Kite Skiing

One of the newest and most interesting winter sports is something called kite skiing. If you have ever tried kite surfing, then you are a good candidate. Even if you're brand new to this winter sport, you can learn the basics in a short period of time. This sport can be done anywhere there is snow and can be done with the whole family. Many people who have tried both surfing and skiing with kites will tell you that skiing is much easier. You can take the skills you learn in the winter and use them for kite surfing in the summer.

You will need some equipment to start skiing with a kite. A traction kite is a must. You can use a land or water kite for this sport. You may want to try an inflatable version which is easy to use in the snow. There should be a safety system on the kite that lets you power down the kite in an instant if necessary. You may need more than one kite depending on the wind conditions. On average a kite used for skiing is going to be smaller than one used for surfing. You will also need a harness and helmet to protect your head. A good pair of ski sunglasses and a warm ski suit are important also. And of course, you will need a pair of skis and ski boots. When choosing skis shorter skis are best for icy conditions and longer skis are best for deep snow.

Many enthusiasts will tell you that the best place to practice this sport is on a frozen lake. However, you will need to check the conditions of the ice and make sure it is safe. Staying close to the shore is a safe way to practice this sport because if you do break through the ice it will only be knee to waist deep and you can easily get out. You certainly don't want to try skiing over a frozen lake at the deep area, unless you are absolutely certain that it is safe. An even better option may be a snow covered field that is level.

You should definitely practice flying a traction kite before hooking yourself up to one. When you first get going, move your kite in a wave motion to build up power. Keep your feet shoulder width apart for the best stability at high speeds. Kite skiing is very exciting because you really get to go fast. Once you get used to skiing with a kite you can start doing more advanced moves like jumps. This sport is definitely extreme but if you wear a helmet and use caution you can stay safe while having fun.

Skiing News:

At the Tea Party (New York Review of Books)
By Jonathan Raban People who watched the Tea Party Convention in Nashville on television in early February saw and heard an angry crowd, unanimous in its acclaim for every speaker. Standing ovation followed standing ovation, the fiery crackle of applause was nearly continuous, and so were the whistles, whoops, and yells, the Yeahs!, Rights!, and cries of 'USA! USA!' Inside the Tennessee Ballroom ...

The 40-something ski bum: blog 12 (Daily Telegraph)
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If you haven't skied before and are going on your first ever skiing trip reading some skiing beginners tips may be helpful. You should always go to a ski resort which offers lessons for beginners as they usually have a good areas for ...

Schwartz: Stay green on Spring Break - University Daily Kansan

Schwartz: Stay green on Spring Break
University Daily Kansan
In one week, KU students will embark on spring break activities, whether it be basking in the sun on a sandy beach or skiing down the .

Avalanche Center answers questions about Saddle Peak slide - The Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Avalanche Center answers questions about Saddle Peak slide
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle
. safety tips, including staying in safer zones, not looking at tracks as indications of safety and relying on EURœbulls-eyeEUR data in deciding whether to ski .

Shootout at N. Harris home leaves 2 men dead - Houston Chronicle

Shootout at N. Harris home leaves 2 men dead
Houston Chronicle
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS or Harris County homicide detectives at 713-967-5810.

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Ski photographers to discuss their craft Thursday - Salt Lake Tribune

Ski photographers to discuss their craft Thursday
Salt Lake Tribune
Accomplished Utah winter sports photographers Dan Campbell and Steven Lloyd will show examples of their work and offer tips about creating and marketing .

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Helmet Safety (KX TV North Dakota)
While Olympic skiiers and snowboarders amaze with their intense tricks, speed and wipeouts. Reporter Amber Schatz shows us why many local riders are showing off their skills. with new head gear. They're ready to hit the slopes. From head to toe...

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If you don't know any member of the racing species, here's a tip on spotting one we heard from Rhodes 19 . and you'll notice sailing hats and shirts in airports and subways, at soccer games and ski areas, even Saturday morning at thetown dump...

In Chicago, day-trippers are happy to board the Windy City Ski bus (Pioneer Press)
We emerged out of the predawn darkness, an assortment of not-yet-caffeinated people toting ski clothes and Starbucks cups. Precisely at the scheduled time of 6:15 a.m., a coach bus pulled up, its cushy seats promising a fine nap. At 6:30, we were off, heading to Cascade Mountain on the Windy City Ski bus...

Controlling Your Speed and Stopping