Wow the water is cold.  Hit up the cold waters of WD for a little
afternoon riding.  Jochem, Ted, and Jimmy were killing it.  I tried
to get my fat ass into my new (used) dry suit and tried to provide
entertainment for others.

I hope that this water temp takes a serious swing or we will be
kiting in dry suits well into summer.

see you out there!

Miguel

Great kites in excellent condition, used less than 10 times each.

  10m:  $450    blue/white
  14m:  $500    black/white
  20m:  $550    black/white

kites include backpack, patch kit, instructions.

for full info see: http://www.flexifoil.com/products/storm2.php

photos:
http://web.media.mit.edu/~ewilhelm/events/2003-09-09%20Nahant/IMG_0078.JPG
http://web.media.mit.edu/~ewilhelm/events/2003-10-11%20chapin/IMG_8884.JPG

14m has one professional repair.

all kites have my name markered on them near the LE inflator.

kites are located in boston.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Goldwater        dgold@...        http://www.zblob.com
----------------------------------------------------------------

There is access to todds point for anyone at the moment. Im not sure when
they start checking passes.  I think its after Memorial Day but it could be
sooner.    There are some good launches. The front beach is good on S/SW and
NE.  On NW its good over by the OGYC. The problem with the point is that you
really can only launch during low tide or 3 hours atleast before its coming
in or after its gone out.  When do you plan on going? What are you wearing
for a wetsuit/drysuit?  Im anxious to get out again.

>From: Remtgnow@...
>Reply-To: neks@yahoogroups.com
>To: neks@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [NEKS] (unknown)
>Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 14:36:50 EST
>
>
>Jennifer-
>Is there access to Todds Point this time of year?
>
>I grew up there and I can think of many great launches there
>Phil b

_________________________________________________________________
Get fast, reliable access with MSN 9 Dial-up. Click here for Special Offer!
http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200361ave/direct/01/

Here it is -

Holly,
You have the right idea. After three seasons of snowkiting I have
come to
the
conclusion that in the NE kitesnowboarding or whatever you want to
call it is
not even
worth the effort. Unless you live on a lake or within 5 minutes of
open fields
that are
free from rocks, barb wire fences, tree stumps, irate owners and also
open to
the
wind its still better just to snowboard, ski, x-country ski or
snowshoe. There
are so
many variables that come into play--ice, snow, wind that the
percentage of time
you
have actually kiting are rare. I always carry my gear but generally
it just
doesn't
work. On big open lakes the wind blows the snow off the ice. And if
its deep
it
creates enough pressure to melt the snow even if its 0 degrees out so
the snow
is
actually wet. Don't land a jump and you get wet. I guess if you like
icekiting, that
works good but unless you wear hockey gear and a snowmobiling helmet
well,
getting slammed onto ice just isn't much fun. Then there's the
drowning factor.

Even in the dead of winter there is always open water somewhere, its
usually on
the
edge where streams enter the lake. How many people carry spikes or
other gear
to
get themselves out of the water if you find yourself there? You
probably have
about
5 minutes before your tickets cashed.
I'm not saying you can't have a great day. I've had a few where
everything
came
together, the snow was deep, the wind was right, the ice was frozen
and it was
great.
But don't confuse it with kitesurfing in the NE where I bet I get out
4 to 5
times a
week in season. Snowkiting might be 4 to 5 times a season. It would be
different if
we lived out west where you have lots more snow and can get above the
tree line.

But for the NE, and in the winter I live in upstate NY, a half hour
from
Vermont, and
hour from areas that average 200+ inches of snow a year, youre better
off doing
your
usual winter activities and bringing a kite with you for those rare
occassions
it works
out. When you go kiting in the summer and it doesn't work out, well,
you are at
the
beach and there's other things to do, like swin or even just sit at
on the shore
and
watch the other sunbathers. Sitting in your car with the heater on
waiting for
Godot
gets tedious fast. If you want to kite in the winter I really think
you'd be
better off
buying a super dry suit like a Kotatak (not one of those fake
windsurfing
"drysuits"), a
hood, good booties and gloves and a tide chart and hit some days at
the ocean.

Last year in Jan., Feb and Mar I was able to get out at the Cape on
many days
that
the winds were out of the S or SW. In fact in Mar. 2001 I got out 7
times and I
could
only go on the weekends. Low tide is key. Its not like windsurfing
where you
are
going to go totallyunder the water. Most winter days my head never got
submerged
and at low tide if you break a line or disable your kite somehow you
can walk it
back
in.
Sorry about this long post but go to any of the yahoogroups, or
Iwindsurf,
rec.groups and all you see about snowkiting are all these posts about
where to
go,
where's the secret spots, etc. In the NE unless youre going to drive
to
northern Vt,
the Tughill Plateau, Syracuse, or Maine and then be prepared for it
not to
happen
regularly, its a fraud.
D


