INSIDE: SNOWKITE DICTIONARY • SELF-LAUNCHING BOW KITES • SNOWKITE MASTERS
Winter 2009
Lessonsfrom ‘‘ ’’ the Masta
NEW ZEALAND SNOWKITE GUIDE SNOWKITE BOARD BATTLE PETTER JOHNSEN 2 www.driftsnowkitemag.com www.driftsnowkitemag.com 3 CON TENTS FEATURES
28 New Zealand Snowkite Guide 50 The Original Snowkite Extend your snowkite season this Masters summer in the Southern Hemisphere France’s SKM event still leads 42 Lessons from the “Masta” the way Getting schooled by Guillaume 84 Interview: Kari Schibevaag “Chasta” Chastagnol Bringing style and fun to 72 Interview: Petter Johnsen snowkiting The Norwegian phenomenon makes 94 Racers Ready! his mark The future of snowkite racing
DEPARTMENTS News 54 Pioneering the first ski resort snowkiting program in the USA Safety 70 The Fast Track to Fun 90 Safety Meeting 108 The Importance of Trainer Kites Media 8 Freeze Frame [Photo Gallery] 56 Videos Review & Top Pick 58 Snowkite Dictionary 62 The Brigade [Reader Photos] COVER: Ken Lucas knee deep in the fresh at Coalsville Reservoir. Gear Utah, USA. 80 New Products PHOTO: Lance Koudele 102 Snowkite Board Battle Instruction CONTENTS: Sebastian Bubman. 64 Self-launching Bow Kites beating gravity at the Col du 66 Carving Transition—Heelside to toeside Lautaret, France. 68 Raley to Blind PHOTO: Ramon Schoenmaker
4 www.driftsnowkitemag.com A newcomer on the scene, Taylor Tate has set up shop in Salt Lake City and is making things happen. As the host of the 2009 Superfly Open Taylor has harnessed his youthful enthusiasm tempered with an air about him that feels much older than his red-tinged mohawk and boyish looks. With an impressive ability to make important connections and some interesting marketing ideas, Utah Urban Surf might be the first of the next wave of kite shops. Taylor has a relationship with Liquid Force kites and is ramping up operations to offer retail, lessons and rentals. If you are eager to get into snowkiting make it up to Powder Mountain Ski Resort for the Superfly Open, March 13th-15th, 2009 and get to know Utah Urban Surf.
Driftin’Dave
Watching Dimensions
Utah Urban Surf Shirts Kites
Chilin’
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 5 A Bright Future for Snowkiting
Looking back, when we first started Drift, I thought I had a solid idea of how many people were snowkiting across the globe. Over the last year my eyes have been opened to so many more people and places to snowkite. I recently discovered that in Quebec, Canada, there is a large and quickly growing community with people like Benoit Tremblay of Concept Air that has been quietly developing gear for twenty years. It was a great pleasure to meet him and his friends at the Snowkite Summit in December. Through Drift we want to introduce you to amazing people just like him.
Looking forward, I am excited to be a part of helping bring snowkiters across the globe together so we can all learn from each other. We will inevitably improve our skills, find new locations and help guide snowkiting into a bright future.
We’d like to thank everyone who believed in Drift from the beginning and helped to make the first issue a reality. Readers from 87 different countries downloaded it and the response was amazing!
-James Brown [email protected]
Nick de Bruijn Glacier 3000, Switzerland PHOTO: 6 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Br UC e Tremper
1
Know Before You Go UtahAvalancheCenter.org 888-999-4019
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UAC_driftsnowkite_ad.indd 1 2/24/09 4:16:05 PM PHOTO GALLERY
8 www.driftsnowkitemag.com PHOTO: Alex Boyce www.driftsnowkitemag.com 9 10 www.driftsnowkitemag.com John Robichaud at Miscou Island New Brunswick, Canada. PHOTO: Eric Girard
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 11 Oliver “Otte” Cammann gets personal with a park bench in Italy. PHOTO: Ramon Schoenmaker
12 www.driftsnowkitemag.com The road less traveled. PHOTO: Bertrand Boone www.driftsnowkitemag.com 13 14 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Kevin Noel at Chiasson Office New Brunswick, Canada. PHOTO: Eric Girard
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 15 Patrick Koller. Switzerland. PHOTO: Mark Weiler 16 www.driftsnowkitemag.com www.driftsnowkitemag.com 17 18 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Peter Mueller at Glacier 3000, Switzerland PHOTO: Nick de Bruijn
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 19 20 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Adam Savoy at Shippagan New Brunswick, Canada PHOTO: Eric Girard www.driftsnowkitemag.com 21 22 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Peter Mueller and a friend laying tracks. Bozi Dar, Czech Republic PHOTO: Frank Suess www.driftsnowkitemag.com 23 24 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Jerome Josserand at Col du Lautaret, France PHOTO: Seb Coutant www.driftsnowkitemag.com 25 DRIFT has the world’s most exciting photos, stories, instruction, interviews and news for FREE! Plus, each subscriber can automatically EDITOR win gear and instant discounts. JAMES BROWN [email protected] Don’t forget to tell your friends. ASSISTANT EDITOR (email a friend) DAVE GROSSMAN DESIGN JAMES BROWN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS OBADIAH JENKINS, JON IMHOOF, BRIAN SCHENCK, DAVE GROSSMAN, JAMES BROWN, RYAN WAITE, JOEL BEATTY, KEN LUCAS, CHIP WASSON, ANTON RAINOLD CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS GUSTAV SCHMIEGE, ALEX BOYCE, ERIC GIRARD, BERTRAND BOONE, NICK DE BRUIJN, SEB COUTANT, ERIC GIRARD, OBADIAH JENKINS, JON IMHOOF, CHASTA, CHRIS NESTER, MORTEN GJERSTAD, KITE YUKON, GREGG GNECCO, JACOB BUZIANIS, ERIC BADER, RAMON SCHOENMAKER, IDAHO KITESPORTS, DANIEL BOROMISA, KRISTJAN SIGUDARSON, KIM KERN, OYSTEIN KRISTIANSEN, JAN BRABANT, MARIUS ARNESON, ANDREW MCGARRY, DAVE GROSSMAN PUBLISHER DAVE GROSSMAN [email protected] INTERNET WWW.DRIFTSNOWKITEMAG.COM WWW.STRATUSMEDIASOLUTIONS.COM SUBSCRIPTIONS SIGN UP AT DRIFTSNOWKITEMAG.COM ADVERTISING/SALES [email protected] ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 575 SUNNY MEADOW LANE GRAND JUNCTION, CO 81503 EDITORIAL OFFICE 1775 XENIA STREET Guillaume Chastagnol, New Zealand. DENVER, CO 80220
26PHOTO: Jon Imhoofwww.driftsnowkitemag.com From sunshine to sea comes her divine birth, TheAnd from birth toHand bitter end, sheof rules thisVayu earth, From smooth and steady, and ever present, To a swirling, raging, storm of resent, She doesn’t care what you have to say, She will simply take your words away, As she whispers through the grass and trees, From screams of rage to a gentle breeze, She tells you everything you need to know, Through sleet and rain, and driving snow, All you have to do is look and listen, Feel your tears form, fall, and glisten, She can bring life, death, and the best of the rest, It’s your mind, your heart, and your soul she tests, Don’t debate, don’t hesitate, just listen and feel, When she blows, its time to play for real! - Obadigadiah
The North Face of Mount Hunter, Alaska Range, Alaska. Winds above 100 mph ravaging the summit. PHOTO: Obadiah Jenkins www.driftsnowkitemag.com 27 New Zealand Snowkite Guide By Jon Imhoof
t only takes a quick glance at the globe to see Ithat the Southern hemisphere has far less land than the northern hemisphere and therefore far fewer places to snowkite. A look at our earth from the poles is even more revealing. The land masses of the Northern Hemisphere extend much further north while in the southern hemisphere there is the Antarctic in the polar region but the temperate zone is covered mostly by the oceans. Your choices are South America, Australia or New Zealand. — continued
28 www.driftsnowkitemag.com There’s a reason the world champion chooses to return year after year. Chasta feeling at home in 30 knots on a 6m at Cardrona. PHOTO: Jon Imhoof
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 29 NewZealandSnowkite Guide
I guess it is human nature to believe that things must be better somewhere else. The grass is always greener or in this case the snow and wind is always better-on the other side of the fence. So I started the winter thinking Australia was the place, or even Chile or somewhere else in South America. Here in little ol’ New Zealand the mountains are too steep and surely the first few waves of snowkiting pioneers had already discovered the only really good spot in the country was Snowfarm on the Waiorau range. A few months later and I realize I couldn’t have been more wrong, after a season of missions that revealed New Zealand is a snowkiting paradise. If you are after easily accessible park and ride conditions it is true that the choices are limited. But if you love a mission and the rewards of backcountry exploration, there could be few places on earth that could match the Southern Alps. There’s a reason the world champion chooses to return year after year. Chasta could be in Tahiti enjoying kitesurfing in his own backyard in conditions most of us would kill for. Instead, he chooses to spend a good deal of time in New Zealand because he loves it. Now I understand why.
General Information about Snowkiting in New Zealand New Zealand consists of two main islands lying between 34 and 46 degrees south latitude. Mountains on the north island are volcanic cones rising to 9,176 feet (2797 m) while the southern alps are formed by the collision of the Pacific and Australian techtonic plates and forms a range which rises to 12,316 feet (3754 m).
Conditions New Zealand’s weather is an interplay between some key influences. Understanding the weather will vastly improve your chances of scoring the best snowkiting conditions on the day and will prove invaluable in striking up a conversation with locals. The two hottest topics of conversation on any day are the weather and rugby.
— continued 30 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Hugh Pinfold and Matt Taggart from Ozone at Centennial Hut, perched above a sea of ice and snow with the Tasman Sea in the distance. PHOTO: Jon Imhoof
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 31 NewZealandSnowkite Guide
Andre Pieterson enjoying the rewards after a gruelling 4WD journey to the Old Woman Range. PHOTO: Jon Imhoof
Australia and the tropics The Antarctic Australia is largely desert and is an During the winter months a steady intense source of heat for the air which stream of lows is produced off the will eventually make it’s way to New Antarctic. As they drift northward the Zealand. Northerly systems bring down first land they encounter is often the warm, moist air from the tropics. Kiwis Southern Alps. have long known that anything that comes from Aussie is full of hot air, The Southern Alps including most Australians! The main range of mountains in New Zealand presents an enormous wall The Tasman Sea these systems must rise over. The air Warm air from Australia picks up moisture cools as it rises, condenses and drops as it passes across the Tasman sea. its load of moisture. New Zealand lies within the “Roaring Forties”. It’s a windy place. Systems tend to move through
32 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Commercial ski resorts begin opening in June and generally close the first week of October. There are often good
Three KingsIslands conditions in the higher mountain areas and glaciers through November and even later. Kaitaia Bay of Islands Kerkeri
Whangarei Skill level: New Zealand offers
Great BarrierIslandexcellent conditions for learning through to advanced freestyle and
Auckland backcountry missions. Thames Bay of Plenty Directions: Fly into Queenstown Tauranga
Hamilton Whakatane or Wanaka and base yourself in Waitomo Caves Rotorua either town on the South Island. NorthIsland Auckland Taupo Gisborne Local Info:
New Plymouth Hawke'sBay www.snowkitesurf.com Stratford Taranaki Napier HawkeBay Wanaka or Queenstown Tasman Sea Wellington Facilities: Hastings Wanganui are both full service resort towns with
Palmerston North everything you’ll need. Collingwood CookStrait Masterton Shops/Schools: Boarder Patrol offers
Nelson Wellington Picton lessons, rentals and equipment sales Nelson Blenheim Westport Marlborough as well as camps and guided trips. See
Kaikoura www.snowkitesurf.com
SouthIsland Hokitika Restrictions: At Ski areas check in with ski patrol. They probably won’t allow you Westland Canterbury
Christchurch to ride on the skifield (slopes), at least Haast Mt. Cook Ashburton not while they are open. but will permit
Timaru snowkiting in the out-of-bounds areas. Milford Sound Wanaka PacificOn Ocean farms leave gates as you found Queenstown Oamaru Cromwell Alexandra them, i.e. if open, leave open, if closed, Te Anau Otago then close the gate behind you. This is Dunedin Southland VERY IMPORTANT to maintaining good Balclutha with low pressure areas Invercargill circulating in a clockwise relations with land owners. Respect the Foveaux Strait Oban Stewart Island direction. Typical pre- land and livestock. frontal winds will be from the Other: The New Zealand backcountry west as the low approaches New offers unlimited potential for exploration. Zealand.The Snares If the low is more north the However, snowkiting provides a means winds will tend northwest, if south, winds to get deep into the backcountry will be more westerly. very quickly. If you are not trained in Generally the freezing level will move backcountry survival, attend a camp or down the mountain as the low passes course to gain some skills. with each front becoming progressively — continued colder until the following high pressure area takes hold. As the low passes winds will tend more southerly.
