in locations you wouldn't believe. I’m taking a full set of Bularoos this year so I can ride harder. Most riders use foil kites, but the growing popularity for tube kites for land boarders grows every year, and I’ve never seen a kite get trashed out there. You will need an extra set of wheels for your board or buggy though, the desert destroys tyres in no time.

Towards the end of the week when everyone has got used to the conditions again, there is the NABX International Landboard Open. Anyone is welcome to join, and it will be super fun for all the guests to watch also. This year, MBS are bringing their mini park back, complete with rails and kickers for some sick action. The competition will be judged by a panel of judges, and the event will be set out as follows:

Each rider will get a 6 minute run to strut their stuff.

They will be scored across the whole run.

Riders will be paired against each other until only one remains.

And the winner will be crowned NABX champion 2007.

I can’t wait to get back out there and rip up the desert ... see you all there!

- Alex

To read more about what Alex has been up to, visit his team rider page at www.bestkiteboarding.com/Alex-Brown.