If you’re new to snowkiting, the idea of gliding across snow-covered fields with the wind at your back might seem exhilarating—and a little intimidating. But before you can take off on your adventure, you need the right gear. Choosing snowkiting equipment can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the sport, so let’s break it down step by step.
1. The Kite: Your Wind Engine
Size Matters (But Not in the Way You Think)
When it comes to kites, bigger doesn’t always mean better. The size of your kite depends on your weight, wind conditions, and experience level. For beginners, a mid-sized kite (around 9-12 square meters) is usually a good starting point. If the wind is strong, you’ll want a smaller kite (7-9 meters), while lighter winds might require something larger (12-14 meters).
For safety’s sake, beginners should always start with smaller kites in stronger winds. If you’re lighter in weight, a smaller kite will give you more control. Heavier snowkiters may need something slightly bigger to get the lift they need.
Types of Kites
You’ll typically find two types of kites in snowkiting:
- Foil Kites: These are soft kites without a rigid structure. They’re great for snowkiting because they’re lightweight, easy to pack, and ideal for gusty wind conditions. Foil kites are also known for their power and efficiency in lighter winds.
- Inflatable Kites: These are more common in kitesurfing but can be used for snowkiting as well. They have inflatable bladders that give them their shape. They’re sturdy and float on water, but they’re bulkier and heavier than foil kites.
Beginners typically start with foil kites since they are easier to control on snow, and there’s no worry about deflating when you crash them.
2. The Board or Skis: What’s Under Your Feet?
When choosing what to ride on, you’ve got two options: snowboards or skis. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:
Snowboards: Snowboarding while kiting offers more agility and is great for carving wide arcs across open fields. However, it’s a bit trickier to balance on at first. If you already have experience snowboarding, this could be the easier choice for you.
Skis: Skis are often preferred by beginners because they allow for better balance, easier movement, and improved stability. Skis can also handle a wider range of snow conditions. If you’re not an experienced snowboarder, skis will make the learning curve much smoother.
Pro Tip: If you’re just starting, go with equipment you’re already comfortable using. Snowboarding while trying to figure out kiting might feel like juggling, so stick with what you know best.
3. The Harness: Your Connection to Power
There are two main types of harnesses used in snowkiting:
- Seat Harness: This is the best option for beginners because it offers more support, especially in the lower back. It distributes the pull of the kite across your waist and thighs, making it more comfortable when learning.
- Waist Harness: More advanced riders often switch to a waist harness as it allows for greater movement and flexibility. However, for beginners, it can put more strain on the back and can ride up, so it’s not recommended until you gain more control over the kite.
In either case, comfort is key! Make sure to try on a harness that fits snugly, but doesn’t restrict your movement.
4. Safety Gear: Don’t Skip This Step
Helmet: Snowkiting might seem calm and scenic, but you’re moving fast, and the snow can hide rocks, ice, and other obstacles. A good helmet is a non-negotiable piece of safety gear.
Impact Vest: It’s not mandatory but highly recommended, especially for beginners. An impact vest adds buoyancy, protects your torso from crashes, and provides extra warmth on chilly days.
Leash: Kites come with a safety leash that attaches to your wrist or harness. In case of an emergency, this leash lets you release the kite’s power while keeping it attached to you. Never skip using your leash—losing control of your kite without one can lead to dangerous situations.
Goggles: Protect your eyes from snow glare and wind with a pair of UV-protected goggles. Visibility is crucial when you’re ripping across snowy plains at high speeds.
Layer Up: Snowkiting can be deceiving when it comes to temperature. Although you’re moving, the wind can make it feel colder than expected. Layering up with moisture-wicking, windproof, and insulated gear is essential for staying warm and comfortable.
5. The Instructor: Your Best Investment
One of the most important pieces of “gear” isn’t something you can buy—it’s proper training from a qualified instructor. Learning from an expert will not only keep you safe but will also help you progress much faster. An instructor can:
- Help you understand wind conditions and how to set up your kite for different situations.
- Teach you about the right safety protocols and how to handle unexpected situations.
- Guide you through practicing launching, landing, and controlling the kite.
- Prevent you from developing bad habits, which can be hard to unlearn later.
While it might be tempting to teach yourself, snowkiting is all about wind dynamics, which aren’t always intuitive. A good instructor can prevent frustrating wipeouts and help you become a more confident rider in much less time.
Snowkiting in Alberta 