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 33 NewZealandSnowkite Guide
kj-kites.com/video/boarderpatrol/videoplayer.html VIDEO: Kieron Jansch
The range runs north to south and rises Locations to 6400 ft (1950 m) offering a variety of The following snowkiting spots are snow and wind conditions. Early and late listed in order of easily accessible season when Snow Farm’s snow cover is spots first and then more difficult or patchy, a short walk up into the Pisa can expensive options. often save the day. This is a Department of Conservation reserve. Kiting access is Snow Farm and the Pisa Range along the proving ground fence line north For ease of access, consistency and to the end of the testing area and then variety Snow Farm is the top snowkiting east across a shallow gully to access the spot in New Zealand. Located on the ridge which will take you all the way to Wairua range at 4920 ft (1500 m), the the summit. For hiking access check in at kite spot gets good snow cover and is the Proving Ground office and take the rideable in winds from just about any more direct route to the snowline. direction. The Pisa range is adjacent to and accessible from Snow Farm. — continued 34 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Old Man Range. PHOTO: Chasta
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Conditions Terrain: Flat ridges and shallow gullies provide great beginner and freestyle terrain while the Pisa offers acres of everything including some steeps and endless backcountry exploration. Wind: Best Northeast through to West Notes: but can be kiteable in any direction. As Please the winds come more to the south the don’t kite wind strength needs to be quite strong. back to the car If it’s lighter winds and southwest go to park unless you can Cardrona across the valley instead. land your kite safely. Skill level: Beginner to expert Directions: Situated along the Cardrona Cardrona Valley, 35 km from Wanaka and 55 km from Queenstown. Easy road access. The back bowls of Cardrona magnify Carry chains. Pay $15 at Base Lodge the Southwest wind and have epic for kite pass. Park at the top car park conditions. The top area near the ski field and cross the gully opposite the lodge is great for freestyle and there is often building to the flat ridge approximately a crowd watching the action. Further 500 meters away. downhill it gets steeper and there’s Local Info: www.snow-forecast.com/ plenty for backcountry exploration. resorts/Snow-Farm/6day/top Facilities: Lodge at base car park with Conditions hotel rooms, restrooms, café, bar and Terrain: The top is fairly flat providing restaurant. a good area for freestyle and then it Restrictions: Be careful to respect falls away to the southwest in a series the boundaries with Southern of bowls for downhill/uphill riding with Hemisphere Proving Ground which lots of wind lips, large rocks and other operates winter vehicle testing or you interesting features could get an unscheduled ride on the Wind: light to moderate Southwest wind. hood of Toyota’s latest creation or a Skill level: Beginner to expert fine for $2500. Directions: Located across the Cardrona valley opposite Snow Farm. Drive up to Cardrona ski resort and park
36 www.driftsnowkitemag.com in the car park below the resort. The Conditions kiting area is towards Queenstown. Terrain: Steep and undulating, lots of big Local Info: www.snow-forecast.com/ rolls. Gets steeper towards the ski field. resorts/Cardrona/6day/bot Wind: North east wind Facilities: The resort has a lodge, Skill level: Advanced to Expert restaurant and ski/snowboard rentals. Directions: From Queenstown follow hwy Restrictions: Please do not snowkite 6 to the Remarkables turnoff. Follow the within the ski field boundary. unsealed access road. As you reach the snow line you have the ridgeline to your The Remarkables right. This area is called Outward Bound and connects to Homeward bound. For The Remarkables mountain range skiers these runs are accessed via the provides a spectacular backdrop for Shadow Basin on the ski field. Snowkiters Queenstown. can park off the road and go ride. Facilities: Full day resort facilities available on the ski field. Restrictions: Snowkiting is not allowed within the ski field boundary. Other: The drop off the other side would be fatal so stay well clear of the top of the ridge with your kite in the air. There is also some great snowkite terrain for those with touring gear in the Wye Valley which is accessed from the top of the Alta Chair. This requires a South to Southwest wind and full backcountry gear.
— continued
I took this shot of Chasta climbing out of a steep bowl north of the spot we were riding in the Hector Mountains. Seeing him go just about anywhere inspired Andre and I to try to follow his tracks. Maybe with a little less style but we did it. Riding with Chasta is always an inspiration. PHOTO: Jon Imhoof www.driftsnowkitemag.com 37 NewZealandSnowkite Guide
Treble Cone intermediate terrain and opens access to unlimited backcountry possibilities. Treble cone is the most scenic commercial Wind: Southeast ski field in a country that boasts some of Skill level: intermediate to expert the most spectacular scenery in the world. Directions: 19 kms from Wanaka along “TC” is also recommended as the spot to the Matukituki valley road. The kite spot is head on a windless powder day. located at the top of the Saddle Chair lift. Hang a left off the chair and head for the Conditions flat spot on the other side of the ski area Terrain: A flat terrace located near the top boundary called “Tim’s Table”. There’s of a steep ridge which provides some good enough space here for maybe 3 or 4 38 www.driftsnowkitemag.com The Hector Mountains The Old Man Range have so much terrain. “Who needs Norway when you have This is the top of the ridge this!” - Chasta which is reasonably flat. You can drop off the ridge Conditions to ride some steeper stuff Terrain: Miles and miles and miles of or go exploring north into perfect snowkite terrain. Mostly low progressively steeper bowls. angle but with plenty of small bowls and Here Darren Mulkerrins and steeps to explore. Greg Michat rip up the ridge. Wind: Southeast to southwest but can be PHOTO: Jon Imhoof good in any wind direction Skill level: Beginner to Expert Directions: Head for Roxburgh along highway 8. Turn right on Waikaia Bush Road. Can be very muddy and may require chains. 4WD recommended. Local Info: www.snowkitesurf.com Facilities: None. Be prepared. Restrictions: Be prepared for backcountry travel.
The Old Woman Range The old woman range is on the other side of the Old man range and is a continuation of similar terrain to higher elevations.
Conditions Terrain: Miles of wide open, low angle, perfect snowkite terrain with interesting rock features and bowls. Wind: Best in Northwest through to southwest but can be good in any wind direction. Skill level: Beginner to expert people to kite on the flat, but follow the Directions: Head to Bannockburn ridge out to the Southwest and there are near Cromwell and follow the miles of untracked terrain to explore. Bannockburn road which turns into Local Info: www.snowkitesurf.com the Nevis Road. Follow it to the summit. Facilities: full day resort facilities If the snow line is low enough you may Restrictions: snowkiting is not allowed be able to kite from here. Otherwise, you within ski area boundaries. Be prepared will need a serious 4WD vehicle or be for the backcountry if kiting into the prepared to hike along the ridge which steeper terrain or away from “Tim’s table”. climbs to the south. — continued
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 39 NewZealandSnowkite Guide
Local Info: www.snowkitesurf.com Hut from Franz Joseph. Facilities: None Local Info: Restrictions: Be prepared for www.snowkitesurf.com, backcountry travel. www.helicopter.co.nz Facilities: Alpine huts The Hector Mountains Restrictions: Must be prepared for high alpine The Hector mountains rises from the conditions and travel on glaciated southern end of Lake Wakatipu near terrain. Mountain Guides are available Kingston. Access requires either for snowkiting expeditions. snowmobile, snowcat or helicopter.
Conditions Terrain: Flatish ridgeline open to pretty much any wind direction with steeper bowls falling away to the east. Wind: Ridgeline-Any, Bowls-Northeast to southeast Skill level: beginner to expert Directions: Contact Boarder Patrol or Southern Alps Sleds Local Info: www.snowkitesurf.com and www.southernalpssleds.com Facilities: Dilapidated ski club hut
The Glaciers The Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier Neves are enormous lakes of ice and snow perched beneath New Zealand’s highest peaks. Centennial and Pioneer Huts provide stunning views and are ideal bases for snowkite exploration.
Conditions Wind: North through west Skill level: Snowkite skill- intermediate to expert. Alpine skills also required. Directions: Helicopter to Pioneer Hut Good deals from Air New Zealand. from Fox Township and to Centennial www.airnewzealand.com
40 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Matt Taggart surrounded by majesty on the Franz Joseph Glacier. New Zealand has more than 2000 glaciers. PHOTO: Jon Imhoof
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 41 Chasta would charge down this fingerlike ridge at full speed and take off, flying 30 feet overhead. Location: Snow Farm PHOTO: Jon Imhoof 42 www.driftsnowkitemag.com
Lessonsfrom ‘‘ ’’ the MastaSnowkiting in New Zealand with Guillaume “Chasta” Chastagnol It was like being in the same room with Yoda and Luke Skywalker. Although I couldn’t understand a word they were saying, I was sure each phrase could unlock the secrets of the force. Remi Meum had just arrived in New Zealand for the first time after bailing out early from Australia due to poor snow and wind conditions. Chasta and I picked him up at the airport in Queenstown and — continued
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 43 Andre Pieterson cruising along the Old Woman Range. PHOTO: Jon Imhoof
There wasn’t much wind but Chasta Chasta appears from the fog at the did prove his point; And not for the first Old Man range. PHOTO: Greg Michat time. During the course of the camps he would often set up his kite when we all thought there wasn’t enough wind and proceed to take off. We would all then hurry to set up our kites only for them to lay there limp and lifeless. Chasta seems to create his own conditions. Or maybe, he and the wind have become such good playmates that the wind seeks him out. headed straight up the Remarkables hoping the Northeast wind would kick Chasta and Remi were here in New in. We stopped the van near the top Zealand for the first in a series of and jumped out to check the wind- Snowkiting camps run by Boarder Patrol “nothing”, I declared disappointedly. in the Southern Alps. The other campers Yoda, I mean Chasta, cocking his head arrived in dribs and drabs from all over to one side as if listening to someone the globe: there were two deep-sea whispering –“is enough”. Well okay, if divers from Perth named Steve and you say so. You are the World Champion. Chris; Kieron, a snowkite fanatic who
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Lessonsfrom ‘‘ ’’ the Masta
came all the way from England for the was time for some exploration. Evenings camp, and Roms, a Frenchman working were spent studying the terrain on in Queenstown. We were based at a Google Earth, phoning farmers and tour private lodge in Wanaka and hosted operators and anyone else who might there by Scott and Greg who were also have some information on areas we very excited about having a crack at thought might be good. snowkiting. It was a motley crew of beginner to advanced kitersufers who We found a farm road that looked like it had pretty much done no snowkiting. would access some good terrain in the What was lacking in experience was Old Man Range and next day set off. more than made up for in enthusiasm. The road was so muddy we had to put chains on all 4 wheels but once we got From day one Mother Nature was to the snowline it was smooth sailing until messing with us and it soon became the road disappeared into a snowdrift. obvious she intended to teach us a few We were in the clouds with no idea lessons. The lows that normally pass to where we were going-but up. Chasta the south were coming straight over us rigged up quickly and disappeared into and this one brought with it an easterly the fog. Moments later he returned and wind which is contrary to the norm. The pointed the rest of us in the direction of plan had been to kite at Snowfarm but the easterly wasn’t getting in there so it — continued
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 45 Chasta at Snow Farm a higher plateau which served as PHOTO: Jon Imhoof a good base and learning spot for the beginners.
