Utah Windriders Association

Hi, you guys have a great forum. I'm an active kitesurfer in NYC and I'll be in Park City in two weeks, looking to try some snow kiting. Thanks in advance for any advice you have.

I'm decent on water and a good snowboarder but I've only had one short lesson on snow (Anton in Frisco, CO. great guy) with very light wind. I'll bring my 9m & 14m North Rebel kites.

From reading this board it seems best to get some practice on the fields behind Home Depot and then wait for a north wind to head up to Strawberry. I doubt I'll want to drive all the way to Skyline (too bad I'm missing the SKM by a week). If it's windy, are there generally people kiting in these spots, or might I be the only one? (weekdays)

There are a couple other nearby places people mention, Guardsmans Pass and Richardsons Flats. Are they recommended in certain wind directions?

Do you have to ask permission of the owners to ride in these spots? Any other local sensitivities I should be aware of?

Is there any special gear I should bring? I wear a waist harness on the water, but in some of the videos it looks like people use webbing as a kind of seat harness to keep the waist hook down.

Is there a shop in Park City that carries kite gear?

This is a vacation with the men in my family (6 of us). They don't kite--yet! If I can get them stoked I might contact one of the schools for lessons. Looks like you've got a great local crew.

Obviously I'd love to meet up and ride with whoever's going out. I'll watch the board and weather as we get closer. (Arriving Saturday March 8th for a week)

First round of beer is on me.

Chris Huson
917-576-6770 cell

Hey Chris sounds like you have informed yourself. Around PC you have Home Depot feild, Richardson Flats is 5 Minutes Down the Road each work in North or South wind. Strawb is a wonderland With the Marina Area, Co-op Creek and Chicken Creek Parking areas should have a local crowd around with the parking area marked on the Highway, good with a North or South wind can be a treat if you luck out and catch some east. Good snow starting to warm up a little too. I teach paragliding in the valley and with the weather kiting is the thing to do. So if you need a guideor a local to show you around and to help a little I am usually able to accomidate any schedule during the week or weekend. More or less come out bring the group have some fun call or email if you need anything or have any questions. Local Shop is the Paragliding shop I work for Cloud 9. You should also be just fine with your gear on the snow it is nice however to have a cheap climbing harness $20 or so with the biggest Carabiner you can get will help with being able to breath.

Patrick
801-209-5509
wingnutt7@hotmail.com

Thanks a lot Patrick. I'll look forward to meeting some of you guys in a couple weeks.

Looks like you got fresh powder, hope you get wind soon.

Chris
917-576-6770

Hey I just wanted to thank everyone for their warm hospitality during my stay in Park City. Several locals spoke with me by phone regarding conditions and locations. In the end I had a nice first session up at Strawberry (Chicken Creek). I ran into Eric Gustafson and a couple beginners.

What a great area you have with Strawberry. I'll be back soon I hope! Look me up if you want to do come kiting in the Big Apple.

Chris
chris@huson.com