What kites sizes to bring to Minnesoda for Xmas ?

Portland Pete · Post by **Portland Pete** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 3:44 am

This is Pete from Hood River

Never tried snow kiting before and I will have 9 days
during December to figure it out. I have been kiting
for one summer full time here in the Gorge.

I have the following LEI kites
16M X3
12M X3
10M X2
8M Aero

I hate to leave anything at home but the airlines
are getting harder to sneak extra bags thru.
I have a snowboard or some twin tip skis.

Any suggestions ?
Pete

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 9:56 am

I'd say bring em all. If you have to start dropping from the small sizes. Rarely do we get 8m days and when it is blowing that hard it is very cold with the windchill.

Eric S · Post by **Eric S** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 11:36 am

If I had to choose just one (210lbs) it would be tuff. It would depend on my mind set. If you want to for sure get out it'd be the 16 although the 12 would be a better bet for average.

What you don't want to miss is the day AFTER it snows heavy. It usually the skies are usually crystal clear and the snow whiter that white but the wind is usually on the light side, 16M conditions for sure to power you thru the powder.

If it's hard and icey for your stay the 12 would probably be fine for most days, sometimes powered, sometimes schloging a bit.

It's a tuff call for only one kite.

SCOTT RIDOUT · Post by **SCOTT RIDOUT** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 12:34 pm

Not that my opinion really counts that much but being 200 to 205lbs last year all I ever used was my 12m and my 16m, mostly my 16m, it seems to be the all around kite for me in Minnesota.

Portland Pete · Post by **Portland Pete** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 3:14 pm

Sounds like 12M and 16M like I ride all summer

The 10M and 8M will go in a second bag
just in case I have extra room

I thought since I was learning that smaller
kites would be nicer to get started with.

Anyone agree ? I might be able to borrow
a 3M B3 foil too.

Pete

SCOTT RIDOUT · Post by **SCOTT RIDOUT** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 3:37 pm

I consider myself an intermediate kiter, what REALLY helped me was taking lessons with Tighe and Alex to begin with, then I took two trips out to North Carolina to Real Kiteboarding which has to be the best place to learn. So really now all I use is my 12m and 16m, although I did buy an 8m Sligshot Fuel 2003 model for the days with higher winds meaning over 25 mph. I might just buy a 20m yet this year before spring for the really light winded days, I could have used one of those a few times this last year. I have a B-5 sligshot that I take along with me too, so if we ever meet up just ask and you are more than welcome to use it.

The only thing I can say for people just kinda learning but past the beginner stage but not real comfortable yet is to take lessons and lessons with an established school, it really does make all the difference in the world!! And if you are coming to Minnesota look up Tighe he's a really good teacher I can vouch for that!

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 4:10 pm

wow thanks for the kudos Scott.

The main thing is just hook up and ride with others. Everyone at the lake is so positive and helpful. We're all learning. Talk is cheap.

A suggestion I make to most of my students: When you arrive at the lake, do your own assessment of which kite, the area, what you think might be concerns, etc. Then grab someone that is just coming in or familiar with the launch and verify your thinking. The most challenging thing in the winter is deciding on which kite. There are no white caps, no leaves in the trees. Just the wind on your face. Choosing the right kite can be the difference between having a blast, sitting stalled on the lake, or getting yourself in trouble.

Portland Pete · Post by **Portland Pete** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 4:10 pm

Scott

Righto, snowkite lessons are a great idea

I guess I was a little vague on my experience level

Took lessons with NewWinds in Hood River at
the Sandbar in April. Most professional school around.
All Instructors are IKO certified.

I took IKO training too for 5 days
not certified however since at the time my riding
skills were not up to instructor level required.

I logged close to 75 days this summer.
Sometimes kiting three different spots per day
Unemployment rules

Pete

Portland Pete · Post by **Portland Pete** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 4:14 pm

Tighe
Good point about picking which kite to rig
forgot about the absence of whitecaps and leaves.

Usually there are enough other kiters out
and I just look at other kites in the air.

Maybe it is time to invest in a windmeter

Pete

SCOTT RIDOUT · Post by **SCOTT RIDOUT** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 4:22 pm

Cool beans, sounds like you got some serious riding in this last year, awsome, I only wish I could have gotten that much time in!!!

Even though I have not been out but a few times with the local group they are about the nicest people that you could want to meet and they all have been riding for quite awhile and are all pretty damm good, mostly though they all are out to have a good SAFE time, so whatever you do this year coming to Minnesota, you will meet allot of great people and for sure make some new friends!! Hope to see you this year during the X-Mas time!!

Portland Pete · Post by **Portland Pete** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 4:44 pm

Scott

I would have to say my style is definitely the same
Safety first ! Kite hard and wear a condom

Riding is great and a social event around here

I will definitely be making it down south
to Kite with the crew. Being from New Brighton
White Bear is the closest big lake.

I had a kitemare a couple summers ago
(friends teaching a newbie) that kept
me from commiting to the sport.

Then I took lessons and never looked back

Pete