--- In neks@yahoogroups.com, "Dennis Lent" <dlent@n...> wrote:
> As I said for some reason I can't access anything on NEKS.  On
every other
> yahoogroup I can search anywhere, access all messages, but on NEKS
nada.
> Yochem, you still here?  Still the admin?  Does anyone else have
this
> problem?  Maybe the office techies are having fun with me...
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "pksebago" <Patkeeley@a...>
> To: <neks@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2004 1:48 PM
> Subject: [NEKS] Re: Snowkiting
>
>
> > Try looking at post 2580 - "The Snowkiting Fraud"
> >
> > Glad you are having more fun this year!!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In neks@yahoogroups.com, "Dennis Lent" <dlent@n...> wrote:
> > > I once posted here about how I thought snowkiting was a big
tease
> > (it was last year or two years ago, I tried finding it but
something
> > is wrong with the Neks site, I can't access any messages or
anything
> > on the home page, files, etc).  I WAS WRONG.  Snowkiting is
> > everything kitesurfing is except for a little more caution/common
> > sense as to when to seek altitude.  Don't get me wrong I hate the
> > cold but I guarantee you will sweat no matter how cold it is (I've
> > been out in 10 below) wearing the clothes you wear for
> > sking/snowboarding.  I dress more like I'm X country skiing now
with
> > lots of layers to remove and zippers for venting.  In lots of
ways I
> > like it more than water kiting.
> > > 1.  No crowded launches--other than ice shanties and the
> > occassional snowmobilers there's nobody out there...nobody to say
you
> > can't do that here whatever it is.
> > > 2.  No sandy beach is necessary, just walk to the middle of the
> > lake or away from shore.  Sheltered wind at the parking lot?
Walk to
> > the wind line.  You can even drive your 4 wheeler out if you want.
> > > 3.  Your old, simple 2 line kites (I fly Flexi Blades and F-One
> > Shadows) work great.  I just set them up with a simple sliding bar
> > set up.  Conditions getting sketchy?  Throw the bar.  No problems
> > with relaunch.  Kite fell upside down, just walk up or down wind
and
> > kite will roll into position.
> > > 4.  Wind dies?  No big swim, just walk back to your vehicle or
grab
> > a ride from a snowmobiler.
> > > 5.   Wind changes strength?  No more white knuckle rides back to
> > the beach.  On Monday the wind was forecasted 15 to 25 here but
when
> > I got to the lake it was more like 10 to 15.  On water I'd have to
> > make a choice.  For the snow I put up the 9.0 Shadow
(affectionately
> > nicknamed "The Flying Pig")  and wore my 6.6 Blade in its back
pack
> > on my back.  Not only could I switch if the wind increased but the
> > back pack was padding if I fell on my back.
> > > 6.  Its much easy to teach friends on the snow than the water.
The
> > other day in winds 15 to 25 with the odd gust to 30 two of my
friends
> > were getting up on there boards and going with 2 meter trainers.
> > > 7.  No more paying because we are vertically challenged.
Without
> > paying the ridiculous fees (like $72 at Stratton), standing on
lift
> > lines, $10 sandwiches etc, you can go as fast as you ever go
> > downhill, you can carve like a banshee, make beautiful carving
turns
> > and huck as high as you want.
> > > 8.  You know how getting downwind is a problem when learning, in
> > snowkiting you rip upwind so easily if there's any problem, its
> > getting back downwind to your car.
> > > 9.  NO lifeguards or any other folks around though you will be
> > noticed (if that's what you are interested in).  Expect to stop
> > snowmobilers in their tracks and be filmed.
> > >
> > > Once the snow/ice turns back to water I'll be the first one
there
> > but right now winter can hold on.  I guess cause its so new and
> > underutilized its like the early days of kiting.  No more lift
> > tickets for me.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Weather Bouys: http://www.nws.fsu.edu/buoy/ne.html
> > How to kitesurf: http://tor-pw1.netcom.ca/~hungvu/kitesurfing.htm
> > Used gear classifieds: http://www.primoweb.com/kites/
> >
> > /~hungvu/kitesurfing.htm
> > Used gear classifieds: http://www.primoweb.com/kites/
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

As I said for some reason I can't access anything on NEKS.  On every other
yahoogroup I can search anywhere, access all messages, but on NEKS nada.
Yochem, you still here?  Still the admin?  Does anyone else have this
problem?  Maybe the office techies are having fun with me...

----- Original Message -----
From: "pksebago" <Patkeeley@...>
To: <neks@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2004 1:48 PM
Subject: [NEKS] Re: Snowkiting


