Snowkite Event - Feb 9-10

[krazykatie]

there will be a kiting event next weekend out at island lake near duluth. They are offering $10 intro to snowkiting...SUPER cheap. If you're interested in the sport this would be the place to be. If its blowin, i will go:D

I'm also looking for someone to car pool with...let me know. Porter, you in?

http://www.umdrsop.org/(RSOP%20Web)/Surf_&_Kite/infosheets/Isl.%20Lk.%20Snow%20Kite%20Expo%202008.pdf

[mb598]

sounds fun whats a used rig run if i like it

[Thewavebb]

It varies depending on what you want. The newer all season inflateables are going to have the latest safety features and probably fly a bit smoother, but that comes with a price tag of 1k+ Older stuff can be found in the 300+ range. If you just want a snow kite they are in the 350-1500 range usually.

[odrevelation]

I'm curious about the all seasons inflatable kite. What brand and model are they. Do you see any disadvantages as for having one kite for both winter and summer here in minnesota. I'm currently a windsurfer, and am wanting to learn all about this sport. I just remember as a kid trying to use some type of sail on a skateboard. I snowboard, wakeboard, and windsurf. About how long does it take to pick up this sport, and what type of money for good quality stuff.

[Thewavebb]

Nate,

The best thing I would say is go over to www.lakawa.com (http://www.lakawa.com) and read some of the posts there. Thats the local forum/webpage for windsurfers and kiters. There a ton of options when it comes to inflateables. I would probably direct you towards either a hybrid or a bow kite. Examples would be Slingshot Turbo2, Slingshot Rev, Best Waroo, Cabrina Crossbow. This is not a cheap sport and you will be replacing your kites often.

A fairly large group of people use their inflateables year round. You will put more stress on your kite this way, but most guys/gals seem to replace their kites every couple years anyways. The gear is changing really fast and it is becoming increasingly safe and stable. Seems the most popular size in the Bow/Hybrid style is a 12m/13m.

I would budget 1k for a kite and another 100 for a harness. Then add the kiteboard(summer) for another 400-500. You may be able to find a deal if you shop around, but this is not a poor mans sport.

I have windsurfing for 12 years now(since I was 14) and this knowledge helps a lot. The problem I have always had with kiting around here is that you need a sailing partner to land and launch your kite. Plus they take a ton of space to launch, which results in crowded beaches. This why I have stuck with snow kiting in the winter and then windsurfing in the summer.

There is a lot of information out there, but make sure you talk to some of the area instructors before you go out if you get gear off the internet. There are a lot more risks with kiting and you need to know how to use the safety measures on the different kites.

[jitterjepp]

For all you snowkiters.

http://thegearjunkie.com/sailing-across-the-prairie

Sam and Jason are both MTB'ers. I did the maah daah hey with Steven, TC and the two a couple years ago. If you find yourself in the position to take a trip with them. Do it!