All You Need to Know About Kite Skiing

by Frank V. Persall

Kite skiing is a style of skiing that has been gaining popularity over the last several decades. In contrast to other types of skiing (such as water skiing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and so on), the propulsion for kite skiing is provided by the wind rather than a gravity, motorboat, or physical exertion. The skier might be on snow skiis, water skis, or even skis intended for sand or grass, depending on his or her preference. However, the skier is tethered to a kite that captures the wind and pulls him or her along with it.

Kiteboarding on snow and kite skiing on snow are far less difficult to learn than kiteboarding on water. The fact that it is simple to stand on snow makes the whole operation easier. In addition, driving a board or skis through snow requires far less wind than driving a board or skis across water. Since you need far less strength and wind to begin, the whole learning process is significantly easy.

All You Need to Know About Kite Skiing
All You Need to Know About Kite Skiing

Traction Kite Skiing

When compared to downhill skiing, the real advantage of kite skiing is that you don't have to spend a fortune on a lift ticket to have a wonderful time. All you really need is an open field, a kite and some skis to get started.

Materials Needed for Kite Skiing

Materials Needed for Kite Skiing
Materials Needed for Kite Skiing (source)

Kite skiing on the snow necessitates the use of a variety of materials, including the following:

A traction kite with the proper lines

There are many different types of kites that will work for this activity, including the majority of land and water kites as well as inflatable kites. Traction kites are available from a variety of sources, including Ocean Extreme Sports and Power Kites Direct. Different kites are appropriate for different wind speeds, so depending on how serious you are about kite skiing, you may end up with a collection of kites that are specifically designed for each wind condition you encounter.

Skis for downhill skiing

It is quite similar to the ski philosophy for downhill skiing to approach kite skiing from this perspective. The longer your skis are, the quicker you will move, the better you will perform in thick snow, and the more difficult it will be to turn and navigate on the snow. In icier circumstances, skis that are on the shorter side are simpler to manage and perform better overall.

A helmet, as well as the necessary padding

No matter how skilled you are at kite skiing, you will surely encounter some serious mishaps. Helmets are required, and elbow and knee protectors should also be taken into consideration.

A harness

Any kitesurfing or windsurfing harness would suffice for this application.

Ski boots

Remember that your feet and hands are frequently the first parts of your body to get cold, so the better your boots, the more comfortable you'll be out in the snow.

Warm clothes

Gloves of high quality.

Selecting the Appropriate Kite Size

Selecting the Appropriate Kite Size
Selecting the Appropriate Kite Size (source)

Snow conditions, in contrast to water, fluctuate on a daily basis. When determining the appropriate kite size, it is important to consider the primary terrain type. It will require more kite power to pull you through fresh powder than it will to pull you through packed snow or treacherous terrain. The 5.0 square meter is the most preferred size for most winds and terrains since it is the most versatile. Wind speeds between 14 and 20 miles per hour are perfect for the 5. A 3.5 will work in stronger winds (above 18mph), whereas a bigger 7.0-9.0 foil will be favored in lighter conditions (less than 15mph). 3.5 will work in stronger winds (over 18mph).

Choosing an Appropriate Location

If you have access to a frozen lake, this is definitely the greatest area to get the most out of kite skiing. The ground is flat and smooth, the wind is unhindered, and there are no trees or other impediments to collide with as you ski across it. First and foremost, ensure that the lake is completely frozen before setting out on your adventure. There's no faster way to spoil a pleasant day in the snow than for someone to slip and fall through the ice on the plowed road. It is recommended that you drill a hole in the ice and test the depth of the frozen surface before venturing too far.

It is also possible to utilize an empty, flat area with a decent coating of snow if a lake is not readily accessible. Just make sure there aren't too many objects to collide with in the surrounding area, and keep an eye out for electricity wires as well.

Take into Account Your Current Skill Level.

The second factor to consider is your degree of expertise. Take into account your athletic abilities as well. With a bigger kite, you create more power, but it also places a greater strain on your physical abilities. If you are just beginning, the smallest kite that will generate enough power to pull you is the ideal option. Being underpowered is critical for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being safety, but also because less power is simpler to control. There is no one kite that can cover every wind range. Start with a smaller kite and progress to a bigger kite later.

Take into Consideration Your Weight

You should also take your physical size into consideration. The greater your size, the greater the amount of sail required to drag you around. If you weigh more than 180 pounds, you might consider starting with a kite that is 5.0 square meters in size. If you have lesser weight than that, you may start with a 3.5 instead to begin with.

Techniques for Kite Skiing

It takes considerable experience and technical know-how to operate a traction kite, but it is something that can be accomplished with some effort. In principle, the procedure is similar to that of flying a kite in a park; you just raise the kite into the air and let the wind to do the rest of the job. The main difference between a traction kite and a conventional kite is that you will be towed behind the kite on skis, which makes the control mechanism a little more difficult.

Prepare Yourself Before You Participate in This Sport

Consider doing some in-depth study before attempting to accomplish this for yourself. Check out the kite surfing school's great post on kite piloting for more information. This website has videos and other resources that will answer any and all of the questions that may arise as you learn the ropes of this wonderful and thrilling sport.

Why You Should Snow Kite

Snowkiting Is Appropriate for Everyone.

Snowkiting is a sport that anybody can learn, regardless of age, gender, or physical condition. To get started, all you need is a kite and a pair of skiing or snowboarding equipment. Take it a step further by adding some snow and wind. Snowkiting is quite safe, which is one of the primary reasons it is so widely available. You may practice on flat terrain that are covered with a thick coating of snow and have the least amount of wind speed. Once individuals get the hang of it, they will discover a whole new universe of possibilities.

Freedom

Isn't it breathtaking to be surrounded by mountains that are covered with new snow? Snowkiting provides you with a fantastic sense of freedom and the possibility to explore the mountains in a whole new manner. Flying a kite allows you to go almost wherever you wish. Mountain climbing up to 45 degrees is difficult, but it is surely doable with the right equipment. Once you've gotten to the top, you may either continue exploring upward or snowboard/ski downhill. A kite can practically expand your bounds, regardless of whether the terrain is flat or steep.

Endless Pleasure

When it comes to snowkiting, time is only a number. The sport provides an endless supply of thrills and adrenaline rushes. It has a strong addictive quality to it and delivers a sense of freedom and exhilaration. Some people love cruising in new snow, while others prefer to leap or glide across it. Mountains provide the greatest playground for freeriders and freestylers whilst flat areas are ideal for practicing as a novice or for racing on flat grounds.

Affordable

It takes little more than your equipment (which you may already have to some extent), wind, and snow to get started in riding the white gold! Drive to whatever location you like and take advantage of the free slopes. There is no longer any need to be concerned about hefty elevator or parking tickets. If you take proper care of your powerkite or specialized snowkite, it will last you for many, many, many years. Check for signs of wear and tear on a regular basis, particularly on the safety systems, flying lines and control gear.

Social

One of the most important aspects of snowkiting is having a good time with your buddies to the fullest. If you're new to the sport, it's fairly simple to connect with others and discover groups to participate in. Snowkite sessions are always a positive experience for the riders, whether they are before, during, or after the session. It goes without saying that there are several advantages to riding with others; you may learn from one another, compete with one another, and challenge one another, and it is safer to explore in a group. Don't forget to go out to a drink or two afterwards.


About Frank V. Persall

Frank is originally from the UK, but he has a passion for skiing that knows no bounds. He has made it his life's mission to visit the best ski resorts across the USA and the World. Frank loves spending time with his wife and three children on ski slopes, as they all share his love for the activity.

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