Chasta again disappeared into the clouds. Curiosity got the best of Roms and I, so we followed Chasta’s tracks into the void. With no more than a couple meters visibility my senses were on edge. Trying to follow Chasta is not always the best idea in good conditions and I half expected his track to disappear over a cliff. Sensory deprivation plays tricks with your mind: I soon had no idea which direction our base was or how long I’d been following Chastas tracks. Roms kept drifting in and out of sight and at least gave me the comfort that I was not alone. Then suddenly the sky opened up before me and all I could see was a near endless horizon of snow and mountains. Chasta was a couple miles in the distance and obviously enjoying his new found playground. We finally caught up with him-or more like he waited for us. “Who needs Norway when you have this!” he exclaimed with a grin. And so began a season of epic missions and lessons from the master himself.
Boarder Patrol offers week long snowkiting camps in New Zealand with Chasta during the months of July, August and September. The camps are held at secret spots throughout the Southern Alps-they’re so secret they don’t even know where they’ll be going until a couple days beforehand! That’s because they choose the best spot for the forecasted conditions for the week. For more information see www.snowkitesurf.com
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Lessonsfrom ‘‘ ’’ the Masta
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 47 48 www.driftsnowkitemag.com www.driftsnowkitemag.com 49 The ORIGINAL Snowkite MastersBy Brian Schenck
here is something about from weekend rallies to festivals Tsnowkiting that evokes amazing and competitions. These grass roots sensations within the soul. So strong events began with just a handful of riders, coming together to share their are these feelings of stoke that we knowledge and local terrain, and can’t contain them, and many have evolved into the epicenter of snowkiters feel compelled to share the snowkiting world. Today, there are this secret passion that they have a string of events popping up around stumbled upon. the world, embracing every aspect Kite events are the core of this sharing snowkiting offers. Yet one event stands experience, and have spawned at the heart of the sport, a driving force
50 www.driftsnowkitemag.com PHOTO: Bertrand Boone and is still the largest core gathering of snowkiters. The French Snowkite Masters has evolved into the World Championships and is truly a global event, with riders attending from as far east as Russian and as far west as America. Along with the opportunity to freeride in the Alps amidst a mind blowing setting, snowkiters can compete in Freestyle, Racing and show off their mountain climbing skills with a Best Line competition.
After learning of the success of the first SKM in December of 2004, I started planning with Chasta to host a sister event in the US. Five years later I was elated to have the opportunity to return to France and experience the original Snowkite Masters for myself. The trip was nothing less than phenomenal. Despite the aggravations of international travel, and losing my bags for a few days, everything would fell right into place. After the first bags came through, my road partner Noah & I raced from the Lyon airport directly to the Col du Lauteret. After securing a hotel room and closing down the bar at 11 o’clock, we realized we had an hour to get back to the Col for a midnight session. The wind was blowing, the skies were barely lit under a partial moon, and Noah was off into the darkness. My luck was a little different, my clothing had behind the positive vibe and culture of not made it yet, only my gear. As I sat snowkiting… the Snowkite Masters. roadside in the chilly 19 degree weather,
I contemplated the situation. I’m in Levis, Referred to by many riders simply as it’s the middle of the night and it’s cold. the SKM, this event brings together the Words from an old friend rang through commonality kiters share, and provides my head…”nobody said snowkiting was a chill atmosphere to exchange for pussies”. I put on my harness and techniques, experience and cultures chased Noah into the night for the next from many different nations. While there two hours. This would start the trip off are now several SKM’s held across the with memories that will never fade. globe. The original was held in France — continued
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 51 The ORIGINAL Snowkite Masters
Returning in daylight was a different Of course, the powered days are the scene. The Red Bull tent was pumping most memorable, climbing steep faces out tunes and dozens of flags littered the quickly and covering many kilometers of hillsides. Soon riders gathered around untracked snow. in lawn chairs, basking in the morning sun and awaiting the schedule at the Parties were the nightly norm, and daily athletes meeting. During the rallied snowkiters together for more Freestyle comps, Noah & I would head camaraderie and debauchery. out exploring the massive terrain, free to Dj Jaggae and Jaz turned out the roam in every direction. When the winds tunes, and the dual Afro team was a were lighter, we could still find places to key element to the positive vibe that climb up under kite power, and hiking grew every evening. The days followed would often take us to scenic views the night in a rhythmic routine that felt and powder runs. The Snowkite Masters very natural. And each dawn brought in France lasts an entire week, which is new kiting opportunities. My personal enough time to experience a variety of routine fell in line with the local customs, wind conditions and directions. We were and I found myself eating quiche and able to explore quite a bit of new terrain café au lait every morning possible, and ride almost every side of the Col du followed by bluebird skies and a long Lauteret during the event. day in the mountains.
52 www.driftsnowkitemag.com PHOTOS: Bertrand Boone
As the week rolled down and friends A quick check of the weather and a said good bye, email addresses were double-check of the topos, and we were exchanged and plans for the next packing for Cervier, a pass only a few journey were eagerly made. Noah and kilometers out of town, and perfect for I had planned accordingly and knew the prevailing west wind. While clouds that staying a few more days would would push snow down on top of us, open up more adventures. Right we disguising the peaks in a fog, we were were. Stumbling by accident into a welcomed by strong winds that powered B&B near the Col, we found we were us across the fresh powder. Soon a dozen neighbors we the local contingent of kites popped up, and we were joined by Kite-Ski-bums, living the highest lifestyle the local crew that so graciously invited in a quiet village. Well, not so quiet, for us in the night before. As colors lit up the that first night the crew was celebrating sky and shouts of joy were hollered out… a successful event, as most of this band I realized that this was another successful were volunteers all week. Guitars were SKM, bringing riders from around the world plugged in and drums were beaten together in some very special places. as live music and joyous celebration clouded the air. Complete with a feast, this was the cap on a great week in the Alps… until the maps came out.
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 53 INDUSTRY NEWS By Dave Grossman Giant Leap for Snowkiting Powder Mountain and Best Kiteboarding pioneer the United States’ first resort snowkiting program
PHOTO: Chris Nester
owder Mountain Ski resort in Mountain claims 7,000 acres of skiable PUtah is the first resort in North terrain and with that they claim the most America to develop a snowkiting of any resort in North America. program right on the mountain. The snowkiting location consists Best Kiteboarding has teamed up with of a wide open ridge and a bowl them to create a great opportunity for (approximately 80 acres) located east snowkiting as a precedent in getting southeast of the Hidden Lake Lodge and more ski areas and more winter sports parking area at the summit of Powder lovers involved in the sport. Mountain and is accessed via the Sunrise surface lift. The snowkiting area Powder Mountain is one of the closest ski is sloped South. The area is best ridden areas to the Salt Lake City Airport and with a wind out of the South and can be as such it gets a lot of visitors from out ridden on a North day, but is sheltered of town. Even with this significant out of from a West wind. town traffic, it is a great local mountain with a fun, mellow vibe. The terrain is The kiting at Powder Mountain can quite varied and the ski resort itself is be great and the area plays host to organized in an unusual manner without the Superfly Open in March, however any one single base area, but rather Powder Mountain’s role in the bigger three parking areas that offer different picture of snowkiting is that it is an types of access to the mountain. Powder 54 www.driftsnowkitemag.com opens door for the public to discover finally some of the discussion is a result of Giant Leap for Snowkiting snowkiting. The proximity to Salt Lake some short-sighted territorial squabbles City, the wide diversity of activities that have erupted from business available on the mountain and the owners struggling to make a living with prominent position of the kiting location snowkiting in the early years of the sport. all add up to a great place to get a first taste of snowkiting. Skiers and The lift access slopes at Powder snowboarders visiting Powder Mountain Mountain varies with an even distribution have a unique opportunity to watch between beginner, intermediate and snowkiters riding the powder going uphill advanced and a couple of terrain as well as downhill, so they can see the parks. With six lifts, a road shuttle service, amazing potential of the sport. They can snowcat skiing and heli skiing, Powder do this from the parking lot and from the Mountain offers almost anything for the deck of the Hidden Lake Lodge. If they skier or snowboarder and blankets it all are interested, they can take a lesson in nearly 500” of snow a year. This means right there. that someone in the family can ski, someone can snowboard and still others Best Kiteboarding has a full spectrum of can try snowkiting. And that is a win-win lessons available at the area including situation for everyone. a wide variety of Best kites for rental or demo. Combined with excellent instructors, Powder Mountain is the LEARN TO SNOWKITE gateway drug for the bigger world of snowkiting. This is the important point to Pre-Flight Lesson $49.00 keep in mind about Powder Mountain. 1 hour Interactive introduction to kiting. It isn’t a be-all/end-all snowkiting Kite On Snow (AM or PM) $279.00 destination. But it certainly is a great 4-5 hrs Trainer kite introduction, Kite place to be introduced to snowkiting. control, rigging/setting the kite, safety techniques, snow techniques, riding There has been a wide ranging techniques, upwind techniques, kite discussion about Powder Mountain in relaunching/self-landing and self-rescue. the snowkiting community and as a Kite On Snow Clinic $459.00 pioneering effort, the Best Snowkite Two Days (8-9 hrs) A two-day version that Center at Powder Mountain has already helps you become a proficient snowkiter. seen some controversy. Some of the Backcountry Freeriding $299.00 controversy is a function of the brand 4-5 hrs Backcountry Freeriding. wars that have been raging in snowkiting Snowmobile/snowcat transport and specifically in Utah. Part of the issue and guide support. Exploring the is based on Best Kiteboarding coming in backcountry. Learn how to kite in the and taking over the existing snowkiting backcountry. operations at Powder Mountain and
Get more information about Powder Mountain? For reservations call 801-745-3772 Ext 181 Website: www.powdermountain.com Email: [email protected]
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 55 MEDIA By James Brown
PROGRESSION: KITE LANDBOARDING - BEGINNER For those of you looking to expand the fun you can have with your existing kiteboarding gear, you’ve definitely got to add a landboard to your arsenal. If it’s your first time on a landboard, then this DVD is the ticket to riding correctly and having a blast right away. If you already know how to kite with a landboard it will reinforce the fundamentals and even teach you a few new tricks. The film assumes that you have basic kite flying skills and is not a replacement for professional instruction. The video covers basic concepts like wind, ideal locations, conditions, equipment and terminology. Then they walk you through speed control, edging, stance, riding upwind, sliding, toe side, carving turns, jumping, grabs and aerial transitions. Pick up a copy and treat yourself to a whole new world of kiting. Running Time: 150+ minutes For copies go to: www.fatsand.com VIRAL VIDEO TOP PICK
http://www.vimeo.com/3129909 or www.chasta.info VIDEO: Boulgakow
Be the first to SUBMIT the Top Pick viral video for the next issue and win a new pair of Zeal Dominator goggles. WANT MORE VIDEOS? CLICK HERE 56 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Well stocked shop!
