Snow Season is Here

So yesterday I got out with Jean and Adam from Boston Kite School at Franklin Park. As a kiteboarder I totally get the water is better and you know what, I wont argue. My riding has gotten allot more progressive and I don't dare ride that way on land yet. But to me I have just decided that wave ridding is the only real way to enjoy New England kiting in the winter. Also my trip to Maui I was deeply influenced by Lou Wainman to ride strapless surfboards. I have also decided after spending time on teh Mako King Twin Tip set up mutant with three finds in the back that waves and riding chop is much better. Now Pleasure Bay and other flat water spots are findable and ridable in the winter for sure. For me though why give up the fall waves and swell and there too is why I love snowkiting its short season makes it a necessity while its there. In the summer there was endless flat water and 12m days to learn the freestyle/wakestlye moves. But in the heavy, cold, and choppy conditions I have frustrating days. Thats why heading south to the swell has me learning new things slashing waves.

But back to yesterday and why I already reserved the waves are for my winters, and so now this is why snowkiting. So over the last 2 years I have learned that on snow near trees you have little wind or mega gusty wind. Yesterday was blowing enough to hold my 12m in the air and I was able to get few roles in even. But I think I have learned that the LEI's when you hit a lull get really heavy really fast and the back slide is not efficient. Most water kites spend allot of time frustrating the hell out of teh rider. I think if I had a foil that the kite would have been better for the brief moments behind a hill or set of trees. A foilis so light and it is stays airborne with almost nothing. Also if you do hit a windless spot a snow kite can be rolled up quickly in your arms and you can carry your back pack while riding. So forget pumping up your kite in the cold or having a big heavy kite to climb through powder with. Foils pull harder than a water kite and are much more efficient and lighter. So today I have put in my order for the 2010 Ozone Snowkites. The new Manta looks sick and Chasta has proven what that kite can do! I also got a smaller Access for my wife as a 6m. I hate trainer and fixed line kites without depower. So I am excited to hand Gorette the very best in depowerable snowkite.

But thats where I am.. I am pissed that my water sessions are windwhipped and aggrivating. The Waves rock! But yesterday on my way home from Franklin I realized that with the right kites that snowkiting even at night is going to be the best when the conditions permit. Just like a wave ridder watches swell the snowkiter watches for snow and its just special when you catch the conditions right. Also as a kiteboarding in New England it makes sense to freestyle, wave ride, and snowkite casue we can!