> Try looking at post 2580 - "The Snowkiting Fraud"
>
> Glad you are having more fun this year!!
>
>
>
>
> --- In neks@yahoogroups.com, "Dennis Lent" <dlent@n...> wrote:
> > I once posted here about how I thought snowkiting was a big tease
> (it was last year or two years ago, I tried finding it but something
> is wrong with the Neks site, I can't access any messages or anything
> on the home page, files, etc).  I WAS WRONG.  Snowkiting is
> everything kitesurfing is except for a little more caution/common
> sense as to when to seek altitude.  Don't get me wrong I hate the
> cold but I guarantee you will sweat no matter how cold it is (I've
> been out in 10 below) wearing the clothes you wear for
> sking/snowboarding.  I dress more like I'm X country skiing now with
> lots of layers to remove and zippers for venting.  In lots of ways I
> like it more than water kiting.
> > 1.  No crowded launches--other than ice shanties and the
> occassional snowmobilers there's nobody out there...nobody to say you
> can't do that here whatever it is.
> > 2.  No sandy beach is necessary, just walk to the middle of the
> lake or away from shore.  Sheltered wind at the parking lot?  Walk to
> the wind line.  You can even drive your 4 wheeler out if you want.
> > 3.  Your old, simple 2 line kites (I fly Flexi Blades and F-One
> Shadows) work great.  I just set them up with a simple sliding bar
> set up.  Conditions getting sketchy?  Throw the bar.  No problems
> with relaunch.  Kite fell upside down, just walk up or down wind and
> kite will roll into position.
> > 4.  Wind dies?  No big swim, just walk back to your vehicle or grab
> a ride from a snowmobiler.
> > 5.   Wind changes strength?  No more white knuckle rides back to
> the beach.  On Monday the wind was forecasted 15 to 25 here but when
> I got to the lake it was more like 10 to 15.  On water I'd have to
> make a choice.  For the snow I put up the 9.0 Shadow (affectionately
> nicknamed "The Flying Pig")  and wore my 6.6 Blade in its back pack
> on my back.  Not only could I switch if the wind increased but the
> back pack was padding if I fell on my back.
> > 6.  Its much easy to teach friends on the snow than the water.  The
> other day in winds 15 to 25 with the odd gust to 30 two of my friends
> were getting up on there boards and going with 2 meter trainers.
> > 7.  No more paying because we are vertically challenged.  Without
> paying the ridiculous fees (like $72 at Stratton), standing on lift
> lines, $10 sandwiches etc, you can go as fast as you ever go
> downhill, you can carve like a banshee, make beautiful carving turns
> and huck as high as you want.
> > 8.  You know how getting downwind is a problem when learning, in
> snowkiting you rip upwind so easily if there's any problem, its
> getting back downwind to your car.
> > 9.  NO lifeguards or any other folks around though you will be
> noticed (if that's what you are interested in).  Expect to stop
> snowmobilers in their tracks and be filmed.
> >
> > Once the snow/ice turns back to water I'll be the first one there
> but right now winter can hold on.  I guess cause its so new and
> underutilized its like the early days of kiting.  No more lift
> tickets for me.
>
>
>
>
> Weather Bouys: http://www.nws.fsu.edu/buoy/ne.html
> How to kitesurf: http://tor-pw1.netcom.ca/~hungvu/kitesurfing.htm
> Used gear classifieds: http://www.primoweb.com/kites/
>
> /~hungvu/kitesurfing.htm
> Used gear classifieds: http://www.primoweb.com/kites/
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Try looking at post 2580 - "The Snowkiting Fraud"

Glad you are having more fun this year!!




--- In neks@yahoogroups.com, "Dennis Lent" <dlent@n...> wrote:
> I once posted here about how I thought snowkiting was a big tease
(it was last year or two years ago, I tried finding it but something
is wrong with the Neks site, I can't access any messages or anything
on the home page, files, etc).  I WAS WRONG.  Snowkiting is
everything kitesurfing is except for a little more caution/common
sense as to when to seek altitude.  Don't get me wrong I hate the
cold but I guarantee you will sweat no matter how cold it is (I've
been out in 10 below) wearing the clothes you wear for
sking/snowboarding.  I dress more like I'm X country skiing now with
lots of layers to remove and zippers for venting.  In lots of ways I
like it more than water kiting.
> 1.  No crowded launches--other than ice shanties and the
occassional snowmobilers there's nobody out there...nobody to say you
can't do that here whatever it is.
> 2.  No sandy beach is necessary, just walk to the middle of the
lake or away from shore.  Sheltered wind at the parking lot?  Walk to
the wind line.  You can even drive your 4 wheeler out if you want.
> 3.  Your old, simple 2 line kites (I fly Flexi Blades and F-One
Shadows) work great.  I just set them up with a simple sliding bar
set up.  Conditions getting sketchy?  Throw the bar.  No problems
with relaunch.  Kite fell upside down, just walk up or down wind and
kite will roll into position.
> 4.  Wind dies?  No big swim, just walk back to your vehicle or grab
a ride from a snowmobiler.
> 5.   Wind changes strength?  No more white knuckle rides back to
the beach.  On Monday the wind was forecasted 15 to 25 here but when
I got to the lake it was more like 10 to 15.  On water I'd have to
make a choice.  For the snow I put up the 9.0 Shadow (affectionately
nicknamed "The Flying Pig")  and wore my 6.6 Blade in its back pack
on my back.  Not only could I switch if the wind increased but the
back pack was padding if I fell on my back.
> 6.  Its much easy to teach friends on the snow than the water.  The
other day in winds 15 to 25 with the odd gust to 30 two of my friends
were getting up on there boards and going with 2 meter trainers.
> 7.  No more paying because we are vertically challenged.  Without
paying the ridiculous fees (like $72 at Stratton), standing on lift
lines, $10 sandwiches etc, you can go as fast as you ever go
downhill, you can carve like a banshee, make beautiful carving turns
and huck as high as you want.
> 8.  You know how getting downwind is a problem when learning, in
snowkiting you rip upwind so easily if there's any problem, its
getting back downwind to your car.
> 9.  NO lifeguards or any other folks around though you will be
noticed (if that's what you are interested in).  Expect to stop
snowmobilers in their tracks and be filmed.
>
> Once the snow/ice turns back to water I'll be the first one there
but right now winter can hold on.  I guess cause its so new and
underutilized its like the early days of kiting.  No more lift
tickets for me.