One of the top retailers for snowkite gear is Cloud 9 Toys in Draper, Utah. Known as a world-class paragliding school, Cloud 9 Toys also offers everything the snowkiter could ever need including a selection of snowkites from the top manufacturers, snowkiteboards, harnesses, accessories and instruction! Owners Steve Mayer and Mike Steen are both accomplished pilots and kiters and the quality of their shop reflects not only the dedication they have for the sport, but also their position in the industry. With complete size ranges and color selections in stock for almost everything they sell, Cloud 9 Toys is sure to have what you need or want. And if something breaks, they will get you back into the game with an on site repair facility and repair technicians. If you are in the south Salt Lake City area, stop by Cloud 9 Toys and check it out or drop by online at paragliders.com Driftin’Dave
Repairs getquickly! you back flying Kites and clothes...
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 57 SNOWKITE DICTIONARY hese common terms will help you understand the unique language used in Tsnowkiting. [Note: We’ve italicized words that also appear with their own definitions.]
5th Line: Is a single line that can be Its shape has a very swept back design. used in two different ways. It can be (Looks much like the brim of a baseball set up on the trailing edge or go to the cap) This design has maximum de-power center of the leading edge or to assist and it’s shape relaunches easily on snow with launching a “C” kite on snow. Many or water. newer kites also use the 5th line on the Bow Tie: When a foil kite collapses leading edge for a safety and to help causing a twist. (Not to be confused with trim the kite. a Bow Kite) Apparent Wind: The extra pull Brake Lines: Single or multiple lines that generated by a kite once it is in motion. are attached to the trailing edge of a Aspect Ratio: The ratio of width to foil kite. By pulling this line a rider can length (front to land the kite in a back) of a kite. Brake controlled situation. Bar Pressure: The Lines These lines are also amount of pull or De-power used for relaunch Strap resistance that the when the kite is rider feels while upside down.
steering the Chicken “C” Kite: Is an control bar. Loop inflatable kite with no Battens: Semi-stiff bridals. It can have
lengths of fiberglass, Control either 4 or 5 lines (in most cases) most Bar from the control bar Chicken directly attached commonly found Bone on the tips of to the kite. Its shape inflatable kites. resembles the letter “C”. Bladder: The inflatable portion of an Canopy: The material surface of the inflatable style kite. kite (excluding the leading edge, struts Blind: When a rider turns their body 180˚ and bridles) from the direction of travel so they are Chicken Bone: (also Chicken Finger, facing away from the kite. Kicket, Donkey Dick) It is found inside Bridle Lines: Multiple small lines the chicken loop, and makes a secure connected on the underside or leading connection to the harness hook to keep edge of a kite. They stabilize and help it from accidentally falling out. support the shape of the kite. Chicken Loop: A semi-flexible loop Bomb Drop: When an inflatable kite designed to connect the rider to the kite; falls from the sky leading edge first in it passes through the control bar to allow light wind. adjustment in the power of the kite. It should contain a safety release or Bow Kite: An inflatable kite with a quick disconnect. supported leading edge bridal system.
58 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Clock: When winds switch direction. Glide Ratio: The ratio of horizontal glide Closed-cell: A foil kite that has one- to vertical drop that a kite provides when way inlets for air to fill the cells. They are flying. The higher the ratio, the better designed to keep snow out of the cells horizontal distance you gain. and retain the shape of the kite. Gust Busting: Fighting gusty wind Cock Block: When another rider gets in conditions. Hang on! the way of another rider. Harness: A device worn by the rider Control Bar: The bar used to steer and that allows them to hook directly to the control the kite. There are two main types kite. They come in two basic styles: waist of bars: A de-power bar with a chicken and seat (includes loops that encircle loop that slides in and out through the the legs). The connection to the chicken center of the control bar which lets the loop may include either a spreader bar rider have on-the- with a hook or a fly control over the simple D-ring. amount of power Open Hindenburg: When in the kite. This is Cells your inflatable kite
preferred by most suddenly tips forward riders. A Fixed bar and falls from the sky has a chicken Trailing Leading due to light winds. Edge Edge loop that does not Hot Launch: Launching slide in and out your kite straight through the center downwind. of the control bar, Inflatable Kite: (also thus eliminating Bridle lines L.E.I.-Leading Edge on-the-fly power Inflatable or Tube) Has adjustment. an inflatable leading Dangle: When edge and struts with a a rider jumps single layer of fabric and goes into a pendulum motion. It for the canopy. Its original design and indicates inexperience, lack of style, primary use is for water while adding bad timing, laziness or freaking out support and flotation to the kite. during a jump. Kook-Proof: A kite that is permanently De-power: On-the-fly power adjustment. rigged so that the rider cannot De-power Strap: (also Trim Strap) An accidentally attach the lines incorrectly. adjustable strap that allows the rider to For example, the front pig tails have increase or decrease power. knots and the front lines have loops that Figure-Eight: A common knot used in match. The back pig tails would have kiting. It is larger and easier to untie than loops and the back lines would have a standard overhand knot. knots. This way the operator cannot hook the back lines to the front of the kite. Foil Kite: (also Ram Air) A two-layered kite with an open leading edge allowing air to fill the kite and giving it it’s wing or foil shape. — continued
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 59 SNOWKITE DICTIONARY Larks Head: A looped line that is used to directly to these. attach to a knot on a pig tail. Port Tack: Port means “left” side. If you Leading Edge: The front edge of the kite are moving with your left hand forward that faces into the wind. and your back to the wind. You are on a Leash: This is a primary or back up safety port tack. You are to give way to others on device that connects the rider to the starboard tack and leeward of you. kite. It is designed to de-power the kite Powered Jump: A jump achieved by in case the rider lets go of the bar when keeping the kite stationary at a 45-degree the chicken loop is not connected to the angle to the ground, then edging hard harness hook. away from the kite, releasing the tension Leeward: (also Downwind) Any area that to pop off of the snow. is downwind from the direction the wind is Power Zone: The area in the wind window blowing. In other words, anywhere in front that generates the most power. of the rider with the wind Quick Release: A safety to their back. device found on many Waist Lofting: This can happen places, either on the Harness when the kite is positioned with control bar system or overhead and a large Spreader rider. It can be released gust of wind lifts the rider Bar & Hook or pulled under extreme unexpectedly off the load to kill the kite or
ground. Lofting can be free a rider from the
very dangerous. kite. Seat Luff: What happens to a Harness Rag-Doll: A crash that kite when it does not have with Leg makes you look like a
enough air to keep it aloft, Loops doll getting shaken by so it collapses and falls out an angry dog. of the sky. D-Ring Range: The span from Lull: When the wind gets minimum to maximum lighter than previously. amount of wind that Nad Rattled: When you get dragged face a kite can comfortably (or should be) down across the snow after a crash. flown in. Neutral Zone: The area at the outer edges Rotor: The effect of a stationary object of the wind window that have the least that causes wind to rotate down and amount of power on the kite. back to the windward direction. This can be hazardous to a rider. Open-Cell: A foil kite specifically designed for use on snow or land that has openings S.L.E. (Supported Leading Edge). on the leading edge that allow air to pass An inflatable kite which has a bridal in and out of the cells. These types of kites system on the leading edge. These may are quickly and safely de-powered. commonly be referred to as a Hybrid or Bow Kites. Pig Tails: Heavy cord that is permanently attached to the kite with a knot or loop Sent Jump: A jump achieved by sending at the end. Flying lines are then attached [steering] the kite up and back from the
60 www.driftsnowkitemag.com direction of travel which lifts the rider off Tractoring: Looping the kite to generate the ground. power; usually in an effort to climb a hill. Spaghetti: What you have when your Trim: The angle of attack the kite has lines are a tangled mess. in the wind. It can be adjusted with a Spectra: High strength flying lines de-power bar. More trim equals more standard on most kites. drag and lift. Medium trim provides fast kite speed and efficient turning. Spreader Bar: A metal bar with a hook that is integrated into the harness for Under trimmed will result in de-power attaching to the kite. and instability. Riding or jumping with the Stability: Can be referred to in many Unhooked: ways. Most common uses are to describe chicken loop “unhooked” from the wind conditions. Stable; meaning spreader bar hook. smooth and steady. Unstable; meaning Wind Window: This is the area where the gusty and shifty. It kite flies relative to also refers to kite Zenith the rider’s position. The power zone is performance. A stable kite is one with the area directly
a predictable solid Neutral downwind of the Zone rider. The neutral feel while in the air. Power An unstable kite is Zone zone is the area one that may be out to either side and of tune or inherent in above the rider. its design. Wind Windward: (also Direction Starboard Tack: Upwind) The area behind the rider Starboard means [Wind Window] “right” side. If you when the wind is to are moving with your right hand forward their back. In other words, the direction and the wind at your back, you are on that the wind is coming from. If you are starboard tack. You have right of way windward of others you must give way to over others on a port tack. anyone leeward (downwind). Struts: These are inflatable tubes found Wind Shadow: An area directly leeward on inflatable kites. They run from the (downwind) of a stationary object that is leading edge to the trailing edge, giving blocked from wind. the kite shape as well as supporting it. Sheeting: The ability to change the Suicide Leash: Connecting a leash power of the kite by pushing or pulling on directly to the chicken loop instead of a the control bar. “full” de-power option. Katabatic Wind: Cold air that flows Tea Bagged: When your kite is so down a mountain causing wind. powered that it lifts you off the snow Zenith: The location of the kite when it then back down, repeatedly. is directly overhead at the top of the Trailing Edge: The back edge of the kite power zone.
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 61 THE BRIGADE Bjorn Kaupang in Chile. Snow and epic terrain as far PHOTO: Morten Gjerstad as the eye can see. Yukon, Alaska PHOTO: Kite Yukon
PHOTO: Eric Bader
Jacob Buzianis eats up the pow at Powder Mt., USA, PHOTO: Courtesy of Jacob Buzianis
A snow blasted building makes a nice backdrop. PHOTO: Ramon Schoenmaker 62 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Snow and epic terrain as far Julien Fillion bones it out. as the eye can see. PHOTO: Gregg Gnecco Yukon, Alaska PHOTO: Kite Yukon
PHOTO: Eric Bader John Robichaud bridging the gap. Zebulon Jakub lays it down at the New Brunswick, Canada Tugg Hill Rally in New York, USA. PHOTO: Eric Girard PHOTO: Jan Brabant
Submit the Top Pick photo and win a new pair of Zeal Dominator goggles.
Send photos to [email protected] www.driftsnowkitemag.com 63 KITE CAMP
Self-launchingsing a bow-style water kite on snow Urequires some special technique to Bow kites easily and safely self-launch. Ryan Waite from Idaho Kitesports shows you how.
SKILL LEVEL BASIC WORDS: Ryan Waite PHOTOS: Idaho Kitesports
Pull on this line
30˚
Wind Direction
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Walk at least 100m away from the path will be on the safe upwind side 1 parking area and all downwind of your lines. hazards. Once you have With your lines walked out and approached a safe distance, drop 4 attached to your kite. You will want your snowboard or skis. Then walk to move the kite slightly upwind and another 25m away from hazards further towards the edge of the wind at a 30-degree-angle to straight window. When done properly all kite downwind. lines will come out from behind the Set kite and pump down and walk kite. No lines should run underneath 2 your lines out following the path you the kite. have already created. Then rotate the kite so the downwind Plant your bar firmly in the snow on 5 wing tip is catching a small amount 3 the downwind side of your path. This of wind. Pile snow on the upwind allows you to walk back from your wing tip. By doing this, the kite will be kite after hooking up the lines so your set to rotate in the correct direction.
