Next few days look good, get out speed-kiting

[Coach]

OK, there is a serious lack of snow here in the Twin Cities. However, the next few days look windy. Today was fun on the Bear for a short lunchtime speed session.

I'm finding the Stormboarding contests pretty motivating, hopefully others are too. Don't forget, they have weekly prizes! Otherwise I'm not sure I'd get out kiting much in these conditions (I don't want to pull a Stevie and bruise my bottom...)

Go fast, take changes....

-Coach

[JRN]

Maybe they'd give Stevo a "special award" (why? because he's special.) for bruises acquired in pursuit of SPEED! Nancy, get out the camera! Expressions on stormboarding's faces when they open the file? "PRICELESS!!" JN

[drknap]

Got out for some switchblade ice runs today over early noon hour. Terry and Pete were out as well.

I only clocked in at 32 mphs on gps which feels plenty fast but is nothing in comparison to you guys on skis. I think I could have gone a bit faster if I had more time.

Curious what others on boards/switchblade are clocking?

Kurt

[pete168]

Hey Kurt!

Your getting there! My best reading was at 41.1mph. not too bad for a 7.5m kite. maybe tomorrow I'll give it a try on the switchblade if I can drag myself out of bed in time.

[matt k]

I saw coach took it with 56.6 nice one coach

[Coach]

Thanks!

-Coach

[Pete]

Todd Hanson quote from last winter kite season, 12/5/05

"53 mph on a rap 2 12 yesterday riding a snow board. I don't know if that means anything but it sure was fun!"

Not sure if he was using his invention or not?

[matt k]

He had to have been using the switchblade, it wouldn't be possible without I dont think, thats fast on a snowboard might have to try that thing out again

[kiteboymn]

Hell yeah! on black ice I wouldn't go over 10 miles n hour without it.
Hit 59.88 yesterday on Big Trout lake.Smoothest ice Iv'e ever seen.
Warroo pro 9- Switchblade snowboard- 20-28 mph wind-fuuuuuun!
Only problem was, I kept running out of lake too soon. Just couldn't crack 60 but it will happen sooner or later.

[drknap]

whoa! thats moving on a snowboard. Todd you should sumit your speed to stormboarding. That smokes my 42.6mph that I was planning on turning in.
Kurt

[Coach]

59.88 eh? damn, now I really wish I'd gotten out earlier in the day yesterday. Only managed a 55.8.

-Coach

[steveb]

Thanks for the concern over my right cheek. Still sore but becoming a memory.Ready for doing it again over the weekend.
New speed freaks don't forget the fastest point of sailing is a broad reach, as you build speed slowly reduce your edge preassure and go off on a downwinder, if you feel your speed drop head up a little and then bear of the wind for the slingshot. I may be teaching grandma to suck eggs but I thought I should give a heads up incase some of you newbies haven't figured it out yet.
Wait for a big gust, close eyes, bear away...squeeze butt cheeks together don't make a mess of the ice and....

[kiteboymn]

So Steve, a broad reach is all done in the butt cheecks? Gotta hook up with you on those boards one of these days 218-821-6952
Later Todd

[Coach]

He's right - it's all in the butt cheeks.

Otherwise known as "pucker factor". The tighter the pucker the faster you are going...

[steveb]

Todd...you're esp radar is firing on all cylinders, I've been feeling terrible that I hadn't had the time to get them off to you. But today at lunchtime I managed to get them boxed, in the hands of the post office and on the way....freeky

[drknap]

I'd much rather be jumping and spinning but landing on that ice is butt brusing and jaw shattering. I haven't mastered the feather soft landings. In the meanwhile, given all that we have is ice or ride, might as well make the most of it. Never thought I'd be a speed freak but I'm finding it quite fun to see how fast I can go and try to beat personal bests.
Kurt

[pete168]

Kurt

Heading over to Cedar tomorrow late morning. A change from WBL.