I haven't been out to Breezy Point yet this season (the windsurfing/
kiting spot for all northerly winds in Jamaica Bay), but got a call
from a friend who says that the one and only parking area offering
access the water (the pulloff by the Seagull sign) has been declared
off limits. He said a friend recently got a $150 parking ticket there.
It may not seem like much, but this is a serious threat to our water
access (for all north winds) in NYC.

Does anybody have any information about this? Who changed the parking
regulations there? Is it the D.O.T? The Park Service? The resident
association? It seems crazy, as the parking isn't used for anything
except water access. Does anybody know anything?

I'll stop in at Jacob Riis park a.s.a.p and see if I can't find out
more info. I know that 4wd permits are issued yearly for access to the
tip of Breezy Point, but our launch, in the middle, is now not
accesible!

March is generally the month to start kiting again. I went 2 weekends
ago and it was great. I wore a 5/4/3 dry suit from ProMotion. Its not
really dry any more since its getting pretty old. I wore a fleece
rash guard underneath it, 5 mil booties, Neilpryde hood and Dakine
mittens and I was toasty warm (low 30's water, low 40's air). Most
people are wearing those baggy dry suits, Oneil, Bare or Ocean Rodeo
Pryo, where you wear fleece underneath them. They look awesome and I
would love to get one!

A 5 mil suit will be fine in the spring. Just dont forget the
booties, gloves and hood.

Ted

--- In neks@yahoogroups.com, "Jenniffer Hanson"
<jenniffer_hanson@h...> wrote:
> I know that there are people who have been kiting all winter, but
when do
> people usually start going back into the water. I live in CT on LI
Sound.
> Also, is a 5 mm wetsuit sufficient for the spring water around here?
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee when you click
here.
> http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963

Break out your sunglasses and sunscreen, we're looking at sunshine
and a virtual heatwave for the first Vermont Kitestorm this weekend
Feb 28-29!

In order to accommodate the forecasted Westerly breeze, we have
moved the venue to the North side of the causeway - park at the Sand
Bar State Park North Access (last right turn before the causeway
going west).

We are also excited to have Ultra Nectar kicking in some goodies to
give away (they are the only company making snowkite-specific winter
gear)...

and to announce the After the Storm Party will be at RiRa's on Lower
Church Street in Burlington. We have control of the big screen from
9-10pm and will be fueling the fire from the day with kite action
from all over the world before the live music starts. Wear your
stormboarding sticker (which you get during the day) and chill with
micro-brew pints at a special rate.

Here is the plan...tell your buddies and see you at the Kitestorm!

What:     VERMONT KITESTORM

Where:   Sand Bar State Park: Northeast side of the causeway

When:     Sat Feb 28-Sun Feb 29 from 11-5

Who:       Riders, kiters, surfers, sailors, families…all are welcome

How $:     None…bring a little for a burger on the ice or a kite to
take home but all events are free

More info:  call Rachael at Stormboarding: 802-496-9691;
rachael@..., www.stormboarding.com


All weekend:
-free intro to power kite clinics
-intro to snowkite clinics
-jump clinics
-Ozone kite demos
-Kitestorm Kite specials - save some cash and leave flying
-prizes to be won - register when you arrive and be in to walk away
with more than just a winter tan!

Families welcome...bring your ski/boarding helmets and gear.

Think breeze,

rzm

Rachael Z. Miller
Stormboarding
www.stormboarding.com
802.496.9691

I know that there are people who have been kiting all winter, but when do
people usually start going back into the water. I live in CT on LI Sound.
Also, is a 5 mm wetsuit sufficient for the spring water around here?

_________________________________________________________________
Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee when you click here.
http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963

I do most of my riding on Great Sacandaga Lake, though Round Lake and
Saratoga Lake also work.  GSL is about 30 minutes NW of Albany.  Its a huge
Lake (actually an artificial lake dammed to keep the Hudson from flooding)
which is rideable from all directions though anything from N to NW to W to
SW to S is preferred.  West is the best here.  We usually launch from the
New York State Boat Lauch at Broadalbin.  There's a parking lot there thats
plowed when they feel like it but I've always been able to get in/out or you
can always park on the road as long as you don't park right under the no
parking sign.  Just park before or after the No parking signs end(like a 100
feet either side of the entrance).  Not a real big deal, usually only
enforced in summer but wouldn't want anyone to get a ticket on my account.
If that's too far and inconvenient there are other people  in this group
riding various spots, from Lake Champlain in NY/Vt to Candalwood Lake in
Connecticut.  I imagine its a little tougher as you get closer to the
coast...just a few degrees difference makes the rain turn to snow.
Right now (as of Monday) we've got about 8 inches of snow on top of the ice.
It was getting a little crusty edge Monday night about 6:30 when the temps
started to drop here. Its kind of like spring skiing now.  Snow softens
during the day and starts to crust up as the sun falls.  On Monday I started
out in soft snow and after the sun set my rides got progressively faster as
the snow crusted.
Long range forecasts gives us daytime temps above freezing and nights below
so conditions should stay good.

There's also an event up in Burlington, Vt this weekend
Weather looks good for the event with  daytime highs above freezing.
Contact Rachel for the up to date forecast.  Champlain rocks on  southerlies
(and judging from the temps I bet that's the direction for the weekend).