64 www.driftsnowkitemag.com HELPFUL HINTS n You just need enough snow on the tip n Keep your head up for other kiters to keep the kite from sliding. that could run over your lines and
n Keep lines clear of the kite tips so check them for slices if they do.
they don’t catch. n Take your time when setting up.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
We want it to slide downwind and With tension to that wing tip, the open up the canopy. This will release 8 kite should slide and rotate on its the snow from the wing tip. leading edge downwind opening up the canopy. This is when you should Once the kite is anchored with snow double-check that your lines are 6 and the lines are clear running back straight before you actually allow the to the bar, once again walk your path kite to turn and launch. back to your bar. Usually moving towards the kite will Grab the bar and hook in. Either 9 allow it to open up and launch safely. 7 put your skis or snowboard on, or be Be ready for the kite to pull you and comfortable doing this with your kite point your skis or snowboard towards in the air. Then slowly increase tension the kite to absorb the power. to your outside line that is attached to the downwind wing tip. This can Once you are riding, stay away from be done by stepping backwards, or 10 the launch area until it’s time to self- pulling a little extra on the outside line. land, so others have room.
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 65 KITE CAMP
Carving transition Heelside to toeside
SKILL LEVEL INTERMEDIATE
RIDER: James Brown WORDS: James Brown PHOTOS: Daniel Boromisa
his transition can be Tdeceptively difficult, just as it was when you first learned to make heel to toeside snowboard turns. The first attempts may be awkward, but with practice you will get them dialed with style.
n Start out on your heelside edge with n Begin the transition by steering the your kite low. kite up. Concentrate on steering the kite in one smooth movement back in n Maintain medium speed. You don’t the opposite direction. Be aggressive. A want to be going super fast when common mistake is to hesitate with the learning this transition. Likewise, going kite directly overhead. too slow makes balancing difficult. If you remember learning to snowboard n Don’t be too eager with your body on a hill, going slow makes it harder to movement. Lean into the turn nice and balance with the board on the edge. slow so you don’t fall over.. 66 www.driftsnowkitemag.com HELPFUL HINTS n As you prepare for the transition the n Steer the kite quickly but smoothly most important thing to keep in your and your body and board will turn
mind is that the kite goes first and quickly but smoothly too.
you follow.
n Turn your head and drop your n The biggest challenge is not rushing shoulders. Your body always follows the process. Remember to lead with the your head...so look in the direction kite and let it pull you around after it. that you want to go. Try not to look up at the kite. n At first your movements may be jerky and you may end up sliding the board n Roll your board from the heelside to avoid falling forward onto your face. to the toeside. Leaning into the turn Keep practicing to smooth out the slightly but letting the kite do the work transition and get your board up on of pulling you. edge for a picture perfect carve www.driftsnowkitemag.com 67 KITE CAMP
Raley to Blind NOTE: Raley is NOT spelled Railey. It was named after wakeboarder, SKILL LEVEL ADVANCED Chet Raley. Respect.
RIDER: Erik Fernholm WORDS: James Brown PHOTO: Kristjan Sigudarson 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 n [This step is n As soon as you n Go with the n Keep your not shown in the unhook, in one motion, letting head down sequence, but quick motion, your legs and between your it is important.] edge upwind, board swing arms and spot Get up to pop off the snow high up behind your height maximum speed, and let the force you. The higher above the snow. veer downwind against the kite your board, slightly to stretch you out. the easier it is release the Don’t fight it. to get it back pressure from Let your arms, underneath you your kite and stomach and for landing. unhook your legs stretch. chicken loop from your spreader bar.
68 www.driftsnowkitemag.com HELPFUL HINTS n Opposite from sent jumps, you will n Practice unhooked Raleys to perfect get more height if you keep your your load and pop AND getting the kite low AND it will be much easier board above your head. to pass the handle. n Practice riding blind without jumping.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 n At the peak n Rotate n Point your n Absorb the of the jump, the counter board straight landing by pull will lessen. clockwise and downwind bending your At this point, let your body toward your knees. Reach pull the bar in return to a kite so there is behind your toward your vertical position. no pressure on back with your front hip. your arm. It also left hand and keeps you from grab the bar. catching the Release your heelside edge. right hand until the bar is in front of you again. Grab again with both hands and hook back in. Congratulations!
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 69 KITE CAMP By Joel Beatty PHOTO: PHOTO: Gustav Schmiege Gustav
The Fast Track to Fun nowkiting can be a graceful or up close just because you excel at Sthing to watch. A giant kite your current cross-over sport. There’s making smooth turns through no doubt that your current skills will the air and pulling the rider with aid you in becoming a great kiter, but each background usually has a unique seemingly no effort at all. To many deficiency when it’s applied to kiting. spectators it can look easy. When the conditions are right, it can be. But as any Windsurfers for example come into the experienced kiter knows, conditions and sport with an intimate knowledge of wind circumstances can get extreme quickly. and weather. Weather as it relates to wind sports is one of the hardest things to Because snowkiting is an easily teach and the experience of windsurfing accessible cross-over sport, it attracts is an excellent background to start athletes from a variety of backgrounds. kiting. Tacking into the wind, changing Snowboarding, skiing, wakeboarding, the angle of the kite and absorbing the windsurfing, sailing, stunt kite flying and gusts are all skills that can be applied telemarking are all sports that lend their to kiting. The biggest area of training skills to snowkiting. For potential kiters, for windsurfers is flying of the kite. Kites it’s important not to fall into the trap of have some of the same features of a how easy the sport can look on a video sail: you can sheet them in and out
70 www.driftsnowkitemag.com and bleed off the wind by changing A good instructor will not only give its angle, but a kite operates in a large you a solid foundation in basics like kite three-dimensional space since the kite safety, handling and wind knowledge, is 27 meters away. It can be used to but they will also show you how to create a tremendous amount of power blend your new kite flying skills with your as it moves quickly through this “wind existing skills to shorten your learning window.” curve. A lesson can also save Skiers (and A good instructor will show you you money by snowboarders) how to blend your new kite flying learning what have a whole skills with your existing skills to equipment is different set shorten your learning curve right for you of challenges and showing while learning you how to to kite than athletes with a wind sport care for it. We all pay our dues along the background. In general, skiers have the way, but spending some money for a easiest time transitioning into snowkiting. lesson in the beginning will pay for itself They tend to like going fast as they many times over. would down a hill. But kiting at such speed requires a precise amount of control and knowledge about your kite. Learning to edge against the kite and Skills & Knowledge fly it to the edge of the wind window What is covered in a lesson? in order to maintain control without accidentally sending the kite into a jump • Establishment of Kiting Goals is something that skiers have to spend • Wind Theory time working up to. • Snowkiting Theory • Equipment setup • Pre-Flight Check Snowboarders have some of the biggest challenges to overcome because they • Use of all Safety Systems have to learn a whole new body position • Kite Control when behind a kite as well as become • Understanding Power Generation proficient in riding both directions. This with the Kite requires time to train your muscles for • Launching the Kite a proper kiter position (lean against • Snow Starts (from a seated and the kite with a straight back, back leg standing position) bent, front leg straight out with your • Assisted and Unassisted Landings foot pointed flat). There’s a lot to think • Relaunching about if you are learning to fly a kite at • Self-Rescue the same time. Often the adjustments • Board and Body Position to body position and kite position are • Controlling Your Speed simple to make, but it can be a hard • Going Upwind thing to figure out on your own. • Navigating Terrain • Basics of Jumping
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 71 INTERVIEW By Dave Grossman Petter Johnsen
Petter Johnsen has quickly risen to the top of the heap with influences from his crew in the snowkite paradise of Norway. Those influences have given him the motivation and spark to push the limits of snowkiting, but he’s definitely not a carbon copy. Petter has his own style. While using his background in snowboarding, he is dedicated to putting his own mark on the wakestyle moves, rails and kickers that he loves. Check him out in Dimensions, the third DVD from www.snowkitefilm.com — continued 72 www.driftsnowkitemag.com PHOTOS: Oystein Kristiansen
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 73 INTERVIEW Petter Johnsen
How many days per season do you STATISTICS snowkite? Well, I’m not really sure, The first year I Age 21 lived at Haugastol I kited almost every Height 178cm time I had the chance, even though Weight 60kg/130lbs the weather was bad and the visibility Years kiting 3 was really bad. I was just so stoked to Kites Liquid Force/HiFi be out kiting. Last year I got a bit more Boards K2 Believer & WWW fussy about the conditions, I wanted Bindings K2 Formula & Sonic Pro it to be good visibility and that kind of Boots K2 T1 & Darko stuff, sunny you know! Also since I had Harness Liquid Force my accident 7 months ago I could kite Helmet Sweet Trooper a good session but then I took some Clothes Holden, Sweet, Electric days off just relaxing to fully recover. This Website petterjohnsen.com year I feel in much better shape and my back is pretty good. So I will try to kite
74 www.driftsnowkitemag.com
I oil myself with reindeer fat to protect from the cold!
PHOTO: Oystein Kristiansen
as much as possible, and don’t be too Where are you calling home now? fussy about the conditions. If the ”pop” is In the summer I am chillin’ in the south bad I will do something else, jump high or of Norway in a town called Tonsberg something. and in the winter I live at Haugastol (Hardangervidda Plateau in Norway), the What languages do you speak? famous Norwegian snowkite spot. Norwegian, English and I understand some Swedish. What keeps you there? Tonsberg is a nice summer place, my Where were you born? family and many friends live there. Far up north in Norway in a city called Haugastol is just because it’s the best Tromso. Its cold! snowkiting spot in the world I reckon. The How do you deal with the extreme conditions here are usually pretty sweet. cold? Where would you like to snowkite that I oil myself with reindeer fat to protect you haven’t, yet? from the cold! No, I usually get cold I would love to go to New Zealand, easily, especially my feet. — continued www.driftsnowkitemag.com 75 INTERVIEW Petter Johnsen
Canada and it would be cool to go to It must be pretty cool to be kiting with Japan to see all the high-tech things Remi and the whole snowkitefilm.com they have! crew. What has it been like getting all the exposure in the Morten’s films? Where are the favorite places you Its good having friends to kite with and have traveled? to get pushed and inspired by! Those Australia, USA and Brazil. boys have been in the game for a while. What are your essential travel items? So it’s good to learn some kite stuff and Passport and music. practical things too! Filming with Morten is really fun. He puts a lot of effort into What are you listening to? Right now I am listening to The Modern what he is doing and it’s not an easy Lovers, they are sick! MGMT, The Ting thing to deal with us boys. But yeah, he Tings, The Black Lips, Johnny Flynn. pushes us around like a If you were stranded on a desert island, what is the one album you would want to have with you? That’s a tough one, I guess Wolfmother. But what’s the chance of getting stranded? If that happened to me I think I would actually enjoy it... if there were waves and I could surf. What are you driving? KIA KIA?! Sweet. That is a very practical car for a 21-year-old. Do you have any stickers on it? Fuzzy dice? Roof rack? He he, yeah it’s nice. I’ve got a couple of big Liquid Force stickers on it. Represent! And a “Something Stronger” sticker. None of those fuzzy dice things. And my boards goes in the back. How did you discover snowkiting? Some local heros like Remi Meum and a guy named Andre were doing it, and I thought they were really cool people, so I wanted to be like them. At least until I got to know them! Ha ha. I also got into snowkiting because I wanted to try out something new. Combining a snowboard with a kite opens up so much potential and so many things to have fun with!
76 www.driftsnowkitemag.com boss and gets us to perform well. Morten There is room for more if anyone is is really talented in making movies, interested? he does all the filming, editing and What has it been like having the support producing himself and they always turns of a great company like Liquid Force? out great. I am super stoked. I always wanted to Inflatable or foil? ride for LF, so I am really happy and Definitely inflatable. thankful for their support! Who do you kite for? The sickest brand ever... Liquid Force! — continued And K2 helps me out with boards.
