Snowkiting Lesson Necessary?

dobermankby · Since 07 Jul 2021 23 Posts

I started kiting this summer and I've had about 10 sessions since I have been able to ride and stay upwind - so still a beginner. I've also been snowboarding for about 15 years.
I really want to try snowkiting. How much do the water skills overlap with kiting on snow? Is it helpful to take snowkiting specific lessons? Or should I go and figure out by myself? (with a buddy, I wouldn't go just by myself)
I don't mind paying for lessons, but lessons are either in Idaho or SLC, both of which are really complicated to plan ahead of time when you consider flight, hotel, rental car while not knowing the wind conditions in advance. It sounds so much easier to be able to decide based on the wind forecast here one day in advance, hop into my truck and head to Keechelus or to some of the eastern WA spots.
If you snowkite, how did you get into it? What would you do differently? Thanks!

IWantToFly · Since 29 Jul 2019 151 Posts Stoked

Following.

Freeride Kiter · Wed Dec 15, 21 7:22 pm **if you can kite on water...**

You can kite on snow. I prefer skis over snowboard because I like facing my direction of travel and I like independent suspension. Edging principals work the same.

Your kite skills on water will translate directly.

Go with a friend, take a helmet - don't be afraid of light winds.

Be prepared to walk back if wind dies.

I got into snowkiting because it's too cold to kiteboard in the water in winter in Alaska and you're kiting in 3d. What I would different? I'd do it more! Visit the Big Horns, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and of course... ALASKA! Austria, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden are all fantastic winter get aways for snowkiting. I never get enough. even here in Baja, I dream of snowkiting. If only there was enough interest to teach snowkiting instead of kiteboarding...

Really though, I like to tour, climb, explore, winter camp, wake up - keep on going.

https://freeridekiting.com/social/PortageLakeLODEF-Sorry.mp4

sorry for the low quality - last spring session on Portage Lake, downwind 1.5 miles to the glaciers, play in the powder, then upwind 1.5 miles.

and since your reading. checkout some of our Alaska kite fun! Its an oldie but goodie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY-oO-bSpIY

www.freeridekiting.com

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

Yeah, no lessons necessary. I wish we had better snow kite access around PDX. With good terrain it rivals any water kiting for fun. Rig like you would for water. Skiis can be better in some respects, like being able to skate away from the kite when wind is light.

Wind is often stronger the higher you go, so often the challenge can be getting going and working your way uphill to where the wind is better.

jeffwestco · Since 21 Jan 2014 23 Posts

I'd agree with everyone else -- snow specific lessons not absolutely required. But a few gotchas I'd add -- be aware that 12 o'clock shouldn't be considered as docile as water as you are not "buried" in water. It's pretty easy to become lofted in a gust (more an issue in gusty, low snow depth and depending on kite). On the extreme edges of the window is far better when taking a break or what have you.

As for difficulty, snowkiting seemed really straight forward to me. Oh, one other tip unique to snow...be extra careful/aware not to ski/board over your lines. Snow is magic -- especially when in terrain.

Cheers,

waynepjh · Since 27 Jul 2008 212 Posts jackson wy Stoked

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2100 Posts PNW Bigfoot

tree · Since 29 May 2007 148 Posts Bend, OR Stoked

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

waynepjh · Since 27 Jul 2008 212 Posts jackson wy Stoked

lewmt · Since 04 Aug 2010 182 Posts MT Stoked

2nd what other's have said. I learned to snowkite without a lesson or anything more than playing with a trainer kite prior to snowkiting. It was amazing how difficult water kiting was after snow season ended - even though I could go upwind, get back to where I started from, and manage the kite decently in the beginning on snow. Having said all that I did break my neck the following winter season due to lack of knowledge but if you have good kite control on water...snow will be easy, fun, and very 3-D. Just stay away from cement icy conditions in 50mph winds. Rolling Eyes

Inflictor · Since 17 Aug 2013 151 Posts Stoked

Yet... you don't think you need lessons or a guide who knows the terrain!!!???? hmmm..
Broken necks are no fun, I did that( and many other bones too)! Please be careful

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4910 Posts Portland Unstrapped

that shot!!!!!!

i want that - epic!!!