Which Kite for you

The key to enjoyment and progression often comes down to the right equipment. The right kite will promote confidence and make learning or progressing easier and more fun. Being “outclassed” by equipment is never a good idea and normally leads to problems for the rider at some stage. Because kites produce a lot of power it is important that you are in control at all times for your safety and others. One of the best ways to do this is to choose the right kite for you.

We produce a range of Snowkites, Entry Level, Performance, and High Performance. Over the years Snowkiting has progressed and so has our understanding of it. Today we know it is a much better idea for new comers to take our Entry level kite which has flying and handling characteristics that don’t demand too much of the rider as they discover the sport. These kites have enough performance to take them anywhere, practice freestyle and cruse at speed but are easy to fly and very stable.
Our performance kites are better suited to riders with a season under their belts or already have very good kite skills and knowledge. Faster handling and more power makes them ideal for enthusiastic recreational riders that want to ride hooked or unhooked but still versatile enough to climb mountains with and rip at high speed.

High performance kites need a rider to match. A good rider will be able to take these kites anywhere with ease. Fast handling, speed and power makes them ideal for freestyle and mountain climbing in the right hands.

Think about what kind of rider you are, what riding you like and the conditions you get to ride in. Ask yourself what kind of snow do you most frequently see around, powder or windblown hard pack, ice or even slush? The softer the snow you ride the bigger the kite you will need, if you ride hard pack or ice you can probably downsize one size. Consider what kind of winds are the norm? Light wind will mean bigger size kites and strong wind, smaller.

It goes without saying that a lightweight rider needs a smaller kite than a heavy one. Kids and lightweights (less than 60kg) never really need more than a 10m kite and are more suited with 8m and below. 60-90kg riders will typically ride kites between 8m and 12m. 90kg riders and up will almost always need 10m to15m.

It has been our experience that boarders need more power than skiers. This is due to the fact that on a board you drive the edge harder into the snow as compared to skis where your load is spread over two edges, which means you rest more on the surface of the snow and need less power to move.
Take in to consideration all of the above factors and you will not go far wrong. If you are a new to the sport then you will need entry level kite, take our word for it!

No matter what kite you get and how experienced you are, PLEASE read the manual, we don’t write them for no reason! Our manuals explain a lot of important info and show how to use and reload the safety systems.
We recommend you take your kite to a safe location and test it out. Get used to all the safety features and how they work. Fly the kite a lot to get a good feel of it. Practice takeoffs, landings and turning the kite over until you are confident and comfortable with the kite at all times. Doing this will mean that your first ride will be a top experience.

Kite safe, rip it up and enjoy.

Rob Whittall