PHOTO: Oystein Kristiansen
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 77 INTERVIEW Petter Johnsen
What are you doing when you aren’t snowkiting? I try to snowbord as much as possible. Also hitting the gym and pump some muscles. And chilling with friends and my girlfriend. Who inspires you? Many of my Liquid Force teammates inspire me. They are sick! Also Andre Phillip, Aaron Hadlow, Shawn Watson, Phillip Soven, Terje Haakonsen, Travis Parker, and the boys I am snowkiting with! Who do you kite with most? Remi Meum, Sigve Botnen, Bjorn Kaupang, Claes Lunden, Morten Gjerstad and whoever else shows up. What are your goals for this season? I want to ride more rails and kickers. Try to push that a bit further. What are your goals for your snowkiting career? To stick a 900! And to inspire kids to get into snowkiting so they can raise the bar. And to be a good role model is all. What is your favorite style of snowkiting? Unhooked wakestyle hardcore stuff! Kickers and rails! Flying down hills can be fun, but scary sometimes. I am not good at it. When I get my speed suit on I can go really fast though!
Are you going to go to any snowkite experienced in the contest scene. I do events this year? think contests are good for the sport, I am definitely going to the Snowkite it helps it grow and they can be pretty Masters in Sweden. It is always a success fun. It’s a good way to meet new people with tons of fun! and make friends. But just don’t take Do you compete in snowkiting? What them too serious, have fun! do you think about snowkite contests? Yes, I do compete. Haven’t done too many contests yet, so I am not that
78 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Have you ever been injured while PHOTO: Oystein Kristiansen snowkiting? Yeah, I’ve hurt my shoulders and stuff. But the worst injury I had was when Morten Gjerstad and I went to Denmark for some kiting on water. I was exhausted from all the driving and not enough sleep, and after two hours on the water with a [previously] broken shoulder I crashed during a Front Mobe, and ended up in the Danish hospital for 5 or 6 days with a broken neck and back. That was really scary! A broken neck and back! Ouch! How long did it take to recover? Does a serious injury like that change how you kite now? Yeah it was super scary. It took me seven months to recover. Last winter I was in pretty good shape but I took it pretty easy. If I kited one day I had to take a break for a couple of days just to relax and to get my body back in shape. In a way it changed me, but I was just really unlucky, so it hasn’t affected me that much I think. Sometimes I get a bit scared and think twice before trying things. I am scared of Front Mobes for sure. I’m not doing them anymore! What are you doing this weekend? I will hit the pub and have a few beers with some mates celebrating a birthday! Anyone you want to thank or give What do you want to be when you shout-outs to? grow up? Yeah, thanks to Liquid Force, Truls O at I haven’t figured that out yet. Since I K2, The Crew, Morten Gjerstad, Geir N, have been injured a lot, I have been Drift, Mom & Dad, Haugastol, my brother, to heaps of different medical doctors friends and my girlfriend Frederikke. and I think many of the people in health care really suck. So in a way I want to become a physical therapist so I can help athletes recover in the best way. Someone they feel they can trust.
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 79 NEW PRODUCTS Jochum Nesler Luis Snowkite The Luis is a new concept of snowkite with an increased effective profile for better performance and faster turning speed. Equipped with a simple bridle construction and a sophisticated 4-line setup with reliable safety to satisfy all skill levels from rookies to experts doing freestyle moves or gliding steep hillsides. With its small packing size, the Luis is the perfect companion for hiking to lonesome powder beats. Although developed for snowkiting, this kite also works for landboard or buggy terrain. Sizes: 5m, 7m and 10m Colors: Green and Orange Price*: N/A Web Link: www.jn-kites.com Buy Now: www.jn-kites.com/shop. php?cat=3&product=78
Jochum Nesler Tiger Snowkite Board The JN TIGER is specifically designed for snowkiting with lengths of 142 and 152cm that are sufficient due to its width and straight rail. Riders with big feet won’t have to worry about toe drag. Freestylers will be happy to know they will be getting the same pop as on the water and the wide turning radius will save energy. At first, this seemed impossible on snow, but thanks to its breadth, the Tiger is perfectly for deep powder. A carefully placed layer of snakeskin makes it resistant to scratches and wear. The Tiger is a limited edition made from choice materials. Sizes: 142 / 152cm Colors: Black and Yellow Price*: N/A Web Link: www.jn-kites.com Buy Now: www.jn-kites.com/shop.php?cat=8&product=58
80 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Mystic Firestarter Jacket d3o The Mystic Firestarter d3o Jacket is the new standard for snowkiting. Shoulder and Elbow d3o impact absorption removable elements create the necessary protection in the areas that “hurt” the most while snowkiting. The wide zippers on the front and internal structure allows you to “wear” your snowkiting harness, while only the spreader bar appears outside of the jacket. Since you will be using your harness under your jacket, and the cut is rather slimmer, if you are generally between sizes make sure you choose the bigger size for this product. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL Colors: White, Brown Price*: $419.95 Web Link: www.live2kite.com Buy Now: www.live2kite.com/product_info. php?cPath=66&products_id=748 Mystic Firestarter Pants d3o The Mystic Firestarter Pants bring high end snow performance with d3o impact absorption (www.d3o. com). The articulated knees have the d3o impact absorption protection to reduce injuries and impact results. Pants are designed to work with all Mystic snow jackets, with pant to jacket connection! * Waterproofness: 10,000 mm * Fully taped seams * Pants to jacket connection * Lasered and glued pockets with waterproof zips * Tool pocket * Articulated knees with d3o * Special zipper ventilation system Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL Colors: Light Gray/White Price*: $295.95 Web Link: www.live2kite.com Buy Now: www.live2kite.com/product_info. php?cPath=66&products_id=848
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 81 NEW PRODUCTS North Solid Snowkite The “Pressureless Safety System” continues to be the most important feature of the Solid 09. In addition to the regular landing and relaunch option, the 5th Element safety line pulls down the kite’s central profile, causing the rest of the kite to collapse backwards to the ground. The flying characteristics permit a stress-free experience for newcomers and intermediate riders. The Vario Trim option allows the rider to adjust the kite to personal preferences. With its forgiving flying characteristics, wide wind range and the safety of the 5th Element, the Solid 09 provides reliability and performance. Sizes: 4m, 6m and 9m Colors: Black/white, White/green, Grey/blue and Grey/orange Price*: $1099.95, $1199.95, $1299.95 Web Link: www.northkites.com
Prolimit Hadlow Signature Harness This all new 2009 signature model harness has been designed for five-time World Champion kitesurfer Aaron Hadlow. It features extreme 3D shaped load distribution plates and a 3D moulded floating pillow to follow the movement of his body. For comfort we have integrated our neoprene soft edges and Dual Foam System (DFS). The stump nose spreader bar is mounted on the new integrated slide-in bar pad system. For his special tricks we have new HPL stainless steel attachment points and an easy to grab integrated grab handle. Sizes: XS, S, M, L , XL Colors: White-red, black-pink and bronze Price*: $199 Web Link: www.prolimit.com Buy Now: [email protected]
82 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Flexifoil Hadlow Pro The new 09 signature model Hadlow Pro has been improved to drive quickly to the top of the window during a kiteloop. They’ve also improved the re-launch ability, reduced the weight, made the kite stronger and improved the bar feedback. Other features include: durable Molten Bladder, 270kg test flying lines, better bar grip and easy unhook chicken loop with swivel. The new AH Pro is the kite of choice for the advanced freestyle rider who is looking to push their level of riding. Comes complete and set up with a 5-line (default) and the HadlowPro 4-line setup* – the configuration that Aaron uses day-to-day. Sizes: 5.5m, 7m, 9m, 11m and 13m Colors: One design Price*: N/A Web Link: www.flexifoil.com Buy Now: www.flexifoil.com/retailers
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 83 INTERVIEW By James Brown Kari Schibevaag
Kari Schibevaag is an inspiration to women, and men alike, in the world of snowkiting. Her enthusiasm and talent flow from her, making the sport look like it should: fun and graceful. She recently traveled from her home in Norway to compete and place second in the world at the Snowkite Masters event at the Col du Lautaret in France. We expect to see a lot more from Kari in the future.
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84 www.driftsnowkitemag.com PHOTOS: Marius Arneson
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 85 INTERVIEW Kari Schibevaag
STATISTICS What other sports do you do that help Age 30 with your kiting? Height 164cm Training in the gym, running and Weight 53kg stretching. Years kiting 6 What is it about snowkiting that keeps Kites Ozone you addicted? Skis/Boards Scratch & Line Fresh air and nature. And to be together Boots Lange with friends. Harness Prolimit Pro Girl Helmet Kari Traa for Girls What is your favorite style of Clothes Kari Traa snowkiting? Website kariland.com Jumps. Freestyle with wakestyle moves. How many days per season do you ride? What languages do you speak? I compete on the snow and on the Norwegian and English water a lot, and that means I never stop Do you have any special talents kiting. besides kiting? Describe one session, location or Making food and I make hats that I sell one moment in time that you will on my website and to friends. remember forever? Where were you born? It was my first time on the board on the Stavanger, Norway water. I was over-powered on a 12m kite and one guy was holding me down. He Where do you call home now? put me on the board and I rode straight Stavanger. It’s my home town and downwind. I hit the beach and crashed I want to move back when I settle the kite into the trees. But I was really down. happy to be on the board so I didn’t Where do you snowkite the most and mind that the kite had crashed. what is your favorite place? What improvements to gear would you Haugastøl in Norway. The best place like to see? to snowkite in the world. More stuff for girls. How did you get into snow sports? What are you doing when you aren’t I have been a skier since I was 4-years- snowkiting? old, so it’s natural for me to snowkite. I am making hats, training, writing for my How did you discover snowkiting? website www.kariland.com, working to It was a meeting in the ski school get money, watching television, etc. where I was working. There were two What riders inspire you? guys who showed us snowkite pictures Bjørn Kaupang. and soon after that I took a lesson.
86 www.driftsnowkitemag.com PHOTO: Marius Arneson
What are your goals for this season? Do you have any general thoughts I want to learn some new freestyle about contests/events? moves. Travel a lot and see new places. It’s fun to meet a lot of people. I just But the most important is to have fun. hope there will be more girls so we can be taken more serious. What moves are you working on? To get more power in the moves that I do What would you change about know and learn more handle passes. contests? More time for the girls and the same What are your goals for your prize money like the men get. snowkiting career? Have fun and be better at freestyle. — continued
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 87 INTERVIEW Kari Schibevaag
What can we learn from other board sports that will help snowkiting? Jumps from wakeboarding. Look at the wave surfers for other ideas. What challenges do you see facing the snowkite industry? We need to make it more interesting for the good riders. What do you want to do when you grow up? I don’t know yet. Something with sports. I have 6 years at the University and I want to be involved in snowkiting. Have you ever been injured while snowkiting? Any close calls? No, only some hard landings where I couldn’t move the next day. Do you kite on water also? Yes, I ride a lot. Who would you like to thank? My mother and father and my brothers.. and Marius for helping with my website. Who are your sponsors? Ozone, Kari Traa, Seabrokers group, Telenor, Fluid and Olden. What kites do you use the most on snow? Ozone Instinct inflatables for freestyle and Ozone Manta foils for trips. How much time do you spend in Norway in the winter? As much as I can. I was here at Haugastol 3 weeks already before the end of January. What tips do you have for beginners or intermediates wanting to progress? Take a lesson and get started!
88 www.driftsnowkitemag.com I’m addicted to the fresh air and nature. And to be together with friends.
