Getting
Started

SNOW KITE / SNOW KITING QUICK LINKS >>

What is snowkiting?

Snowkiting gives you the freedom to move with your snowboard across numerous types of terrain including, slopes, half-pipes and mountain riding with the use of a kite as a form of traction.

How does a Snow Kiteboard Work?

Snowkiting has similarities to kitesurfing and kite landboarding. Using the kite as your power source and resisting its pull the power is transmitted to your board. By manoeuvring the kite and board it will enable you to pick up speed, perform tricks, get airs and stop even in low winds.

The power kite can provide so much lift it will actually help you balance on the board and allow the skilled pilot to easily achieve big airs.

 

Once moving you quickly speed up as the power of the kite pulls you forward.

Why should I buy a Snow specific kiteboard?

A typical Snowboard is designed for carving, powder or piste, beginner or pro. Snowkiting rides the board flatter, straighter and often at high speed. The sharp rails on a snowboard are just waiting to catch you out!

 

Snow kiteboards works to hold the rail clear of the snow when riding flat on the board at speed and landing jumps, dramatically reducing the chances of a faceplant while not affecting edge performance.

 

We’re all different sizes, heavier pilots may require more larger / wider boards, or they may be physically stronger, hold more power and so require a smaller board. Lighter weight pilots generally will only require a small board but may need a larger board for those lighter wind days.

Skill level will often be the determining factor regarding equipment choice and use.

Consider yourself - Weight and Height

If you are not comfortable on the board it can spoil your fun and capability.

 

For people with previous kite flying experience and looking to get involved in snowkiting - check out the suitable options below:

 

Nobile RM Pro Model >>

What kite can I learn to Snowkite with?

When you are purchasing your first kite you want to buy one that you are going to get maximum use out of.

 

RAM-Air Foil Kites:

 

Four Line handle foil kites are safe, precise and easy to use and give you the maximum manoeuvrability over your kite. Four line handles allow you to slow the kite down, stop it in mid-air, reverse the kite, park it on the ground and if it crashes on it's nose - reverse launch the kite back into the air. This makes them ideal for first time snowkiters.

 

Four line control bar foils have built-in safety systems enabling you to launch and land your kite on your own. The power of the kite is distributed across both arms for easier flying but at the same time, less control is available due to their overall setup.

 

HQ Beamer 5 (V)	Peter Lynn Hornet
Ozone Imp Quattro	PKD Buster Soulfly
Flexifoil Sting	HQ Beamer Scout
Ozone Octane	Flexifoil Rage
>> For a list of all Traction Kites - click here <<

 

Depowerable Kites:

 

Depowerable kites allow you to use a single kite over a much larger wind range. This is achieved by the depower control bar and bridle system that can be adjusted to alter the amount of power generated as you ride.

 

Bring the bar closer to you will increase the kites power. Pushing the depower control bar away will decrease the kites power but also increase the kites speed as the kites angle of attack changes.

 

A harness is essential for using depowerable kites. However you can fly them in light wind conditions without the benefit of depower.

 

Depowerable Foil Kites:

 

Depowerable foil kites are easy to launch, land and pack away allowing for easy travelling off-piste and solo snow-kiting.

 

For people with competent kite flying experience or looking to get involved in snowkiting, consider a depowerable foil kite between 6-8m in size for use in a majority of wind conditions.

 

Check out the suitable options below:

 

Ozone Access 2013	HQ Apex 3 (III)
HQ Montana 5 (V)	Ozone Frenzy 2013
Peter Lynn Charger II	Peter Lynn Lynx
>> For a list of all Depowerable Foil Kites - click here <<

 

Depowerable Inflatable / Single Skin Kites:

Inflatable and single skin kites are built mainly for kiteboarding and other water based activities but are very popular for all types of riding. It is imperative that pilots learn how to fly first and how all of the safety systems operate before venturing off-piste etc.

 

Be aware that different kites of equal size can handle and lift very differently. It is far easier to learn with a smoother, predictable, steadier flying kite than a high performance kite.

 

Remember that some days the equipment you own just will not be suitable, the wind may be too strong to fly safely - any kite flown in too stronger wind can be dangerous. Some days the wind will be frustratingly light to achieve what you have set out to do. Limits either way may also be determined by pilot skill level.

 

For people with competent kite flying experience or looking to get involved in kiteboarding, consider a 4-line kite between 9 - 12m in size for use in a majority of wind conditions. Check out the suitable options below:

 

North Rebel 2013	Nobile 555
Cabrinha Vector IDS	F-One Bandit 6 (VI)
Flexifoil Proton	Wainman Hawaii Rabbit
>> For a list of all Kiteboarding Kites - click here <<

My kiteboard is very fragile - is there anyway I can protect it from scratches?

Powerkiteshop have kiteboard travel board bags to help you protect your board when travelling.

 

Click here for our range of Kiteboard Travel Board Bags >>

Do I need a Harness?

A harness is used to take the strain off your arms, allow you to fly in stronger winds and reduce overall fatigue. A harness is not essential when you first start out.

 

Harnesses can be used for either 4-line handles or control bar. Depowerable kites require a harness to function correctly.

 

Simply find a harness that is comfortable for you - personal preference is the key.

 

Seat harnesses fit around the legs and lower back giving you lots of support and hip protection. These harnesses stop any chance of the harness riding up your body when the kite is overhead.

 

Waist harnesses fit around the lower back and abdomen giving you freedom of movement for technical manoeuvres.

For advice on selection call Teleephone 0121 544 9514

To check out our selection of power kiting / kiteboarding harnesses - click here >>

Do I need safety gear?

Safety is paramount and snowkiting can be a dangerous sport.

 

It is recommended you wear a minimum of a helmet for all activities. Safety methods and devices are being reviewed and updated all of the time.

 

Check out our selection of safety gear for land use >>

 

 

 

For advice on selection call Telephone 0121 544 9514

Will Kite Landboarding or Kitesurfing help my Snowkiting Skills?

Kitelandboarding and Kitesurfing are great ways to learn the principles of Snowkiting without spending a huge amount on inflatable kites and snow kite specific equipment.

 

Even when you have bought all the Snowkiting gear - they both offer a warmer alternative to Snowkiting. If the wind drops or the snow melts - get onto the beach, grab your Landboard or Kitesurf board and cross-train!

 

Click here for our range of Kite Landboards >>

Click here for our range of Kitesurf boards >>