                                                                 D

From: "stormboarding" <rachael@...>

To: "Rachael Miller" <STORMBOARDING@...>

Date: 2/19/04 8:35AM

Subject: VERMONT KITESTORM FEB 28-29


Come kite fans, come adrenalin fans, come people who needed something very
cool to do on the weekend of Feb 28-29th.




STORMBOARDING presents the first ever and first annual VERMONT KITESTORM.




All weekend, the Kitestorm will feature:




- FREE power kite and snowkite intro lessons from STORMBOARDING


- FREE OZONE power kite demos




On Saturday 11-5:


- Ski demos - compare a DYNASTAR twin tip with an all-mountain carver


- 92.1 KISS FM rockin' the ice


- Speed and trick contests to dive into or just ogle


- Delicious lunch on the ice from AFTERNOONIES DELI


- Great gear and goodies to be given away - all who show up have the chance
of winning prizes from: STORMBOARDING, ULTRA NECTAR, PUTNEY PASTA, OZONE
KITES, KISS FM.more surprises to come


- Saturday night After Party on Church Street (venue tba)




On Sunday 11-5:


- Kiter's Breakfast at Afternoonie's Deli


- more lessons, demos and free-riding






Open to all ages.




Size of kite allowed for demo will be dependant on wind strength, size and
experience of pilot.If you would like to ride, please bring your helmet.
Safety first then more fun than you can handle!




The Kitestorm is put on with the generous help and partnership of STRAIGHT
TALK VERMONT and THE LIVING ROOM, THE SAND BAR INN, PETRA CLIFFS, HERTZ
EQUIPMENT RENTAL and the BEST WESTERN - WINDJAMMER INN as well as those in
caps above.




What: VERMONT KITESTORM


Where: South of the causeway, South Hero. Park behind the Sand Bar Inn
(please keep ice clear for riding)


When: Sat Feb 28-Sun Feb 29 from 11-5


Who: Riders, kiters, surfers, sailors, families.all are welcome


How $: None.bring a little for a burger on the ice or a kite to take home
but all events are free


More info: call Rachael at Stormboarding: 802-496-9691;
rachael@..., www.stormboarding.com




**a few more volunteers are needed for organization at the event. Send
Rachael a note, get hooked up with some extra goodies and be in on the
ground level of a sport about to explode!






Think snow and some breeze,


rzm


Rachael Z. Miller

Stormboarding

www.stormboarding.com

802.496.9691

Weather looks good for the event with  daytime highs above freezing.
Contact Rachel for the up to date forecast.  Champlain rocks on  southerlies
(and judging from the temps I bet that's the direction for the weekend.

                                                                 D

Dennis,
Where are you riding? I agree with everything you are saying. As a new kiter
I find the snow not as intimidating as the water. However, it can be more
difficult to find places to go.  You need frozen water, and snow.

>From: "Dennis Lent" <dlent@...>
>Reply-To: neks@yahoogroups.com
>To: <neks@yahoogroups.com>
>Subject: [NEKS] Snowkiting
>Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2004 09:03:32 -0500
>
>I once posted here about how I thought snowkiting was a big tease (it was
>last year or two years ago, I tried finding it but something is wrong with
>the Neks site, I can't access any messages or anything on the home page,
>files, etc).  I WAS WRONG.  Snowkiting is everything kitesurfing is except
>for a little more caution/common sense as to when to seek altitude.  Don't
>get me wrong I hate the cold but I guarantee you will sweat no matter how
>cold it is (I've been out in 10 below) wearing the clothes you wear for
>sking/snowboarding.  I dress more like I'm X country skiing now with lots
>of layers to remove and zippers for venting.  In lots of ways I like it
>more than water kiting.
>1.  No crowded launches--other than ice shanties and the occassional
>snowmobilers there's nobody out there...nobody to say you can't do that
>here whatever it is.
>2.  No sandy beach is necessary, just walk to the middle of the lake or
>away from shore.  Sheltered wind at the parking lot?  Walk to the wind
>line.  You can even drive your 4 wheeler out if you want.
>3.  Your old, simple 2 line kites (I fly Flexi Blades and F-One Shadows)
>work great.  I just set them up with a simple sliding bar set up.
>Conditions getting sketchy?  Throw the bar.  No problems with relaunch.
>Kite fell upside down, just walk up or down wind and kite will roll into
>position.
>4.  Wind dies?  No big swim, just walk back to your vehicle or grab a ride
>from a snowmobiler.
>5.   Wind changes strength?  No more white knuckle rides back to the beach.
>  On Monday the wind was forecasted 15 to 25 here but when I got to the
>lake it was more like 10 to 15.  On water I'd have to make a choice.  For
>the snow I put up the 9.0 Shadow (affectionately nicknamed "The Flying
>Pig")  and wore my 6.6 Blade in its back pack on my back.  Not only could I
>switch if the wind increased but the back pack was padding if I fell on my
>back.
>6.  Its much easy to teach friends on the snow than the water.  The other
>day in winds 15 to 25 with the odd gust to 30 two of my friends were
>getting up on there boards and going with 2 meter trainers.
>7.  No more paying because we are vertically challenged.  Without paying
>the ridiculous fees (like $72 at Stratton), standing on lift lines, $10
>sandwiches etc, you can go as fast as you ever go downhill, you can carve
>like a banshee, make beautiful carving turns and huck as high as you want.
>8.  You know how getting downwind is a problem when learning, in snowkiting
>you rip upwind so easily if there's any problem, its getting back downwind
>to your car.
>9.  NO lifeguards or any other folks around though you will be noticed (if
>that's what you are interested in).  Expect to stop snowmobilers in their
>tracks and be filmed.
>
>Once the snow/ice turns back to water I'll be the first one there but right
>now winter can hold on.  I guess cause its so new and underutilized its
>like the early days of kiting.  No more lift tickets for me.
>

