Kiting with crud

[steveb]

We have a mix of deep snow ( 6 to 12 inches) some areas have a frozen surface which once your ski dives under it will put you on your face in a heart beat. I'm having a hell of a time dealing with it.
Any suggestions for good techniques or what to ride for this kind of snow?.
Last resort would be which lakes have a fairly decent surface on them right now?.Suggestions please.
Way to go Alex!!!!!!!!.

[jeff]

I've got that same problem with the snowboard. Does anyone know if waxing the skis/snowboard would make a difference?

Jeff

[Tom L]

2 solutions: On lake Minnetonka you can find many areas which are well traveled by snow mobiles, these areas are packed down like a ski hill. Keep your eyes open for snow mobiles.

Also if on skis, use an all mountain shaped ski like the Salomon Xscream. These skis with a wide and softer tip cruise through crud like butter. Not too short either, I use 185's which is getting long by current ski standards. I use them in the current snow conditions and they power through the stuff with no problems.

[pbeytien]

Rumors have it that westcoast kiters are experimenting with helium suppositiories...for that added boost. volunteers?

[Randy]

Hey Steve,
I think the temp drop this weekend will take care of this, leaving a hard surface again that's substantially faster. For me, on a snowboard, it's crucial to have steady power and movement. As soon as I loose speed I sink and my board, even when waxed well, becomes an anchor.

Hey, looks like possible NNE wind on Sunday. First lake of Forest Lake, right off the town beach, is great for this direction. It would be cool to raise a bunch of kites again for the public to see and to keep the winter wind stoke going. Or is Nancy doing the Birke?

[steveb]

Randy. No Nancy is not doing the Birkie this year, It's the first time in 14 years she'll not be making the pilgramage. She has not been able to get the time on the snow this year, for obvious reasons. She decided if she was'nt fit she would'nt enjoy it as much and she is ,all said and done, doing it for fun!.
Unfortunately Sunday I'm tied up with the real work so I won't be able to come play, good idea though lets try it again before the ice goes out.

[jeff]

Randy. No Nancy is not doing the Birkie this year, It's the first time in 14 years she'll not be making the pilgramage. She has not been able to get the time on the snow this year, for obvious reasons. She decided if she was'nt fit she would'nt enjoy it as much and she is ,all said and done, doing it for fun!.
Unfortunately Sunday I'm tied up with the real work so I won't be able to come play, good idea though lets try it again before the ice goes out.

Here's a thought that went through my head... And before I say it, NO, I wouldn't actually do the following:

But, the Birkie typically ends crossing that huge lake outside of Hayward. Wouldn't it be nice to ski the whole thing and kite to the finish! Man, I miss that race.

Jeff

[steveb]

Thanks jeff ,you placed in my mind the picture of someone blasting down the Heyward main st and jumping the finish line/clock. Sick.