PHOTO: Marius Arneson www.driftsnowkitemag.com 89 SAFETY MEETING By Ken Lucas
nformal “safety” meetings held in Ithe parking lot can provide a great opportunity to share information with our buddies and newcomers alike. Let me share with you some of the info that has disseminated during these meetings.
Some background knowledge of snowkiting and of kite surfing shows us that the safety aspect of these 10-year- old sports are continually evolving. Most of the safety guidelines in our sport were borrowed from other action sports. For example; it makes sense to wear helmets when we snowkite since we wear them for snowboarding and mountain biking. However, many of the safety guidelines and safety systems built into kites were developed as a direct result of kite accidents and tragedies around the world. So, please keep in mind that the safety systems on our kites and the safety guidelines mentioned here were developed literally to save our lives—so we don’t become a statistic.
Helmet: Do we really need to discuss this? Consider that the leading cause of deaths involving kiting have been as a result of a head injury. It doesn’t take much force to inflict major debilitating damage to your brain. Don’t let light wind or deep powder fool you into thinking that you don’t need a helmet. Wind can change in an instant and snow depth varies.
Preflight Inspection: Airplane pilots do it. Paraglider pilots do it. Yes, snowkiters need to do it. This check involves your PHOTO: Andrew McGarry kite, your lines, your control system (bar and safety release mechanism), and
90 www.driftsnowkitemag.com your harness. If you see worn parts (or scenario. When we are out riding on a a tear in your kite), immediately repair perfect day with the sun shining, good or replace. Note: A broken line can wind, and powder, it puts our minds potentially send your kite into an out-of- in “La La land.” Our endorphins have control spiral with you attached. released and we truly are high. But, we must keep our minds focused on our Wind direction: Many of us kite on water surroundings while we are “in the zone.” and we have learned of the dangers of Then stay especially focused when you kiting in directly on-shore winds. So, keep are landing and launching. in mind that most snowkiting is done in a similar situation where there are Are you a newbie? If you are a obstacles downwind of us. Stay a safe newcomer to snowkiting, do not be distance upwind of all obstacles or go deceived if you notice an experienced downwind of them. kiter setting up their gear in a nonchalant manner. They are processing a lot of Buddy system: At the current time information from the moment they drive snowkiters do not regularly utilize the up until they launch their kite. They buddy system. At may be thinking... a recent snowkite What is the wind festival it was Do not be deceived if you direction? Is the suggested that notice an experienced kiter weather changing? because of the setting up their gear in a What downwind remoteness of nonchalant manner obstacles are there? the event that How will I get back a buddy system be implemented. At a if something goes wrong? There are minimum, do not kite alone. Make sure many things to consider that you may your friends can see you and you can not be aware of. Don’t be afraid to ask see them. Do not kite further away from experienced kiters what to look out for. your car or base camp than you are willing to walk. Are you experienced? Experienced kiters often become lulled into a feeling Hang tight: Keep in mind that bulky of security when they have not had winter clothes can interfere with anything go wrong lately or have never tightening down our harnesses. It is had an accident or close call in the past. important to fully secure your harness In the paragliding world, their statistics to keep it from coming loose. A possible over many years revealed that it was scenario that can occur is that your the most experienced pilots who were spreader bar releases from one side, involved in accidents more often than causing you to get pulled from one side beginners. And it was all because of the and then possibly be out of reach of your mindset mentioned above. So, let’s learn safety releases. from their mistakes and stay alert.
Mindset: A recent tragic kitesurfing Play safe, play hard, have FUN, and see accident reminded us all of the following you at the next safety meeting.
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 91 92 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Go to www.StratusMediaSolutions.com for more information.
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 93 3-2-1
PHOTO: Gustav Schmiege
94 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Racers Ready! bright future. When kite racing was first The past, present considered for the water, it was thought and future of to be way too dangerous to be in close and competitive quarters but now it is snowkite racing completely viable. This year, for the first time, there will be a world championship By Chip Wasson of water kite racing in the San Francisco Bay and there have already been two For centuries racing has provided a National Championships there. This measurement for mankind. Humans speaks to the possibilities of racing on have raced in every imaginable the snow in the future. way and this measurement against fellow competitors has given way Types of Races to advancement in techniques and Racing on the snow has taken the technology throughout history. form of boarder cross, course racing, and cross-country. Thus far, people Kiteboard racing has become quite have participated in these events but popular among enthusiasts in the last I think we are only at the beginning of 4 to 5 years. Racing has provided a people dialing in to asserting themselves definite competitive platform in a sport competitively to push the limits. For that has been historically subjective in someone who might be interested in judge freestyle competitions. The race honing their racing skills, there is much to course represents an even playing field consider. Equipment, course knowledge, 3-2-1for competitors because there is only and rule knowledge are important but at one definite winner and that concept the outset familiarity with the definition alone is quite compelling. of boarder cross, course racing and cross country is necessary. Let me explain. Racing kiteboards on the water is pretty amazing in that it works well Course Racing and kites do not become completely Course racing has become the most entangled. Snowkiting has an added popular on the water and will surely be appeal because courses can be set popular on the snow. In a course race on 3-dimensional terrain and therefore the course consists of any combination offers much in terms of the possibilities. of upwind, downwind and reaching legs. There have already been a number Traditionally, a course race begins with of race events on the snow and it is an upwind start. There is a time clock obvious that snowkite racingGO has a — continued
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 95 3-2-1
PHOTO: Gustav Schmiege 96 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Racers Ready!
and the race committee displays a series that the riders need to jump over before of sounds and signals (flags) to indicate rounding each jibe mark on the way to the time that counts down to the start the finish. Boarder cross is a real crowd when the clock hits zero. It is always an pleaser and lends itself to the rider that is amazing sight to see the beginning of any willing to be aggressive and unafraid of upwind start as all of the competitors try to potential crashes. hit the line at full speed, pinching upwind as the clock hits zero. A course race tends Cross-country to test the riders abilities on all points, Cross-country (or long distance) is a i.e. upwind, downwind, and reaching. In format in snowkiting that can take on a day, competitors will do 3 to 5 course some real different structures. The cross- races and scores will be calculated in the country competitor with backcountry low point system and the competitor with knowledge and an understanding of the fewest points wins. how wind flows around the contours of the terrain will do well. In one format, Boarder Cross racers start at intervals and are required Boarder Cross is a very exciting racing to go from point to point getting a ticket format with tight competition, speed and proving that they reached all points close maneuvering. The competition is along the course and are measured on set up in an elimination format with 5 to their overall time required to complete 10 competitors in each heat. The first 4 the course. Another format may be a or 5 racers in a heat to cross the finish fleet start where everyone starts at the 3-2-1line advance to the next round until a same time and does a number of laps final heat is assembled. The final group on a long course or simply does a single then races using the low point system to lap on a course that is very long. Either generate the final placings. A boarder of these types of racing is physically cross course is normally a series of 4 to 6 demanding and favors the person who is downwind reaching legs creating a zig- in good condition and is able to squeeze zagging course. The start is a downwind as much speed and angle out of their reach that is timed by a sequence situation as possible. where the competitors attempt to cross the line when the clock hits zero. As Combining Skills the riders cross the start line and head I can see a world snowkite race towards the first jibe mark, there is always championship consisting of course anticipation of whole fleet trying to racing, boarder cross, and cross- squeeze around the firstGO jibe mark. The country resulting in a cumulative score. following legs consist of obstructions — continued
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 97 Racers Ready!
Regardless of what type of racing you skis should be tuned to perfection with are doing there are a few things that sharp edges and new wax that is most will help your racing tremendously. appropriate for the snow and weather Equipment, preparation and rules are conditions. Your harness and boots key to obtaining a good result. Many should be comfortable for extended racers race for fun and do not focus on periods so that discomfort does not these things so if you can achieve a high distract you from your objectives. level in these areas you will be ahead Your clothing should be comfortable of much of the fleet immediately. The and provide you with the right body following tips will surely help you to take temperature once you are in the thick the lead. of the race. Also, your eyewear should stay clear and not likely to fog as this will simply be another thing Helpful Tips to distract you from your focus on winning. Finally, a Equipment watch is imperative and Equipment is probably one will never do well one of, if not the most hoping to get the timing important element of right by luck or following your racing efforts. Your others. Remember, equipment needs to fit the when the start sequence type of racing that you are begins, you are racing, doing. For example, you positioning yourself might want to use a quicker amongst your competition inflatable kite for boarder cross and setting up to hit the that allows you to act fast and favored end of the line at maneuver quickly. For cross country, speed when the clock hits zero one might be well suited to use a ram is critical. There is nothing worse than air foil as it is a bit more agile in varying starting at the back of the pack sucking wind conditions which a long course up everyone’s bad air on the way to the will surely contain. In a course race, you first mark. These things seem small but might consider the kite that enables you when you add them up, they give you a to go upwind best and has the most feeling that you are fundamentally horsepower to get you off of the line in a ready so you can focus on strategy congested start situation. Your board or and riding fast.
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98 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Demo the latest Established in 2003, Kite Utah gear! is the premier snowkite instruction and guiding business in Utah and possibly the US. They have worked tirelessly to develop Skyline into snowkiting’s Mecca and through this pioneering effort have developed important relationships with the Forest Service. A fully insured and permitted business (the only school to have a permit for Strawberry & Skyline), not only were they one of the first snowkite schools, they have a comprehensive instruction program that has taught most of the best snowkiters around. Located at the base of Skyline, Kite Utah will get you snowkiting safely and properly.
Don’t want to haul your gear across country, Kite Utah can provide the latest and greatest snowkiting gear to rent or demo. Book your first lesson or an advanced clinic with Kite Utah online at www.kiteutah.com. Safety is important.
Flight Lessons Driftin’Dave
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 99 Racers Ready! Preparation right of way are port/starboard and windward/leeward. Port/starboard Preparedness comes in the form of your means that the person who is on equipment but goes beyond that. It starboard (right hand forward) has the is important to know the course well. right of way no matter what. The person You need to know which way to go on port (left hand forward) has no rights around the marks (port or starboard), in any crossing situation. The windward/ how many laps to do, and how to finish leeward rule simply says that the upwind (upwind or downwind). Any racer needs rider must stay clear of the downwind to know what the sound and visual rider in all situations especially when sequence is for the start. This means passing. As racing gets more serious to know what flags the committee is and money is on the line, rules equal raising in conjunction with what sounds money and if you don’t know the rules they are making. It is also important to you are going to lose the race and lose figure out which end of the start line the money. It is also never fun to be you want to start on or which end of protested against or disqualified (DSQ). the line is favored. An overall plan and approach to any race is vital as well. Try to figure out what you want to do from The Future The future of snowkite racing is bright the time the sequence starts to the time and will surely become more intense you finish. You need to think about how as the sport grows and more people you want to manage the entire course participate. Whether you are serious and what will get you to the finish as about racing or are just out there to fast as possible. Your plan will inevitably compete with3-2-1 friends, it is exhilarating change during a race but it gives you a and fulfilling. It is always fun to be at framework within which to work. Know the bar while everyone reflects back to your competition and how they stack certain points and situations of the race. up against you so you can either cover This post race banter creates great them or stay away from them, whichever camaraderie and sets the stage for the serves you better. next race to see if you can improve your Rules position. We all have an innate desire to compete and it is a great feeling of Knowledge of basic rules is again vital. accomplishment to beat your fellow Knowing the rules can keep you out competitors. One thing is for sure, there of trouble and will allow you to finish is no question about the outcome, there a race without having fouled another is only one first place in racing. competitor. Two major basic rules for
100 www.driftsnowkitemag.com 3-2-1 GO PHOTO: Kim Kern www.driftsnowkitemag.com 101 SNOWKITE BOARD BATTLE
By James Brown and Anton Rainold arlier this winter we found 12 snowkite-specific snowboards Eavailable on the market. We received and tested the following 4 of those 12 boards. The following reviews were done primarily by myself and Anton Rainold from Colorado Kiteforce. In the future we plan to have more complete head-to-head testing of all available boards using a team of riders with various skills, sizes and experience so you can make informed buying decisions. Go to the Kite Lab section of the website for updates and other gear reviews.