_________________________________________________________________
Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee when you click here.
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Thanks for posting this Enzo. This is definitely one of the more informative
posts I've read here. I got wrapped in my lines (but not seriously hurt) last
year when I dropped my kite in the middle of the break and couldn't get it
relaunched, so I will keep your method in mind if it should happen again. 
~Holly

Thanks for posting this Enzo. This is definitely one of the more informative
posts I've read here. I got wrapped in my lines (but not seriously hurt) last
year when I dropped my kite in the middle of the break and couldn't get it
relaunched, so I will keep your method in mind if it should happen again. 
~Holly

Hi Dan,
I actually have tried your method in the past and it works as well.
The problem I had is that once you wind 20 feet of line on the bar to
depower the kite and then procede to wind up the rest you have one
line with tension and 3 loose ones. This always made the winding on
the bar quite difficult while swimming and I often ended up with
messy lines. Also it takes a bit of time to finish up all the winding
under this conditions but again, it does work.

Personally I like the other method because of it's simplicity,
rapidity and ease of use. I really never had a problem with the
3loose lines since they simply drift downwind and away from you, just
swim slighty into the wind and all the rest will safely stay off your
track. Also you do not have the entire lenght of the 3 lines
completely loose but just the lenght of your leading edge.
Remember, you are not pulling the kite towards you (like when you
wind the lines up) but you are actually kind of swimming towards the
kite along this single line. I guess if you have big waves breaking
on your head and pushing you around the loose lines could become an
issue but, under these conditions, any type of self rescue would be
very difficult.
Basically once I decide to self rescue I know that in less than 30
seconds I can reach the kite and this can be a great advantage in
many situations, also the overall drifting downwind is also minimized.

If you get a chance try this method, may be in safe conditions and
I'm sure you will realize that it works incredibly well.

Having said all this the crucial point remains: be very careful when
surfing in waves (big and small kites), they make your life very
difficult once the kite hits the water so attempt a self rescue only
if you are confident in the method you are using. Ditching the kite
is something that should be certainly considered under certain
conditions, I have seen many good kiters just letting things go
rather than risking injuries or worst.

enzo


--- In neks@yahoogroups.com, Dan Goldwater <dgold@z...> wrote:
> Hi Enzo,
>
> I have not tried your method, I would be worried that since you are
> letting the bar and the entire length of 3 lines go loose that it
would
> not be hard to get tangled in them.
>
> My method is:  grab a single line and pull in 20 feet of it to
totally
> depower the kite.  then wind that 20 feet onto the bar.  then wind
all 4
> lines equally onto the bar until you get to the kite.  this way the
kite
> is totally depowered while you are winding.  also you are never
between
> the kite and the bar and loose lines, and there is never more than
20 feet
> of slack lines floating around.
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> Dan Goldwater        dgold@z...        http://www.zblob.com
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> On Sun, 22 Feb 2004, enzo_merluzzi wrote:
>
> > Reading the full report on kiteforum looks like the guy was
winding
> > up the lines on the bar while swimming to his kite when the kite
> > relaunched and the problems began..
> >
> > When it comes to self rescue it is very dangerous to use this
> > procedure because:
> >
> > - it is very hard to wind up the lines on the bar with the kite
> > pulling you constantly and almost impossible to do a neat job
(always
> > end up with loose lines around you)
> > - if the kite for any reason self launches (waves, gust or other)
you
> > have no way to control it (and lines around you as well)and
that's
> > when the problems begin..
> >
> > Over the years I discovered that it is much safer and easier to
do
> > the following:
> >
> > - with the kite in the water grab a single line (steering or
power
> > line does not matter)and while always keeping some tension on it
> > start swimming towards the kite, leave bar and safety leash
behind.
> > This will cause the kite to loose most of its pull (it will open
up)
> > and will also limit the dragging while you reach the kite
> > -once you grab the kite let the line go, get to the leading edge
and
> > deflate the kite. Roll it up from both ends and secure your
harness
> > around the kite.
> > - at this point you can either roll up the lines or leave them
> > dragging behind you (depends how long is the swim). Get on the
kite
> > and start paddling back.
> >
> > I have used myself this simple method and have been teaching it
to
> > all my students, it seems to work just fine. When you get back to
the
> > beach the lines are usually not tangled and definetly the efford
> > necessary for this manouver is much smaller than trying to wind
up
> > the lines at first.
> >
> > For sure big kites and surf are to be considered carefully but
using
> > a proper self-rescue manouver is also extremely important to
avoid
> > serious accidents.
> >
> > Interested to know if anyone else has different options for a
safe
> > sel-rescue
> >
> > enzo
> >
> > --- In neks@yahoogroups.com, "gipseysurfer" <gipseysurfer@m...>
wrote:
> > > this was just posted on the yahoo FKA group. a fairly proficient
> > > kiter in florida had his 20m kite hindendurg in the impact zone
and
> > > while trying to relaunch got his neck and arm caught in the
lines.
> > > he managed to wriggle his neck free but had his hand wrapped in
the
> > > lines as the kite powered up and dragged him to the beach. the
lines
> > > cut through to the bone of his pinky finger and he's in
hospital on
> > > the way to 'recovery'.
> > > lessons:
> > > a)carry a knife when kiting
> > > b)big kites and surf may not be meant for each other
> > > c)have a kite leash and don't hesitate ditching the kite in the
surf
> > > when it crashes in the impact zone rather than risking
entanglement.
> > > more details and full report
> > > check out: http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?
t=2299615
> > >
> > > barry
> >
> >
> >
> > Weather Bouys: http://www.nws.fsu.edu/buoy/ne.html
> > How to kitesurf: http://tor-pw1.netcom.ca/~hungvu/kitesurfing.htm
> > Used gear classifieds: http://www.primoweb.com/kites/
> >
> > /~hungvu/kitesurfing.htm
> > Used gear classifieds: http://www.primoweb.com/kites/
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

