Como Lake - 12/17/06

ice_kmauve · Post by **ice_kmauve** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 12:38 am

Found Kurt at Como lake with his 16 Roo inflated and ready. Apparently a guy named Brian had been riding as well, but was leaving as I was getting there. I could detect no wind myself, but figured what did I have to lose moseying down to the lake to check the action. Skaters were about on the lake. The surface was clean and black, although some scarring evident from the recent thaws and refreezes.

Kurt was able to magically command the Roo to stay up and pull him, sheerly through the force of his wind-diction. He rode the Sabre 9.5 for a bit as well, although when I tried I couldn't get the thing to stay in the air!! and hardly even cared (I've said before, I'm having trouble getting excited about winter kiting this year--ice is an unfriendly surface, and my knees feel like they're 80 years old. Plus, the whole thing seems like a bad excuse for water). (Tighe feel free to delete this post, I don't want to "Soak the Stoke"). Incidentally I thought I was a decent light-wind kite pilot. I hand it to Kurt, he can keep a kite up in NOTHING.

A fun new lake, glad I got out and enjoyed the afternoon. Anybody else do city lakes today? Mark my words, next time I shall ride like the wind!!

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 8:52 am

I shot up to WBL to see if there was any "action" to catch on film. Jason and about a dozen ice boats were ripping around down by Montemedi. The wind seemed pretty strong, I'd say 10-15mph. We were surprised there weren't more riders out. Got some decent footage, though I'm just learning about the camera.

The ice seemed plenty thick. I could see bubbles 6-8 inches down frozen in the ice.

chanrider · Post by **chanrider** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:34 am

Here's a counter perspective for you Ice...

I'm enjoying fooling around with the TD on ice, and I think any other bow or SLE would be the same. I think the ice environment actually complements the range of these kites very nicely.

On ice you need very little power and these kites offfer that. Also in the slightest breeze you can juice them to the max and still exceed 30mph. I think these kites offer a nice "Easy Button" for ice.

When you put the hammer down with these kites I feel the acceleration much more so than on the water because there is so little resistance.

Keeping the kite in the in air in super light wind for me is a matter of keeping moving which is very easy on the ice. As long as I can create a even a tiny amount apparent wind the kite stays up.

Definitely a lot different than summer kiting, but still gives you an opportunity to get outside and get a little exercise which is why I do this sport in the first place!

I am also starting to get a little jealous of the ice windsurfers... where can I get my hands on one of those!?

jradtke4 · Post by **jradtke4** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 12:55 pm

Ice, Jason here. You should check the Bear out, and let me know when you do. I also fly the Sabre 9.5 with skates and need some company on WBL.

drknap · Post by **drknap** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 2:00 pm

Dave, we should have went to WBL. I wasn't sure of the ice though and Jim-you never called back. Wasn't hardly any wind at Como but if you can get the waroo up- you can get some rides. Had to use skates to get going and I'm not a strong skater so sorta feel uncomfortable when you get cruising and have to stop suddenly. The switchblade works great but tough to use in light winds when you have to move to get the kite up. We needs snow!
Kurt

ice_kmauve · Post by **ice_kmauve** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 7:45 pm

I should quit my bellyaching, which I intend to do next time I get a chance to be out. Actually the speed factor is pretty nice and you run out of lake a lot sooner than you think you will. All this black ice is a huge rarity of course, and as long as it doesn't snow, we might as well do it up while we have the chance. you know, I grew up practically on WBL and I don't think I ever really got on it much while it was clear, as the eighties were a pretty snowy decade. Well, Jason, give me a call next time you head out and we'll do it up. And Kurt, I'm still in for the 16 if you are. Fire it up!

Professor Robae' · Post by **Professor Robae'** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:45 am

Hey Chan!

Icesurfing is the best; especially on this sweet black ice. I have an excellent "Turney Board" for sale; see my ad in classifieds. These boards absolutely rip; on average twice as fast as a Free-Skate and just as maneuverable. I'm amazed that no one has snapped this board up yet considering the great conditions we have. Come give it a test drive sometime if you like.

The Prof.