102 www.driftsnowkitemag.com KITE LAB Air Evolution Air F 158
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS The Air Evolution brand has been quietly Manufacturer: Air Evolution and passionately developing snowkite Model: Air F 158 equipment for many years. I saw an Size: 158cm early version of this refined board design Dimensions: Heel sidecut-12m, Toe-8m when Damien Richard (owner and Weight: 2.1kg designer) and Romain Fabretti (4x world Online Info: www.airevolution.com champion) came to the MSRP: 465.00 EUR USA for the first Red Bull Buy Now: www.airevolution-snowkite. Kite Freeze. I was excited com/shop/index.php to test this board finally. RATINGS TEST RESULTS Durability Special features include I rode it in early season rocky conditions a shallow sidecut on the and it came out unscathed except for heel edge and cut outs a hint of a spot where it hit a rock, but it on both heel side tips to didn’t gouge the base at all. allow snow to release off the back rather than build Function up on the tail. My first day Feels completely smooth and natural on the board was also my while on edge or transitions and has first day of the snowkite lively pop. It would be too short for deep season. The snowpack was powder days unless you are a small rider. three-week-old hardpack with exposed areas of Quality rock and sage brush. I was Clean finish and pleasant aftertaste! getting comfortable on a new kite as well and didn’t Appearance Shiny. even have to think about the board. The board felt Overall Impression completely smooth and Great snowkite-specific board for all- natural while on edge or around riding. transitioning from edge to edge. I have a fairly small foot so I prefer Conclusion a board in this width, especially for A perfect board for anyone that wants hardpack riding where incompatibilities a natural feeling board with snowkite- between boot size versus board width specific features like a shallow heel really show up. The board is light weight edge sidecut and the lively pop that and has lively pop which is what I you would expect from a high quality demand from a good freestyle board. “standard” freestyle snowboard.
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 103 KITE LAB Decosse Tantrum 159
DESCRIPTION the quick turning and snappy pop for The Tantrum was designed to fulfill the loading up for powered jumps. I also needs of the rider that wants the best of liked it for getting up hills. both worlds—snowkiting and traditional SPECIFICATIONS downhill snowboarding performance. Manufacturer: Decosse Model: Tantrum TEST RESULTS Size: 159cm The stance and sidecut Online Info: www.decossecustoms.com is centered which makes MSRP: $475 a big difference for Buy Now: www.decossecustoms.com snowkiting equally in both directions and for RATINGS park and pipe riding at Durability a resort. The sidecut is Premium materials and bomber somewhere between construction. the aggressive cut of a fast turning slalom board Function and that of the snowkite- Edges quickly and has lively pop, but specific generation. takes some effort if you are mowing the Both heel and toeside lawn on long tacks for a long time. sidecuts are equal. There are many mounting Quality options if you want to Takes a beating and holds up to the move your bindings back punishment for an alpine stance. I was able to ride the Appearance prototype of the board Clean with catchy graphics in Alaska where we did an equal amount of Overall Impression snowkiting and downhill Lively fun all-around board snowboarding with the aid of snowmobiles to Conclusion log in a lot of runs. I kept the bindings set Excels at responsive turning and snappy up centered and ducked out no matter pop for powered freestyle moves. It will what kind of riding we were doing and be more work on your thighs to hold an it felt natural and comfortable doing edge for long tacks on hard pack snow both. The more aggressive side cut and keeping the tip up in deep powder. does make it harder to hold a straight This is a lively freestyle snowboard that tack especially at high speed and will be work equally well at the ski resort long sessions. On the other hand I liked and for snowkiting.
104 www.driftsnowkitemag.com Nobile Remi Pro
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS The Remi Pro comes in three sizes. The Manufacturer: Nobile 163cm has a little more sidecut radius Model: Remi Pro and is designed for larger riders, powder Size: 157cm riding or downhill snowboarding. The Online Info: www.nobilekiteboarding.com 157cm and 148cm are pure snowkite MSRP: $449 / €325 boards with less sidecut. Buy Now: www.nobilekiteboarding.com The 157 is the choice of Remi for freestyle kiting, RATINGS while the 148 caters to Durability women and smaller riders. Bomber construction
TEST RESULTS Function We tested the 157cm Good overall snowkite board, but board on mostly groomed lacks the promised pop of a traditional and windblown snow. My snowboard. first session with the board was after a long day of Quality riding when my thighs Top quality construction were fatigued. I went out expecting to last about Appearance five minutes on the tracked Graphics are a little depressing looking, out snow, but I was able to but actually super interesting if you study keep riding for a long time. them—totally unique! This was my first experience with reduced sidecut. Overall Impression With traditional sidecut The board performs as expected but the board tends to carve lacks the edge-based pop that I’d upwind instead of letting prefer. you hold a continuous straight tack. The shallow Conclusion sidecut of this board helps A great snowkite board for a smooth, you hold a straight tack easy ride and marathon sessions. without fighting it. This translates directly Having a sidecut radius of 20m helps to less thigh fatigue, longer sessions and so you aren’t constantly being forced stability at high speeds. Now, with every upwind all the time. I suggest trying out good thing it seems there is a trade-off. a snowkite-specific board like this if you I found that it lacked the pop that I am are into snowkiting and have only used a used to for powered load and pop jumps. traditional downhill board. So you have to rely on the kite for lift, or have some softer snow to edge into. www.driftsnowkitemag.com 105 KITE LAB Twisted Velocity 164
DESCRIPTION feel. If you’ve ridden a wakeskate or We’ve dedicated two full pages to this wakeboard without fins, then you know board because it is so radically different what I mean. It is fun and free, but takes from anything on the market and the some adjusting and finesse. The first results were interesting and mixed. The major difference I noticed was that as Twisted Velocity board is a new “twist” soon as I’d come off the heel side edge on a recent phenomenon in snowboard and flatten the board I would fall on design, specifically altered my face. It took me a bit to figure out for the needs of snowkiters. that the toeside edge was catching, The camber is reversed so causing the board to shoot to the side the center of the board is and back behind me. After this little bit the only part that touches of analysis I realized that I just needed when set on a flat surface. to adjust to a more relaxed stance with It also has reverse sidecut weight more on the tail. In light of this so the middle of the board new stance, I can see how this would between your feet is wider actually be a benefit to beginners than at the tips. These and surfers. Beginners always have a extreme modifications tendency to lean back and surfers have combine with a longer trained themselves to put weight on the than average length and tail of the board and steer with their front blunt tips to create a foot. Anton also told me that teaching whole different snowkite students on this board has been great. experience. Jumping: TEST RESULTS Jumping from a hardpack surface was My first test session with the a challenge. The ability to spring off the board was in early season tail using flex and edging like you would hardpack conditions. I was with traditional snowboard is gone since initially skeptical until I got there is no camber or sidecut. Instead to use it in deeper snow you must rely more on keeping the board where it excels. An informal centered on edge and use the lift of phone interview from the kite and/or a kicker to boost off the Anton Rainold about it’s ground. abilities at speed also had me intrigued about further testing of this board. Powder: The board is fantastic in powder. It Hardpack: is 164cm long, but not so long that it The first thing I noticed was that it becomes heavy and difficult to throw felt entirely foreign compared to a around. Most other powder boards traditional snowboard. It has a loose are traditionally long, heavy and some
106 www.driftsnowkitemag.com specialty boards have split tails which SPECIFICATIONS wouldn’t work so great for snowkiting. Manufacturer: Twisted The Velocity never has problems with Model: Velocity the tip diving under the snow. In fact, Size: 164cm I’ve used it in some very challenging Dimensions: Waist Width - 30cm conditions where visibility was near Online Info: www.twistedkiteboards.com whiteout with inconsistent wind-scoured MSRP: $450USD slopes that would change from hard Buy Now: www.twistedkiteboards.com pack ridges to powder and back again on each tack. The board just cruised RATINGS right over all the crud, while my friends Durability on traditional boards were digging in Quality materials with improvements in their tips and crashing. In perfect deep the molding process make quality board powder conditions it was a dream. that will last. The thigh fatigue of trying to keep the tip up on a 158cm traditional board is Function nonexistent. Even though I wanted other A specialty board that excels in some people to ride the board, I was hesitant areas and requires adjustment in others. to switch with them because the Velocity is so easy to ride in those conditions. Quality A sintered base and solid wood core Speed: make it a tough board. Anton called me up the other day and gave me a little shock when he said that Appearance the Velocity was great at high speed. Looks decent up close in person, but He had a day out on Dillon Reservoir in could use some spicing up in the Colorado where he runs his school. He graphics department. was on a 14m kite with 20mph plus winds and was screaming across the lake. He Overall said that the board rode smoothly and A fun all-around board for many didn’t have to fight that twitchy feeling conditions and many riders. of a traditional board that is constantly trying to carve upwind. He was able to Conclusion just relax and go as fast as he wanted The Velocity is fantastic in powder, comfortably. general freeriding and at high speed. A good option for beginning snowboarders and surfers, and has a fun, loose feeling. I definitely want one for powder and am excited to try it at high speed.
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 107 The Importance of
Trainer KitesBy Dave Grossman The key to being a proficient kiter is developing and maintaining “kite feel”. This skill is the emotional and physical bond a good kiter has with the kite they are controlling. It is a skill that is easily acquired, but one that requires not only some initial learning, but also frequent maintenance. A small, packable trainer kite is the perfect tool for the job and should not only be the first kite purchase a would-be snowkiter makes, but should also be something that ALL kiters should have and use regularly.
A trainer kite is a training tool. A good one flies very similarly to how its bigger siblings fly, but without any of the consequences that a stupid mistake might have. Trainer kites help snowkiters learn about turning speed, kite movement, and bar response. They provide direct and safe feedback about a mistake providing a great opportunity to correct the error and build an understanding of what to do to avoid the error in the future.
Good trainer kites are built to PHOTO: PHOTO: take repeated crashes. Free from worrying about hurting the kite from a crash, kiters can push
the limits and try stuff that they Grossman Dave wouldn’t try with their bigger kites. This is the essence of practice and one of the things that makes trainer kites so important for even the most proficient kiters. If you
108 www.driftsnowkitemag.com are in the market for a new trainer, look for The kite provides a focal point for observing one with a 3rd line system that not only aids the wind. It allows you to see and feel and in solo relaunch of the kite, but also allows hear the wind. This quickly provides a refined for some breaking much like a depowerable awareness of the small lulls and gusts that kite does. affect the kite and how it flies.
These durable, pint-sized kites can still pack If you haven’t flown your trainer in a while, a punch in high winds and can be powerful dig it out of the bottom of your gear closet enough to provide a ride in strong wind and head down to the local soccer field, conditions. Don’t let their diminutive size fool park, or pasture and do some training. They you. Getting dragged by a trainer will bruise are small enough that they fit easily in a desk more than your ego! But their simple, intuitive drawer, backpack and definitely in our car. safety system make a real thrashing a very I have one stashed under my car seat for difficult thing to suffer with a trainer kite. those “emergency kite-fix” sessions. It makes for a perfect lunch break from work or stress When your snowkite days aren’t as often reliever from modern chaos and the next as you would like, a trainer kite will help time you get to fly your big kites, you will you regain some of the almost zen-like be better, more tuned into the kite and will connection a day in the wind will provide. probably have more fun.
www.driftsnowkitemag.com 109 Information soon at KiteBrigade.com. 110 www.driftsnowkitemag.com