Hi Enzo,

I have not tried your method, I would be worried that since you are
letting the bar and the entire length of 3 lines go loose that it would
not be hard to get tangled in them.

My method is:  grab a single line and pull in 20 feet of it to totally
depower the kite.  then wind that 20 feet onto the bar.  then wind all 4
lines equally onto the bar until you get to the kite.  this way the kite
is totally depowered while you are winding.  also you are never between
the kite and the bar and loose lines, and there is never more than 20 feet
of slack lines floating around.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Goldwater        dgold@...        http://www.zblob.com
----------------------------------------------------------------


On Sun, 22 Feb 2004, enzo_merluzzi wrote:

> Reading the full report on kiteforum looks like the guy was winding
> up the lines on the bar while swimming to his kite when the kite
> relaunched and the problems began..
>
> When it comes to self rescue it is very dangerous to use this
> procedure because:
>
> - it is very hard to wind up the lines on the bar with the kite
> pulling you constantly and almost impossible to do a neat job (always
> end up with loose lines around you)
> - if the kite for any reason self launches (waves, gust or other) you
> have no way to control it (and lines around you as well)and that's
> when the problems begin..
>
> Over the years I discovered that it is much safer and easier to do
> the following:
>
> - with the kite in the water grab a single line (steering or power
> line does not matter)and while always keeping some tension on it
> start swimming towards the kite, leave bar and safety leash behind.
> This will cause the kite to loose most of its pull (it will open up)
> and will also limit the dragging while you reach the kite
> -once you grab the kite let the line go, get to the leading edge and
> deflate the kite. Roll it up from both ends and secure your harness
> around the kite.
> - at this point you can either roll up the lines or leave them
> dragging behind you (depends how long is the swim). Get on the kite
> and start paddling back.
>
> I have used myself this simple method and have been teaching it to
> all my students, it seems to work just fine. When you get back to the
> beach the lines are usually not tangled and definetly the efford
> necessary for this manouver is much smaller than trying to wind up
> the lines at first.
>
> For sure big kites and surf are to be considered carefully but using
> a proper self-rescue manouver is also extremely important to avoid
> serious accidents.
>
> Interested to know if anyone else has different options for a safe
> sel-rescue
>
> enzo
>
> --- In neks@yahoogroups.com, "gipseysurfer" <gipseysurfer@m...> wrote:
> > this was just posted on the yahoo FKA group. a fairly proficient
> > kiter in florida had his 20m kite hindendurg in the impact zone and
> > while trying to relaunch got his neck and arm caught in the lines.
> > he managed to wriggle his neck free but had his hand wrapped in the
> > lines as the kite powered up and dragged him to the beach. the lines
> > cut through to the bone of his pinky finger and he's in hospital on
> > the way to 'recovery'.
> > lessons:
> > a)carry a knife when kiting
> > b)big kites and surf may not be meant for each other
> > c)have a kite leash and don't hesitate ditching the kite in the surf
> > when it crashes in the impact zone rather than risking entanglement.
> > more details and full report
> > check out: http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2299615
> >
> > barry
>
>
>
> Weather Bouys: http://www.nws.fsu.edu/buoy/ne.html
> How to kitesurf: http://tor-pw1.netcom.ca/~hungvu/kitesurfing.htm
> Used gear classifieds: http://www.primoweb.com/kites/
>
> /~hungvu/kitesurfing.htm
> Used gear classifieds: http://www.primoweb.com/kites/
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Reading the full report on kiteforum looks like the guy was winding
up the lines on the bar while swimming to his kite when the kite
relaunched and the problems began..

When it comes to self rescue it is very dangerous to use this
procedure because:

- it is very hard to wind up the lines on the bar with the kite
pulling you constantly and almost impossible to do a neat job (always
end up with loose lines around you)
- if the kite for any reason self launches (waves, gust or other) you
have no way to control it (and lines around you as well)and that's
when the problems begin..

