What do you do to cross-train?

[Kenny]

Just curious what others do to stay in shape when off the water. I don't get as much kiting in during the fall "shoulder" season. What do you do and how do you think it benefits your riding?

[Leo Chan]

I am doing a lot of elliptical machine exercises and core training to keep my lower body and lower back strong. I am also doing more bench press to keep my arm strength. I also do some jogging up the mountains when weather permits. Jogging up hiking trails is a lot more difficult than one might think. I think it is a good way to test your body to see if you're ready for 3 to 4 hours of kiting at 8,000 feet +.

[Kenny]

Leo,

Thanks for responding, sounds like a good regimen. I am curious what others do to stay in shape while off the water? Kiteboarding requires strong core muscles, flexibility, and cardiovascular capacity. I personally ride bikes - mountain and road for cardio and leg strength. I do yoga for core strength and flexibility.

I am surprised that some riders show up at Skyline totally unprepared for the high altitude and deep snow. If you are not well prepared, merely setting out your lines can be a challenge.

[Leo Chan]

I am surprised that some riders show up at Skyline totally unprepared for the high altitude and deep snow. If you are not well prepared, merely setting out your lines can be a challenge.

I am guessing that's why a lot of people are watching instead of riding. . . Otherwise, they must be skiing or/and snowboarding a lot. I learned my lesson about the effect of high altitude on riding. My first session at DC last August lasted 1 hour. I normally sail 4 to 5 hours each session back in east coast. Skyline is tough place to ride even after I have been here for a few months. I am determined to get ready this year before the season starts.

[jason morton]

Don Losee got us into a routine of going to "The Other End Fitness Club" after kiting DC for some 16 oz. curls. Seems to work for me!!! I have been putting in some hard miles around Liberty Park. Jake has a personal trainer and works out 4 days/week for about 1.5 hours a session. He said he's lost 10 lbs. in a week. I'm sure he'll be in top form soon. Spencer is, well , Spencer. Billy has been pumping up his Zephyr!!! ha ha

[Kenny]

and Todd just goes to DC every day...

[Todd Jacques]

I would do a lot on jakes routine, that is I would get in better shape and lose some weight!

[Erik Holmgren]

I use water kiting as a cross trainer for skiing as far as leg strength, balance, and a bit of core goes.

I boulder for overall strength, especially core, try and get 1-2 hours in before hitting the gym upstairs for free weights. squats, lunges, pilates, leg press, and the usual upper body stuff- just because. Box jumps are great for power/explosiveness. I swim for endurance training, its great to swim the day after a free weights session, it gets everything moving and keeps your body looser. I try and do about 5, 10 minutes with a jump rope daily- the mild impact is great for both muscle/bone and not nearly as hard on your body as running.If I feel like i need more work on my legs as far as endurance goes I will spend some time on a stair-master.

I'll try a little of everything- I tend to push a little too hard with any winter sports- having something to fall back on to make up for bad technique or sketchy judgment can't hurt

[BobLeGault]

Ice Hockey. I play once a weeek in adult leagues all year even in the summer. I prefer skis for the kite on snow because of the simularity of edging between hockey skates and skis. When I hit the snow the muscles are ready to go. I tell the guys that I play hockey with that, "I use snowkiting as a crosstrianer for hockey". This is also true because of the leg workout that you get while transferring the power of the kite into your legs and the edges of the skis. I also mountain bike and ride a stationary bike on any other day that I can't get out and do something.