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BASIC KITEBOARDING INFO

AND KITEBOARDING CHARTS

WIND SPEED TABLE

The WIND WINDOW AND Power Zone

*The safest places to fly are obviously the green areas of the wind window

*Beware - lofting (lifting you off the ground) Can occur when the kite is positioned at the top of the wind window

BUYING A KITE - TRAINERS - SIZING - SNOWKITING - WINTERKKITING TIPS - Gear - Conditions - Basics

Trainers - Training kites are the best way to learn the skills of kiting before you commit to a large kite. Kiteboarding is about 90% of your kite skills - so learn these first. The other 10% is coordinating your kite skills and riding at the same time. Once you have mastered a trainer kite - try it with a mountainboard or snowkiting. Then try a bigger kite on a light wind day. Learn everything you can on a solid surface or snow and then apply it to the water. Once you are in the water you have to sink or swim and if you have the skills it will be an enjoyable experience.

SIZING -

When buying a kite the sizing is very important. There are several factors that will get you the right fit.

Wind speed and conditions - Find out what the average conditions are like for the place you want to ride the most (I use an anemometer or a local forecast) . Use the manufacturers chart to find what size kite will work for you. This will ensure that you are neither overpowered all the time or underpowered all the time and you get to ride more. If you ride near the mountains or have  gusty winds think about a size smaller kite. Remember that the Manufacturers charts see are usually for the average male at 170lbs in water. If you weigh a lot less or more than 170lbs think about getting a size up or down. The manufacturers charts are generally for kiteboarding in water. If you are using a kite for snowkiting purposes remember that there is less drag in packed snow and go a size down.

SNOW KITING -

Lets face it, if your weather is like here in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, it snowed every month last year and winter is at least six months long - snow kiting is most likely the kiting you want rather than waiting for 10 months to go by just to kitesurf. If you are a beginner winter kiting is the best time to learn to kiteboard. Learning in the winter will make summer riding that much easier. Any power kite will work - foil or bladder but try a small or trainer to get started and bring a friend. Here are some suggestions to get you going out on the snow.

Pick a spot with a good breeze and good thick layer of snow. Make sure the ice is thick  or the snow on the field is deep and that there are no hidden obstacles. Layer your clothes - you will get warm and wear clothes that will keep you comfy in your harness, avoid any cotton clothing under your harness, breathable clothes are better and cotton will stay wet. Wear a helmet and goggles. Padding isn't a bad idea either, there are a couple of winter specific padded undershorts which might save the day after bailing on your tailbone. If your kite lines are white its a good idea to color them,  - differently so you can see them and untangle them in the snow, use something that wont bleed when wet.

SKIS OR SNOWBOARD - both have their advantages - its your pick. Skis have the advantage of mobility especially on light wind days while snowboarding allows you to square up against the kite. If you cant ride switch on your snowboard you are going to learn. Sooner or later you will be traveling that way. A centered duck stance works best for me riding switch.

WINTER KITING TIPS - Borrow, steal or buy a climbers ice screw (any climbing shop will have them) or try to get a used one  as they are about 72 bucks each new. Screw it into the ice and Rig it so you can attach you depower system to it with out the kite going anywhere or hitting anyone or thing. This should allow you to set up solo, untangle lines and come in for a rest with out having to pack up, dump snow or chase you kite down. On a  three line kite when you are ready to pack up, pull your safety ( centre line) so you kite is depowered and then roll your lines so on your next ride you can simply attach the third line to the ice screw and unwind without worrying about the kite powering up.

Gear -

• Kites - Foil (3-line or four line) or 4 line Inflatable with a fifth line attached
• Clothes - helmet, goggles, harness vest, waterproof bibs, padded shorts, polypro underwear, thin windstopper gloves, sun lotion, hydration system in backpack.
• ice screw

Conditions -

• You need less kite than on the water because of less drag and the air is more dense
• Wind is always gusty in the mountains; watch out for rotors behind trees and ridgelines
• Beware of obstacles such as rocks and trees
• Soft snow = longer board and a bigger kite

Basics

• Start on small kite with less wind
• Use small movements at first until you know how much power you have
• Keep the kite to one side to avoid lofting when sitting still
  Launch kite in sitting position, steer to side
• Turn kite from the side up to neutral to get up on board, then dive kite to gain speed
• Start moving downwind at first then edge to one side and upwind on heelside edge
• To turn bring kite slowly to neutral, slide board sideways, then turn kite to other side.

SAFETY

If you are new to kiting it is recommended that you take lessons before taking a huge kite out - they are very powerful and can drag and lift you along and off the ground.

If lessons are not available learn the techniques of flying on a training kite or in a light wind.

Always ride in a clear riding zone - away from trees, powerlines, roads or anything on the ground that you could get hung up on. Always keep a buffer zone - the length of your lines X 2 at least from any obstacles.

Always ride clear of people and never let anyone under your kite - the tension on the lines can cause serious damage. It is important to never wrap the lines around your limbs for the same purpose. When lines are tangled make sure the kite is in a neutral position before untangling the lines.

Use a safety system - it ensures that the kite will de-power if you have to let go of the bar and you will not lose your kite. Make sure that you can quickly release your leash if you get into trouble. When wearing a harness do not launch your kit hooked in - if a kite powers up suddenly you could be dragged.

Beware of gusty winds - a sudden gust can lift you off the ground.

Don't jump on land and wear a helmet and protection and a life jacket in water.

ANY MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT SIZING, SAFTEY OR KITING - EMAIL US HERE,

Disclaimer

The owners, webmasters, authors and contributors of this site make no representation nor warranty regarding errors, missing of and correctness of the information contained in this web site.  Use the information contained herein at your own risk.  The owners, webmasters, authors and contributors are not responsible for any loss or accident to you or to other third parties including loss of business, loss of sale, equipment or property damage, injury or death resulting from you or other third parties using the information contained herein.

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