How to Start Snowkiting

Before you get your first full sized kite, you should invest in a small 2-4 meter trainer kite. Since kite flying is the most important part of the sport, flying a small trainer first will help you tremendously.  They help you dial in your kite skills before ever getting on the snow or water and keeps you more in control, thus safer in the long run. Also when  you do buy a bigger kite , you will ultimately save your more expensive kites from taking less of a beating.  The more time you spend flying a trainer kite, the more valuable your time on the water will be because it will be less distracted with what the kite is doing and more focused on riding.

Even with a small trainer kite you will be able to get good rides snowkiting.  If the wind is really strong you can even jump and stay upwind.  However once you do feel like you have the hang of the trainer, you will be ready for a bigger kite and this is when you harness the power, There are a lot of decisions to be made, are you just riding on snow or would you like to do the water as well?  If water is in your plans at all then an inflatable kite is the preferred choice.  If your only interested in the snow then the foil kite is the way to go.  Both have there ups and down but in general if your a snow only guy then you will enjoy the foil more because the set up and pack down are super easy, they weigh less, pack down smaller, and have less things that can fail.  However, I do prefer the inflatable kites in extremely gusty, turbulent winds because they hold their shape better.  



Gear Recommendations

First is the trainer kite. I recommend the Ozone Imp Quattro 2.5m or 3.5m because I teach on them and have found the most success with them do to them having enough power to cruise around yet instant safety when you let go of the bar.

Your next purchase is the Harness and comfort is everything!  I use the Dakine Pyro for Water.  I also tend to use it for snow because I have become so familar with the support it provides.s

 

Here is the Harness I use for backcountry expeditions and teaching on snow.  Very lightweight and comfortable.

Next Step - Instruction

After that you will be ready for a bigger kite.  You will also need a lesson to go over some safety aspects of the kite and this is probably the most important thing to spend your money on!  Do not try to fly a big kite without professional advice/instruction first.  Launch and landing is the most dangerous time in flying kites so you must do this correctly.   Also it is good to review how to fly the kite correctly so you do not teach yourself any bad habits early on.   I will say it is very important to have a quality instructor that you have good chemistry with so that you get everything out of the lesson you want.

School Recommendations

Colorado Kite Force for snow

Kiteboarding School of Maui for water

 

Kites
My kite of choice is the Ozone Edge because it provide the most performance out of any kite on the market.  This kite just makes life easier.  
 

For the best snow specific option then you are looking for the Ozone Frenzy.  Very lightweight and very easy to set up and pack down.

 

Skis or Board
I believe that skis are easier to learn on but at the same time if you are stictly a snowboarder then you will enjoy it more.  Skis have a lot of benefits for snowkiting and tend to be much more efficient at staying upwind better.  I reccommend Faction Skis and currently ride the 3.zero for my dedicated alpine touring setup and the thirteen for my big mountain charging skis.

When it comes ot snowboards, you will want a centered stance board with some width.  Ideally with as little sidecut as possible.  I recommmend the liptech banana hammock or decosse custom.  Also if you could split one of these you would have the perfect setup in my eyes.

 

Outerwear

There are some important things to consider, one is will it keep the snow out of your pants if your getting dragged backwards.  I wear bibs but would love a nice one-piece.  The next is the jacket, this is where you want to have a lightweight gortex shell that a harness can be worn over.  You do not need a lot of layers nor want them once you are riding because it will be very warm.  However, I carry a big down jacket with me for when I stop riding to keep me warm.  Gloves are also very important and I recommend carrying an extra pair in case one gets wet.