Kite Mountainboarding Frequently Asked Questions:
Kite
Mountainboarding Pictures
WHY SHOULD I MOUNTAINBOARD WITH A KITE?
Kite Mountainboarding (AKA: Kite
Boarding) as a sport is just beginning. Some of the attraction to the
sport lies in it's easy access (no long up hill hikes, after school
use, no crowds, terrain parks
galore).
WHAT SIZE OF KITE SHOULD
I USE?
Kite sizing depends on two
things: rider skill and terrain. A typical Kite
Mountainboarder rides on many terrains that range from packed dirt
to tall grass. The chart below can be used to determine the
correct kite for the rider. It is broken down into 3 skill levels
(beginner, intermediate and advanced) and 3 terrain types (packed
dirt, grass and all-terrain). A beginner is some one who has
zero kiting experience and very little mountainboarding experience. An
intermediate rider is someone who has either some kiting experience
or an experienced mountainboarder. An advanced rider is a rider that
is start to load up and jump (bigger kite = more hang time).
WHY SHOULD I USE SLINGSHOT WASP OR OZONE LITTLE DEVIL SERIES KITES?
Slingshot Wasp
Series, Ozone Little Devil Kites
and Ozone Samurai Kites
offer the best performance for the price. They are designed for use
with a control bar which allows riders to create a balanced stance.
A rider with a proper stance has more power and better kite
control. These Kites were designed to be fast and slippery, allowing
the rider to create his/her own range of power by working the kite
in and out of the "power zone". They also feature simple two and
four line kite flying for ease of use and minimal tangling. Both
Slingshot and Ozone kites come with a complete riders
handbook/manual on how to properly assemble, fly and maintain the
kite.
CAN I USE OTHER KITES?
Yes, other kites also work.
Unfortunately, most other kites are less durable and much more expensive.
WHERE CAN I RIDE?
Make sure to find a place that is
free of obstruction (trees, power lines, big rocks, fences, roads
etc.). Most riders prefer flat land or rolling hills rather than
mountains. You will find more consistent wind out in the open. You
should read this WARNING before
selecting a place to fly your kite.
DO I NEED TO USE A TRAINER KITE
FIRST?
The use of a lighter kite (like
the Slingshot Wasp
1, Slingshot
Wasp 2 or the
Ozone Little Devil 2.1) or
trainer kite is highly recommended for beginners. Even though land
is easier to learn on than water, good kite skills are essential. We
recommend that you spend a few months flying a trainer kite before
you attempt to snowboard with one.
DO I NEED A HARNESS / CAN I USE
MY WATER HARNESS?
You do need a harness for kite
snowboarding if you are using a kite stronger with an area larger
than 3.0 square meters. Most water harnesses are overbuilt and
uncomfortable for use with mountainboarding protective gear. We have
found that land harnesses (like Slingshot harnesses) offer many
advantages over harnesses designed for water. You can also convert
some back packs into harnesses. The advantages are they fit over
your outerwear. In return they are more comfortable. The other
advantage is they carry all of your stuff, and maybe some extra
gloves or a hat.
WHAT TYPE OF MOUNTAINBOARD SHOULD I
USE?
You should choose a Mountainboard with an edge
that is long and effective. Keep in mind thought, you do not want to
increasing the length to radically. The best choice is a board that
is short enough to keep the swing weight down, yet is has a long effective edge to resist the pull of the
kite. The following is a list of boards that is highly recommended
for Kite Mountainboarding (board selection will vary depending or
rider weight):
HOW SHOULD I SET UP MY
MOUNTAINBOARD
FOR KITING / DO I NEED A BRAKE?
There are a few boards out there
(like the 2002-2003 MBS
Comp16 and MBS
Comp26 boards) that are more adjustable. These boards are highly
recommended because the stance can be changed the same as a
snowboard (snowboard bindings can even be installed on the 6-hole
patter). It may be desirable to set your bindings and board up to
lessen fatigue on your shins when your heel side is edged. It is
important to make sure you have no heel drag. To fix this, adjust
your bindings so your toes are closer to the toe side edge than
normal. In addition, if you have foreword lean capabilities increase
it. Brake systems are not recommended for use with kites since
proper kiting involves the use of both hands at all times.
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