LAKAWA

Definitely Mahtomedi. There is still some snow there. I should be there around noon.

So that was you guys on the trainer kites. Kevin O and I were kiting mostly in that corner just W of the beach. There was some slushy snow there for decent edging on skis. I suspect most of that is gone now. See you next time.

Chris, check the "Lakes" section above. I believe directions are there.

I just returned from a killer session at Mahtomedi. There was much more snow there than expected. It is about 80% snow for close to 100 yards from shore. Plenty of snow for jumping/landing. It was soft when I left, but I bet most of it makes it into the next colder snap. This is still the place to b...

I plan to kite at Ramsey Beach on WBL today around midday. Come out if you can.

There is not much decent snow cover at Ramsey or in front of the Yaght Club. Lots of bare ice. The small bay north of Mahtomedi might have some of the crusty white stuff.

Take a look:
http://www.wbycsail.org/WebCam.html

Eric, Mahtomedi will work on a SW, but I think W to NW is best for the current snow conditions.

I am planning on kiting Mahtomedi at WB at about 12:30pm today. Barry is headed there too. This may be the best snow covered terrain in the area right now. Come on out.

Mahtomedi Beach on the east side of White Bear has quite a lot of snow. Herve and I kited downwind yesterday to check out that part of the lake when we saw some kites in the air. Joe L. and a crew were there with inflatables. Much of the blowing snow from the lake is accumulating there. I plan to go...

Herve, I launched from Bellaire Beach. This is a great spot for West winds. There is a huge Bald Eagle's nest on the other side of the bay. You can get close to it. The thing swooped down at me the other day-- quite a thrill. I plan to be out by late morning on Saturday. Come on out.

White Bear was awesome. Crusty ice and pillows of drifty snow. Very good for skis. Windier than I expected. Barry was tearing it up when I left. A guy was hurt when the front blade of his ice boat broke through a pressure ridge. He broke his arm, and was taken away by ambulance. The ice was about 5-...

Anyone get out on the ice Thursday? How's the surface? Thickness?

This is a fine one. Did that guy really get stuck in that pine tree?

http://www.kitekurs.no/media/Advance_movie.wmv

It was some tough kiting at Ramsey. The ice smoothed over quite a bit. The wind was stronger than expected. I had to fly a 4.9 Blade high to stay in control with skis. The ice is plenty thick-- 4-6inches. After some white knuckle runs, I went home with my tail between my legs.

Any takers? I should be there by noon.

I just got back from a fun session up there. Hit the ice at 9am on a 9.5 foil. The size was just right. Sharp skis are are holding an edge just fine on the crusty ice. Ice thickness is still ok.

Anyone thinking of Ramsey today?

Good move, Barry! That should be a great kite. I just replaced the chicken loop/pulley setup because I think it is a bit clumsy. We can compare notes next time I see you.

Your point about safety is well taken. I think these foils are safer to fly than inflatables both in the water and on snow.

I just flew the 16.5 Warrior at Fort Snelling. The wind readings were 7mph when I left and 7mph when I returned home. It is a bit tricky getting this beast in the air in such light wind, but doable. As expected, the kite generates a lot of power in a sweep. I was getting pulled around quite a bit. I...