My maiden ski today was cut short today by a bowtie that turned really bad on me primarily because I was away form the screw and couldn't walk over to the kite to straighten things out. Of course it's a good thing because a hurricane blew in almost right as it happened but still, it cut the day short for me. Well, okay not really - I would have wound up in Saskatchewan had I been flying but still.....

GG - you mentioned something about a peg you replace the screw with. Can you tell me more about it, what it is and where I might find them? Is it smart then to carry a screw with you in case something like this happens so you can set down and sort things out? I only had to skate ski 50-100 yards but I can imagine it could be worse. Anyway - just wondering if I should carry a collection of screws or just one and a few pegs.

macboy -

I usually leave my pack or sled clipped to a screw to mark it if I'm staying parked in one spot, but carry a screw with me as well. As you found out, you never know when you might need to set down and secure your bar or handles.

krumly

if you carry an ice screw, make sure it's well wrapped on with something that protects you againt the screw in case you fall. The screw itself can really hurt you if you just carry this in your pocket with no protection

I use an ice screw but I usually leave it at my starting point. I ride Flysurfers with a 5th line. If something happens I can easily secure my kite on the 5th line attached to my skis or snowboard. Pull is then very very minimal. Then I get immediately to my kite and I secure it by putting some snow on the tips. And then I am ready to rest, have a coffee, rehook and go.

hehehehe - depending on how you read that it sounds like you carry coffee in your other pocket......you know, for when something happens. ; )

I've got a ton of PVC out in the garage (excess from building dog agility equip.) - I saw a nice sheath photo on here somewhere, I'll find it and build it. Thanks for the tips gang!

AS BUZZ SAID BE CAREFUL CARRYING AN ICE SCREW THEY ARE SHARP! I MADE A SHEATH OUT OF AN OLD PIECE OF LEATHER. A SHOE REPAIR SHOP WILL HAVE SOME. AT FIRST I PUT IT IN MY KITE PACK NOT SO GOOD AS YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE KITE AND GET THE PACK OFF ETC ETC. BECOMES QUITE A JUGGLING ACT WITH A QUAD LINER. I STRAP MINE TO MY LEG JUST ABOVE THE BOOT, EASY TO REACH TOUGH TO FALL ON. COURSE I NEVER FALL.........

Check the thread "Gearing up for lake skiing" in this forum and look at the pic of the PVC screw sheath I made up.

You can buy some slick $15 injection molded screw sheath from a climbing gear shop, or make one of these for about $2.00. Totally safe.

I hear what Buzz is saying about using your skis or board as a stake, but it doesn't work when you're on ice with only an inch or two of windblown snow. And even with plenty of snow, I often skate out to the kite , especially if I'm on snowblades.

krumly