Utah Windriders Association

You guys got to check these out. Think Snow!
http://kiteboardingmag.com/photo/2009/1 ... adventure/

Capt. D

Awesome pictures!

So I'm new to kiting this year-- I have skied for many years, but it seems like the angles for kiting might favor a snowboard-- i,e, getting way down on the edge. Will skis work as well for kiting as boarding? How many boarders are there versus skiers in our little group here?

Travis
Both tools are cool. I love my skis on hard packed days. You can go fast and have a lot of metal edge on the snow. Snowboards are more fun to me for most of my kiting, when you have a lot of pow and you want to smack surf turns off huge waves of snow. We have a new snowboard coming out that will blow your mind. Most of the Utah Crew board. Less moving parts is good. This sport started as a child of surfing. Surfing the snow is what it is all about.
Capt. D

Telemark are don't go!!! just kiddin. I think skis rock.

These are the greatest memories in the Alaska snowkiteplane with Aaron Sales, Jim Chaplin and Richard Hallman.. It was mind boggling trip!

You guys should definately make a trip up to Alaska one day!

Hey Don- Thanks for putting this up.

I need to start sharing this story with everyone.

Snowboarding feel more natural to me then skiing. Go with what feel natural to you.

Travis, if you are a skier, start out on your skis, you'll find it way easier. there's probably 6-7 of us who use skis almost exlusively. I use skis 90%+ of the time, I'll only bust out a board if the wind is strong and the snow is deep. the angle of the kite is no problem - you'll get good at flying the kite one-handed, which will help you on water. also helpful if the wind dies when you're 1/2 mile out.

I have the ski/board quandary too!

Don makes carving the powder sound amazing, but I am a competent skier and have never snow boarded. So what shape/style of ski's? powder wide, shaped, GS, Twin Tip? for a newb to learn with. Yet fun as I progress assuming I do. P.S. Jake is my hero That is some amazing flying.

Shawn
For skis on a big pow day I am using the Surface Live Life 2, Deep Deep Rocker on this ski. For soft snow Rocker is everything. It keeps tips up and helps you do floating slashing turns, it also makes landing jumps ez e. Skyline gets rock hard sometimes, so on those days I ride a stiff ski with sharp well tuned edges. I like my Rossi B4s for the icy days.
Capt. D

The consensus is the same... ride what you like and what feels good.

But the way to compare it to kiteboarding on water is that the skis are the surfboard while the snowboard is the twin-tip. Different tools to enjoy different conditions. And everything works... from straight skis of the 80's era to almost every other shape and size. I switch off 50/50 between skis and boards. I've been on frozen lakes where skis had better edge control, and miles back from the road where the skins and touring ability of skis are essential (along with a snowkite that packs down small also). Split boards can compensate slightly for that, along with a pair of snowshoes. Skis have a huge advantage for lightwind riding and for hitting higher speeds if thats your bag.

I've had many favorites from directional snowboards to 179 Twin tips to skis of all sizes to my latest favorite, the reverse camber style board...

http://www.TwistedKiteboards.com

Use both, use whats in your garage, use what is fun to ride.

Windzup,
Brian Schenck

BTW - Pow is around the corner!

Start out on whatever skis you already own. I personally don't use a really fat ski as I only use skis for hardpack. I agree with the other comments that a snowboard feels more natural in deep powder. However, if you are new to snowkiting, use your skis as you don't want to add the element of learning how to use a snowboard while learning how to snowkite. Once you are profiecient on skis, start thinking about the board.

Snowboards are not a lot of fun on icy hardpack. I think it is best to be equipped with both options.

I have said it before and I will say it again Jake FN kills It!!!!!! These pitcures just prove it!!!!!

Jake is an incredible rider. The photos are amazing as well. Thanks for sharing.

I just got back from working in Valdez, Ak for three weeks. On the way there Valdez was fogged in so the planes weren't flying in from Anchorage. I ended up making the 6 hour drive to Valdez from Anchorage. I drove past terrain that looks just like the stuff in Jake's pictures. There's no doubt that this place is snow kite heaven. It looks like I'll be going back sometime time soon and possibly on a regular basis in the future. Next trip the kites are going with me.

Bob

Bob, the area just a few miles above Valdez... Thompson Pass... is the destination Kite spot in that area. It is without a doubt world class.

You also passed Gunsite about halfway back, which can also turn out good rides if the wind is on... nice way to break up the road trip. The highway you drove is what we take in the winter with the RV's, so you got to see the travel route. Little longer than the flight, but worth it for the scenery.

Here's a video from that drive and the spot near Valdez. http://vimeo.com/987854

Windzup,
Brian Schenck