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Snowkite Set up, Launching and Landing Tips needed
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kwalshpc

Since 24 Oct 2014
142 Posts

Stoked



PostSun Dec 18, 16 8:45 am    Snowkite Set up, Launching and Landing Tips needed Reply with quote

Does anyone have some advice about the best process for setting up, launching and landing for snowkiting?

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Matt V

Since 26 Oct 2014
462 Posts
Summer- OR Coast, Winter - My van near good snow
Explosive Diarrhea



PostSun Dec 18, 16 12:19 pm     Reply with quote

If the snow is hard, but not jagged, a anchored launch with the kite off to the side is nice. But you need a good anchor. Ice climbing anchors work well for frozen lakes, fence posts are great out on terrain. Sometimes even a boulder will provide an easy anchor.

But honestly, most tubies go up just by doing a regular relaunch off the side of the window where the kite slides to the back of the window enough for it to roll over and point into the wind. No anchor needed. Just some snow on the leading edge is all you need, then walk slightly upwind while pulling in the outside (furthest away) line to get wind under the canopy. Be carefull of this launch in high winds. More distance from obstacles is required for this launch in high winds.

Foils are a whole different animal. They have also evolved quite a bit with respect to the relaunch/flag systems/safetys.

Are you talking about foils or tubies?

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Wind Slither

Since 04 Mar 2005
2570 Posts
The 503
METAL



PostSun Dec 18, 16 12:49 pm     Reply with quote

Having your light wind launch down comes in handy...at least it has on my trips to ID and UT. Get directly up wind of the kite with it's nose down. Yank hard on both back lines so the kite rises up backward, then steer it up quick. AKA the Fly Dunes Sauvie launch...
Thumb's Up

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Pepi

Since 16 Jun 2006
1831 Posts
Pure Stoke Sports
Shop Owner

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PostSun Dec 18, 16 1:04 pm     Reply with quote

There are many variables as the others have mentioned in regards to where you are launching and what the terrain is like (ie - in the wind, in shadow, hillside, bushes, trees, etc,,,)

Treat every launch like it counts and with the variable that everything that can go wrong will go wrong.
Self launches are easier and quicker that water launches. That being, accidents can happen quicker as well.
I always put my skis on first before launching, as if there is too much wind or pull in the kite, it becomes very difficult to put the 2nd ski on. But, this is only my personal experience (had a wild single ski ride onetime Wink

I'm still learning new things every time I go, but things that I never leave without:
- Helmet
- Adjustable ski poles - not only for hiking, but for snow anchors for launching
- Extra kite leash - just because
- 10-15' 6mm rope with carabiners on each end - for anchoring kite, gear or for wrapping around a rock or tree for self launch anchor.
- All my backcountry gear - Water, food, first aid kit, spaceblanket, safety line/webbing, Avvy tranceiver, shovel and probe.

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kwalshpc

Since 24 Oct 2014
142 Posts

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PostMon Dec 19, 16 10:54 am    Tubies Reply with quote

I was referring to working with tube kites - thanks for the help

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Johnb

Since 02 Aug 2010
494 Posts

Obsessed



PostMon Dec 19, 16 10:58 am     Reply with quote

If would be good to explain your experience level with snow kiting or what difficulty you are having.

My 2 cents...

When it's super light I flip the kite on its back and hot launch by yanking the center lines.

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jeffwestco

Since 21 Jan 2014
23 Posts

 



PostMon Dec 19, 16 12:54 pm     Reply with quote

All good tips. Here is what I'd add - especially for tubes (which is what I use).

If the snow is deep I use a pair of Hok skis to easily navigate to/from the kite and car (if more then a few feet) and to run lines (snowshoes work too but I LOVE the hoks...no sharp edges of any kind).

I also take a small piece of plywood with me...I'll use the plywood to scoop a bit of snow to hold the kite down (if windy).

The plywood then makes a great platform on which to set and use the pump. (otherwise the pump just gets pushed deep...so annoying Smile

plywood also makes it easy to then step into my ski boots. Depending on the wind I'll either hot launch or just use the tip from above (pull a steering line and just let the kite drag to the edge and do a relaunch)

my plywood piece is small enough to fit in my kite bag...if I want to take everything with me I can but I'll usually just leave a small base camp of gear nearby in case I want to change kites anyway.

Sorry for the book but this works really well for me at least.

Jeff

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kwalshpc

Since 24 Oct 2014
142 Posts

Stoked



PostTue Dec 20, 16 8:04 am     Reply with quote

Thanks for the tips and info.

As to my experience: I have a lot of water time, and some snow, though you can see I did not have the launching/landing down.

On landing - do you just flag the kite?

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craz z

Since 01 Dec 2008
130 Posts
Montana
Stoked



PostTue Dec 20, 16 9:02 am     Reply with quote

Yes you can flag a kite on most bars as long as its not mini-fifth.

If its light or moderate you shoot to the side and pull a front line to leading edge down into the wind.

On a modern bar will use slingshot for example in high winds let it go and it will sort itself out. (they almost always land leading edge down into the wind after a little bit of flopping around)

never had a problem except with mini-fifths as the hold tension as do some foils in high winds even reride systems. for that matter even a true 5th line can if its big enough kite and strong strong winds. fabric is fabric in the wind. It is a sail unless its laying face down into the wind there will always be a chance for some pull in stiff winds.

option 2 is tether launch and land. Still watch out for the mini-fifths in high winds they can rip out ice screws and pickup picnic tables no joke.

