Hello!

Snow and winter is here, and I'd like to try some snowkiting. I'm decent at snowboarding, been doing it for a few years.

What kind of kite would be good for starting out on a frozen lake?
What else do I need besides the kite?

The terrain is fairly flat (it's a frozen lake, lol) and it's always quite windy.

Also: is it possible to learn this by just going out there and trying, or should I try to find some instructor or a course? I have no experience in kiting in any of its forms.. but I'm quite fit, and an ok snowboarder.

I would recommend getting a lesson first. Either from a certified instructor or at the very least someone who has ample expirience snowkiting.

It will make the learning curve a hell of a lot shorter. It will be much safer. You can use and abuse the instructor's kites before you buy and destroy your own.

As far a kites go I would recommend a small 3-5m foil. Something that will get you up to speed and poking around but still is less likely to kill you. Then as you progress acquire a 7-8m the 9-12m. That will get you out 90% of the days. Again these are foils, not inflatable LEIs.

You'll need a harness and spreader bar to hook the kite into. I use a Dakine Fusion seat harness because I like the support and it's bomb proof. A lot of riders use waist harness' but I don't like where it puts my bar, it rides up and the seat actually offers some protection on hard ice. I have a waist harness, I've used it once.

You'll also need an ice screw, at least one. One for a bas anchor and one to carry on you for emergencies.

And don't forget a helmet.

Always respect the kite. Even the trainers can get you into a ton of trouble. Start cautiosly and ease into it. Fly as often as you can even static flying because every second you fly pays off in the end. If you can fly comfortable static then flying moving will be way easier Stay clear of other people especially non kiters. Remember that we are all ambassadors to the sport and our actions as individuals reflect on us all as a user group. Don't get areas shut down for others.

That's basically it I think. Not quite awake yet so if I left anything out anyone please chime in.

If you're a good boarder the kite thing will come easier.

That's good advice, thankyou! Well, apparently a colleague of mine from work knows somebody, who is very much into snowkiting.. so looks like I'll be able to get some good instructing. Better that way.

I already have a lot of protection gear from snowboarding, a helmet, back guard, wrist guards

Good advice about starting cautiosly and respecting the kite.

If your "base" is not too far from your transport, for base anchors in the ice, you could try this. We put a battery operated electric drill,with a 1" spade bit, in our sled. When you get to your base set-up, drill a hole pointing into the wind at an angle, as deep into the ice as the drill will allow, usually about a foot. Push a 2 foot section of 3/4" sch. 40 PVC into the hole,and there you have a base anchor in the ice, and you can carry your ice screw(expensive piece of gear, but indispensable on the ice) with you. Top the PVC with some brightly colored surveyors tape to make it more visible. We drag a lot of stuff out on the ice with us, for comfort while resting. A pop up ice fishing shanty big enough for 6 being part of our gear. Makes the cookies and hot chocolate that much more enjoyable! On having a friend into snowkiting, it's best to start out with someone experienced. (and they usually have gear they'll lend you)

Babalooie's got a good point. It's pretty nice to have warm stuff to snack on. If dressed right and set up well food wise snow kiting can be really comfortable as far as winter sports go.

Dress in wicking layers and stay hydrated. You can loose a lot of moisture before you know it.

I've always wanted a bob house for kiting. How sick would that be?!

Don't put orange juice in you Camelbak and then forget about it ... for 4 years :o

Bobalooie is right on - Eskimo Quickfish 6 shelter, and a Buddy Heater if you don't mind pulling a sled or can drive your gear out. Awesome for those subzero days where you're boiling when kiting but freezing your butt off when you have to stand around.

Buying a second ice screw to carry was one of my best investments.

krumly