Utah Windriders Association

US Open Snowkite Masters at Skyline, Utah - March 1st &2nd, 2008

In its 4th winter, the US Snowkite Masters has grown to become a world wide series of events, hosting national titles in several different countries. This year the SKM has already hit France and Germany, with upcoming dates in Switzerland and the USA. Each location provides unique terrain and challenges for Snowkiters and invites riders of all abilities to rally together for a weekend of freeriding, racing and freestyle exhibition. Held at Skyline in Utah, the American leg of the Snowkite Masters presents the U.S. Open national championship, and has become one of the largest Snowkite events in the country.

The philosophy of the SKM is to share the positive vibe of Snowkiting while enjoying mountain conditions with friends. The Freeride format allows riders to do what we love most, RIDE. Go on tour down the ridge, follow friends up steep slopes, push your freestyle to the next level, or just chill and grill at Basecamp while tunes flow through the air. For those that like the thrill of competition and want to go head to head with other riders in a battle of speed and tactics, there are the U.S. Open races featuring Kiter-Cross & Winduro courses. The SKM is the perfect time for Snowkiters, media and newcomers to come together on the same field and share this amazing sport in a world class setting.

We would like to THANK all who make these events possible, including this years supporters: Dakine, Ozone Rossignol, Zeal Optics, Ska Brewing, Magellan GPS, Yamaha & Kite Utah Guides.

Heather Schenck
http://www.windzup.com

Exclusive ozone or can best ride there too?

Funny comment. I like to look at it like snowboarding, when you go to the hill, no one cares what sticks are under your feet but yourself. It's all about riding and having a good time.

The Snowkite Masters is not exclusive to any brand, but open to all Snowkiters and anyone interested in sharing the freeride vibe. If you have ever been to a Snowkite Masters or Snowkite Freeride Tour event, you will know that it is a casual setting, based on fun and not related to any brand in particular, rather dedicated to promoting Snowkiting to both core riders and the masses.

Thankfully, Ozone is a heavy supporter and sponsor of these events and helps fund them to make them free for the public. Support that most other kite companies refuse to contribute. Ozone welcomes all riders and brands to grow and support the Snowkite movement.

I hope that our friends from Slingshot, Airush, Eclipse, HQ, Naish, North, F-one,RRD, Best, etc etc etc all come out to Snowkite and support a fabulous event at an amazing location.

See you there, or somewhere else with snow and wind.

Windzup,
Brian Schenck

Lodging is filling up quickly in the Skyline area so I would suggest making reservations if you plan on attending the US Open Snowkite Masters in March. Details and phone numbers are listed on the following link:

http://kiteutah.com/index.php?option=co ... &Itemid=76

Hope to see everyone there! The snow keeps falling so it is looking good for the event weekend.

Heather Schenck
http://www.windzup.com

Hi Everyone, The Snowkite Masters website is now on-line. You can pre-register for the event at http://www.snowkitemasters.com. All athletes have a chance to win the 1st place cash prize for their category.

Heather Schenck
Ozone Snowkites USA

The forecast looks very favorable for the weekend,
with the possibility of some smaller kite sessions.

The snow is in great condition,
and maybe some new snow Saturday night.

Today looks great, I'm on my down now,,,

See ya there....

-Marty

does anyone know how extensive the demos will be on saturday? i'm thinking of bringing down a defunct kiteboarder that had a mishap a few summers ago at south sandy. he hasn't kited since. i was thinking a confortable session to get his flying hands again would be in order this weekend. i was thinking a small foil kite would be just the ticket.

anyone know if this will be a good possibility to use a windzup kite for this?

also, what is the weather forecast? anymore reliability on what it will be? looks like it could be kind of sketch for a newbie to be learning...

i'll definitely be there though.

Hi Mike,
Great question you ask. I can only speak for myself and give you my opinion on what a "demo" is. Brian, Heather, Steve, Les, Erick, Bordy those that both teach and sell kites may differ with me.
but here goes. A kite demo is just that, I give you, an experienced rider, a kite to take out for a reach or two. You see how it flies, depowers, turns, launches, relaunches, etc. And then you bring it right back so someone else can give it a go. After flying it, you can compare it to what you now have or to another manufactures demo kite, if available. It is not meant to be a free kite rental, nor is it meant for beginners or inexperienced kiters to be a substitute for a proper lesson. We are not offering free introductory lessons on trainer kites. As far as your friend, sounds like he needs to get one of our instructors to spend some time with him, they will have small trainers to fly and help him get back his confidence. Sorry to be a party pooper, but these are meant to be demos, to help you understand the flying characteristics of these kites vrs others. I hope this explains my philosophy. I welcome other opinions.
Jon Mzee

jon, i'm a bit surprised by your response. i was under the impression, and have affirmed that assumption after looking at the master's website that there were to be introductory classes and demos for new snowkiters. i now understand what you mean by my misuse of the word demo. perhaps my post was a bit open ended and misleading. i'm sorry for this. i had a initial reaction to this post, and now understand where you are coming from. i can't help but read between the lines and get the feeling that you are saying there is a time and a place for newbies to learn. i wholehartedly agree. i also feel that after reading this surprising response that perhaps i have been remiss in my learning with locals over teh last two years. am i a kook and don't even know it? i do realize that a simple demo is only for experienced riders to try out new and different kites without puttign a burdon on those demoing and reping the company.

anyway, after reading the said advertisement by windzup, i'm assuming that this woudl be an acceptable time for a newcommer to come dip his feet in teh kiting world again. he won't be in way, i promise.

hope to see you all tomorrow....

Jon nailed them Demo term. Mike sounds like you ment introductory classes which will also be there! I'll see you out there TMW!