Its important to learn how to master the self launch and land it will only make you more efficient come summer time when no one is around to help. There isn't any difference in the launch and land Technic between water and snow. foil or tube its all the same.

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tgautier

Since 22 Oct 2016
48 Posts

 



PostTue Dec 20, 16 11:47 am     Reply with quote

Anyone trying to snow kite the sandbar today?

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Johnb

Since 02 Aug 2010
494 Posts

Obsessed



PostTue Dec 20, 16 11:59 am     Reply with quote

I have not had any problems flagging on a mini 5th

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Matt V

Since 26 Oct 2014
462 Posts
Summer- OR Coast, Winter - My van near good snow
Explosive Diarrhea



PostTue Dec 20, 16 7:10 pm     Reply with quote

If "mini 5th" is the same as flagging to both front lines (releasing the back lines by letting the bar go away, but keeping both the front lines connected) - Yes that can develop some serious power if the kite rolls and goes to the back then points up. No picknick tables. You need an immovable object. A tree of 6" or more in diameter is good.

Some confusion, due to manufacturers calling this one thing and sometimes calling it another, can arise as gear is developed and marketed.

Please be specific on how the kite actually flags. An easy way to do this is to simply mention which lines are tensioned upon release. You can also add which lines are released to make sure there is no confusion.

2013 North quad bar, 2012 or earlier Best 4 line - tensions both front lines, while releasing the backs (mini-fifth)

Old school 4 line foils - tension the back lines while releasing the fronts

New school Ozone foil kites, North 5thline - tension the 5th line while releasing the backs and fronts

Slingshot tension, 2013 Best, most other modern kites - 1 front and release the other front along with the backs (are also released).

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Johnb

Since 02 Aug 2010
494 Posts

Obsessed



PostTue Dec 20, 16 7:31 pm     Reply with quote

I have ocean rodeo kites and they flag on both front lines.

They call it a roll over system, I am not sure if theirs set up is any different than others however I have hit the release in powered conditions on water and snow without issues.

The only time I had a problem was when the kite had flipped inside out before I hit the release and the kite didn't completely depower. Under this scenario I imagine a single flaging line would have worked better.

Based on my experience I have confidence in the system.

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Pepi

Since 16 Jun 2006
1831 Posts
Pure Stoke Sports
Shop Owner

CGKA Member


PostWed Dec 21, 16 1:14 am    Re: Tubies Reply with quote

kwalshpc wrote:
I was referring to working with tube kites - thanks for the help


That's what I specifically use and prepare for.
I've only just started experimenting with Foils.

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Hood River, OR
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hood-River-OR/2nd-Wind-Sports/35891485558?ref=mf
www.Purestokesports.com

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Pepi

Since 16 Jun 2006
1831 Posts
Pure Stoke Sports
Shop Owner

CGKA Member


PostWed Dec 21, 16 1:19 am     Reply with quote

tgautier wrote:
Anyone trying to snow kite the sandbar today?


Probably last day for a while.
Got snowed out on the upper hills, so snuck in a late afternoon 9m session via the Marina beach.


   Monday funday 12 19 16 1a web.jpg 

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Pure Stoke Sports
Hood River, OR
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Matt V

Since 26 Oct 2014
462 Posts
Summer- OR Coast, Winter - My van near good snow
Explosive Diarrhea



PostWed Dec 21, 16 10:16 am     Reply with quote

JohnB wrote:
I have ocean rodeo kites and they flag on both front lines.

They call it a roll over system, I am not sure if theirs set up is any different than others however I have hit the release in powered conditions on water and snow without issues.

.


I think Cabrinha did that too? So I guess you would also have to specify in this instance how the kite behaves on this version of a "mini-fifth". Guess I get an "F" for effity eff-ort on how to describe kite flagging systems.

But nice on the session on the sand bar. Ever have a kiter in the water while one is on the snow?

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craz z

Since 01 Dec 2008
130 Posts
Montana
Stoked



PostWed Dec 21, 16 11:39 am     Reply with quote

Yeah I was talking about front tension back slacked mini fifths under normal powered conditions its benign.

On approaching snow squalls unexpected higher winds by your self wanting to get the kite put down and away quickly can be very very difficult and can put you in the position of cutting out entirely. also trying to get to the front line to put it down can cause a serious issue with bar wrap death loop.

The mini fifths I was referring too sit the kite to the side of the window ready for relaunch even on full flag normally its a non issue but in overpowered higher winds your sitting there under tension basically screwed. by your self with no one around can be a very difficult situation wait for a lull or let it go especially if the wind ramps even higher.

Thats the only reason in my opinion I wouldn't consider a bar with the feature its nice to have most of the time but alone in the middle of nowhere I've experienced a injury from a deathloop and also sitting under tension waiting for the wind to slow down to get it down safely. they are not common but if you need to be 100% self sufficient and solo kite alot I would not consider a mini fifth.

This also happened long ago on an early foil design with back tension front slack couldn't get it back in and there was enough tension on it i wasn't comfortable in high winds.

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