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kyle.vh
Since 11 Jul 2007
713 Posts
city of angels
Addicted
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 Fri Jan 02, 09 4:59 pm |
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| Kraemer wrote: | Snowkiting is extremely dangerous for any beginning kiter --regardless of conditions -period.
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I'm surprised you're so adamant about that. I think that in the right conditions, which occur all over the west snowkiting can be as safe as kiting on the water, with some benefits that i (and others, see link) pointed out for beginners. I guess if you consider kiteboarding on water extremely dangerous for any beginner kiter regardless of conditions, then, yeah, I'd agree with you.
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MW
Since 09 Jan 2006
186 Posts
Hood River, Oregon
Stoked
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| Fri Jan 02, 09 5:41 pm |
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| As with any new sport or new area, ask locals for the beta and know your limitations. While snowkiting can be easier to learn in some situations, as with all things kiting both instructor and student need to be aware of all the elements involved and when to call it off and try another day. One thing that is a must is a quiver of essentials not unlike any mountaineering outing if you are accessing backcountry or snowmobile assist snowkiting spots. Two way radios, avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, etc are vital, but I still see people who hit the backcountry without these things. I always pack two of everything including a bivy sack and firestarter in case of getting stranded , and if you pack efficiently and light, it isn't too much. I totally agree with Sol that the weather changes dramatically in short period of time in the mountains including squirly wind, so always keep your eye on it. A camelbak while you are kiting is another must as you tend to overheat and dehydrate quicker when having to do the walk o shea. great topic so keep it a going
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Gman
Since 11 Feb 2006
4911 Posts
Portland
Unstrapped
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pdxmonkeyboy
Since 16 May 2006
6081 Posts
forever labled as the
retired kiter & motorhead Unicorn Master
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| Fri Jan 02, 09 6:35 pm |
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| kyle.vh wrote: | | I'm surprised you're so adamant about that. I think that in the right conditions, which occur all over the west snowkiting can be as safe as kiting on the water, with some benefits that i (and others, see link) pointed out for beginners. |
man, your jocking that link.
its a quote off folks!!!
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Kraemer
Since 24 Apr 2006
1736 Posts
Sky Pilot
Unicorn Captain
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| Fri Jan 02, 09 6:35 pm |
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| kyle.vh wrote: | | Kraemer wrote: | Snowkiting is extremely dangerous for any beginning kiter --regardless of conditions -period.
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I'm surprised you're so adamant about that. I think that in the right conditions, which occur all over the west snowkiting can be as safe as kiting on the water, with some benefits that i (and others, see link) pointed out for beginners. I guess if you consider kiteboarding on water extremely dangerous for any beginner kiter regardless of conditions, then, yeah, I'd agree with you. |
Backcountry preparedness aside;
THE BIG DIFFERENCE HERE;
when kiting on water-- you crash in the water (hopefully).
when snow kiting--you crash on **Land**.
+ epic days of snow are when it falls with no wind;
yet epic days on the kite happen --when it's windy.
If its windy, the snow conditions usually suck,
and when the snow is great, where's the wind?
I'm glad I learned in the water --- 
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pdxmonkeyboy
Since 16 May 2006
6081 Posts
forever labled as the
retired kiter & motorhead Unicorn Master
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| Fri Jan 02, 09 6:35 pm |
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| Gman wrote: | compass
waterproof matches
knowledge of building snow caves
also don't bring anyone named Donner |
how a out Blitzen? does he know how to snowkite?
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Nak
Since 19 May 2005
4307 Posts
Camas
Site Lackey
CGKA Member
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| Fri Jan 02, 09 6:42 pm |
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| Gman wrote: |
also don't bring anyone named Donner |
LMFAO!
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Sol-flyer
Since 21 Mar 2006
1280 Posts
Dude, where's my Bus?
Otto Mann
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| Sat Jan 03, 09 9:07 am |
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| Quote: | THE BIG DIFFERENCE HERE;
when kiting on water-- you crash in the water (hopefully).
when snow kiting--you crash on **Land**.
+ epic days of snow are when it falls with no wind;
yet epic days on the kite happen --when it's windy.
If its windy, the snow conditions usually suck,
and when the snow is great, where's the wind?
I'm glad I learned in the water --- |
The initial impact of water at 20 mph is comparable to concrete. land boarding must really be insane if snowkiting is extremely dangerous.
The amount of drag in water requires more kite power than snow...which can result in a safer experience?.
Snowkiting is not comparable to water kiting, so i'll stop trying. Its a whole new variation to the sport. 
I dont know where you and monkeyboy snowkite, but it obviously is not southern oregon.  I must be living in a fairytale to have such conditions (coming from the unicorn captain  )
I'd love to show you guys what its really all about, come down anytime.
No such thing as good wind and snow?
_________________
I stretch my wings and pull the strings |
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wytcap
Since 10 Mar 2005
203 Posts
NW oregon
Stoked
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| Sat Jan 03, 09 12:03 pm |
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I think if you had moderate winds and a decent amount of soft snow it could be beginner friendly. Perhaps that is what southern oregon is like, but the gorge isn't exactly known for steady, moderate winds in the winter.
i.e.
The Gorge is not exactly known for snow kiting either [/quote]
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blowhard
Since 26 Dec 2005
2028 Posts
Windward
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| Sat Jan 03, 09 4:43 pm |
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shifty wind and close objects come to my mind
I really don't care for biggish kites
except when snowkiting
anything smaller than a 9.0 ,
is too small around these parts
I once had to posthole 1000' in from the bottom of Bosco hill
At Skyline because the wind was so shifty,,,,,
kite does a 180 drops into power zone
and powers up from an opposite direction
after a few of these,, It was a good walk.
Steady wind is a must for fun which can be had
An easterly the next day was the steadiest wind I ever was in
anywhere
but it saves packing up a bunch of kites
I only take one 
I think Sol Fly has it,
a different sport
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Inept_Fun
Since 14 Apr 2005
1417 Posts
Hood River
XTreme Poster
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| Sun Jan 04, 09 1:43 am |
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Safety First.
_________________
I heart dangling |
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lks
Since 06 Nov 2007
117 Posts
Anchorage, Alaska
Stoked
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| Sun Jan 04, 09 6:59 pm Snowkiters might also consider buying a pair of these.. |
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...not sure what they're called, but the idea is simple. If by chance you happen to break through the ice, it's obviously a bit difficult to drag yourself out of the water and onto the slippery ice, unless you have a pair of these...
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| As pressure is applied, the outer covering retracts to reveal the picks. Also a useful tool in case of bear attacks, or if KiteMe is in the area. |
bare fangs.jpg |
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| Stab the ice like this to pull self out of the water in order to die by hypothermia as opposed to drowning. They say it's just like falling asleep. |
stab the ice.jpg |
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| When in water, remove from pocket quickly. |
ice fangs.jpg |
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genek
Since 21 Jul 2006
2165 Posts
East Po
KGB
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| Sun Jan 04, 09 10:36 pm |
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Or you could loop your kite and get yarded outta the water onto the ice that way. Just hope the ice isn't too sharp.
_________________
The Slider Project, LLC
Support the cause!
http://www.sliderproject.com/ |
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solkiter
Since 07 Jan 2008
251 Posts
ROGUE VALLEY
Obsessed
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| Mon Jan 05, 09 7:59 am |
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wooooohoooo SNOWKITING IS FFNNNNN EPIC AND SAFE !! if u make it safe!!
Thought id put my 2 cents in!! 
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MT A ROCKS!
ROCKS!!!!!! NOOO!! |
mt a rocks.jpg |
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