How to Transition to Snowkiting?

[Bill Freedman]

So I was just starting to get my feet under me on water and the water kite season ended. Now I need to figure out snow. I have a few questions:

1. Do the same rules apply with my 12m Havoc on snow as they did on water. If the wind blows between 15 and 25, those are rideable conditions?
2. I am guessing there will be less people at the snow spots. Is self launching and landing advisable on snow?
3. I know about Skyline and Strawberry but what other spots are frequented and within a reasonable drive from Provo?
4. Anything else I should be thinking about before I head out to the mountains?

Thanks!
Bill

[Mark Johnson]

You can kite a very long distance quickly on snow. Always have a backup plan on getting back to your car. If the wind dies a short walk in powder can turn into a very grueling hike. Snowshoes if you are on a snowboard or colapsable poles if you are on skis. Or just stay close and near a hill that slopes toward the car. FInd where others are kiting and dont kite alone then you will have some help launching. You will get the hang of relaunching with practice. It is a good idea to start on a day when its not nuking. If your boards are waxed and depending on the snow conditions it usually takes less kite on the snow. Start with a small kite. Get your kite skills first and then it will be easyer to decide when to go with a bigger kite. Let some more experienced riders know your plans. Then listen for advise if your plan is correct or not. Most all kiters I know are happy to help you out. An actuall snow kite lesson is also an option. Not sure who is giving them but I am guessing someone on this board could hook you up.

[Leo Chan]

Bill, I would add that 20 to 25 mph is actually pretty strong for snowkiting with the 12 meter you have. I would highly recommend sticking with Strawberry first. Skyline is more for a little more advanced kiters. Yeah, get a smaller kite, like a 10 meter foil. It all depends on how much you weight. You will learn much faster on snow.

[Kenny]

Bill,

Yes, the wind range for your 12m Havoc is similar on the snow compared to the water. If the surface is hard pack you will be able to use the Havoc in 10 - 15 mph. If the snow is deep you definitely will be able to use it in 25 mph wind.

Leo recommended a 10 m foil. It is a nice size kite for the snow, but because foils tend to be flatter, a 10m foil is going to generate an equivalent to slightly more power than your 12m Havoc. I would actually recommend adding a larger kite for light wind/deep snow days. A 13-14m foil or a 15-17m LEI is nice to have on the snow. I would avoid high wind days (30+ mph) at first.

If you go to Skyline or Strawberry on a weekend, you can usually find someone to help launch your kite. Most riders self launch and land because a hot launch on the snow means getting pulled forward across the snow compared to a rocky beach when water kiting.

Skyline is a fine place for learning. You just have to learn the following:
1. Skyline is at 9500 feet, so you better be in shape or you will tire fast. Move slow and take your time setting up to give your body a chance to acclimate.
2. Snowkiting is 3D compared to 2D on the water. That means that the wind also follows the curvature of the topography. Most newbies try to ride in the flat area near the launch. This is fine on a moderately windy day, however on a light day it can be extremely frustrating as the wind will not be filled in at the bottom of the hill. Go up the hill and the wind is suddenly strong and filled in. This also means avoiding a couple depressions near the launch that are in a wind shadow and trap unsuspecting newbies.
3. You will need to learn how to ride up and down the hill. I suggest watching experienced riders and then emulate what they are doing with the kite. Basically, you loop the kite to get uphill and then fly the kite low at the edge of the window to go down. Sounds simple, but a little more difficult in application.

Have fun and I hope to see you out there.

Kenny

[Bill Freedman]

Thanks all. I am looking forward to giving it a try. I was in resort at Brighton on Friday and is was "nuking" if you ask you. I was wishing I had my trainer with me. Will they let you fly those things in resort? I was guessing, no.

[Kenny]

Bill,

No, they won't let you fly them there. However, there isn't a great place to kite inbounds at Brighton anyway. I have thought of kiting on the upper reservior that you can access off of Milli by heading west. However, the few times I have scouted it out, the wind was nasty and swirly. Best bet for kiting at a ski resort is the top of Powder Mountain on a west or SW wind.

Kenny