Over the years I discovered that it is much safer and easier to do
the following:

- with the kite in the water grab a single line (steering or power
line does not matter)and while always keeping some tension on it
start swimming towards the kite, leave bar and safety leash behind.
This will cause the kite to loose most of its pull (it will open up)
and will also limit the dragging while you reach the kite
-once you grab the kite let the line go, get to the leading edge and
deflate the kite. Roll it up from both ends and secure your harness
around the kite.
- at this point you can either roll up the lines or leave them
dragging behind you (depends how long is the swim). Get on the kite
and start paddling back.

I have used myself this simple method and have been teaching it to
all my students, it seems to work just fine. When you get back to the
beach the lines are usually not tangled and definetly the efford
necessary for this manouver is much smaller than trying to wind up
the lines at first.

For sure big kites and surf are to be considered carefully but using
a proper self-rescue manouver is also extremely important to avoid
serious accidents.

Interested to know if anyone else has different options for a safe
sel-rescue

enzo

--- In neks@yahoogroups.com, "gipseysurfer" <gipseysurfer@m...> wrote:
> this was just posted on the yahoo FKA group. a fairly proficient
> kiter in florida had his 20m kite hindendurg in the impact zone and
> while trying to relaunch got his neck and arm caught in the lines.
> he managed to wriggle his neck free but had his hand wrapped in the
> lines as the kite powered up and dragged him to the beach. the lines
> cut through to the bone of his pinky finger and he's in hospital on
> the way to 'recovery'.
> lessons:
> a)carry a knife when kiting
> b)big kites and surf may not be meant for each other
> c)have a kite leash and don't hesitate ditching the kite in the surf
> when it crashes in the impact zone rather than risking entanglement.
> more details and full report
> check out: http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2299615
>
> barry

this was just posted on the yahoo FKA group. a fairly proficient
kiter in florida had his 20m kite hindendurg in the impact zone and
while trying to relaunch got his neck and arm caught in the lines.
he managed to wriggle his neck free but had his hand wrapped in the
lines as the kite powered up and dragged him to the beach. the lines
cut through to the bone of his pinky finger and he's in hospital on
the way to 'recovery'.
lessons:
a)carry a knife when kiting
b)big kites and surf may not be meant for each other
c)have a kite leash and don't hesitate ditching the kite in the surf
when it crashes in the impact zone rather than risking entanglement.
more details and full report
check out: http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2299615

barry

Hi guys,
all of you interested in learning how to kitesurf should consider
this opportunity.
Kitewise is offering 2 weekly clinics in Hatteras this spring, May 15-
22 and May 22-29.
The clinics will be held in our kitehouse located in Hatteras Island,
the perfect kite spot.
Everything is included (except for lunches), you just have to show
up ! Our prices include full lodging, gear and classes.

We are a PASA Certified Kite School, giving classes locally and
running the Hatteras clincs for 3 years now, we have graduated dozens
of new kiters from our area. These clinics are designed to help our
local kiteboarders get solid instruction before the weather gets warm
enough for our beaches.

Just contact us at kitewise@... for further info or visit our
web site http://www.kitewise.com/school.html to learn more about our
school program.

Thanks,
great kiting to all
Enzo Merluzzi
Kitewise

About our clinics: http://www.kitebum.com/id11.html

David - current quiver consists of G-18, G-13, S840 (overlaps the 13,
but i can't bear to get rid of it), S630 (early 2001 model, starting
to tear at the shoulder).  Boards - I've found the faster the board,
the better for my Arcs.  I'm still partial to the Jimmy Lewis 141
picklefork I have - fast and cheap as chips.  Also have a
foam/ply/glass monster that I concocted in my basement and a
Slingshot Little Fat Bastard for light wind days.

Just bought the Naish UDS and am in the process of retrofitting it to
my old bar - gonna give the free bar setup a shot this year.

--- In neks@yahoogroups.com, "pluvious2002" <dcl@r...> wrote:
> Lane -- I dunno the water temp. How about....cold? Very cold? Cold
> enough to freeze your face and render you as facially lifeless and
> slantern jawed as Sen. Kerry? Actually, it was no problem, except
on
> the hands. I spent too much time in the water, though, dealing with
a
> funky kite, which, on account of my extended hiatus, I had
> inadvertantly rigged with the right rear line 4 inches shorter than
> necessary. No wonder why the friggen thing was yanking me to one
> side...!!!
>
> Boris -- Yes, I'd heard about another arcer in these parts. Good to
> meet the cyber you. I'd be stoked to ride together, as I'm sure we
> could learn a thing or two from each other. Do you ride shackled?
> What's your leash setup? What board are you riding?
>
> Dave -- We commute alot to Rhode Island on the weekends, and moving
out
> to L.I. would only lengthen what is already a 3 hour ride. It's
already
> a tough sell with the wife. Adding time to that drive might tip the
> scales in favor of never leaving New York, never, ever, etc...
>
> I'm not encouraged by the lack of water access in southern CT.
There's
> so much coastline and so little that's available. That's wrong,
bad,
> criminal, stupid, selfish, moronic and un-American. Can't we just
pick
> out a nice launch on some billionaire's land and give 'em the old
bums
> rush? Or maybe it's time to go Cuba style -- we all just rise up
and
> take it all back in the name of the people. Cuba libre anyone?