Hey you kite skiiers out there,

I'm an avid telemark skiier who would like to learn some new tricks (i.e. kite skiing).

A friend has offered to sell me his kite which he just flies for fun. I'm wondering if it's suitable for kite skiing. It's a Rhombus Firebee 1.0m. It seems to me to be a little bit on the small side but then again I only weight 120lbs.

Secondly, what are most of you using for skis when you're doing this? Would telemark skis be appropriate?

I'd appreciate any feedback that you might have.

Thanks

Im not sure what telemark skis are, but the firebee is a bit small unless the wind is blowing a gale. You need something in the 3 or 4 meter size range.

Scoop

Telemark skis may cause you some problems. Bear in mind that as you kite ski/board there will be tremendous pull from the power generated with the kite. Full out downhill boots will offer you greater support.

As for skis, pick some up at a second hand shop. I would suggest starting with 150 - 190's. Clean up the bindings, making sure they release properly. This way you will not be as concerned about the inevitable scraps and scratches your skis will manage to pick up along the way. You will see that light covering of snow and drop everything and find the closest field or lake.

As for a kite the 1.0m is very small. In my neck of the woods (central Canada) a 4.9m (Blade) or larger is pretty standard. You will soon be wanting to get air and it won't happen with the 1.0m.

Find someone in your area that has a good quiver full of kites and beg a try. My sense is that the trick for you will be learning to fly the kite. You will be much further ahead if you can handle the kite before you try skis.

Remember, safety first. Start slow, get some assistance, wear a helmet, and don't try to fly in wind that scares you unless you have a healthy medical plan.

Good flying

Quote:

Originally posted by Free Heels Would telemark skis be appropriate?

Yes -- tele gear an kiteskiing are a wonderful match!

You have to ski upwind under your own power -- tele gear is good for this, whereas fixed heel gear is not.

As far as boots and skis go, tele-kiteski with the setup you would use when telemarking at a lift area so that you can crank out turns rather than just be pulled along.

Turning while tele-kiteskiing is the same as turning while lift area skiing. Fly the kite in an infinity pattern / horizontal figure 8, and coordinate your turns with the end of the kite turns. A soft, medium to short radius ski does nicely for this -- particularly a shaped ski.

Cheers,
Richard Culpeper
http://my.tbaytel.net/culpeper/

WELL I HAVE TO AGREE A 1.0 KITE IS WAY TO SMALL FOR KITE SURFING YOU WOULD AT LEAST NEED A 2.4 OR HIGHER ALSO TRY OUT DOOM WHEELS OR SOME INLINE SKATES TO START OUT WITH IT MIGHT BE EASIER.......

FLYING HIGH
SMOOCHES TO ALL
SHANNON :evil: