Hello,
First time poster here! I'm new to the sport this year. Have been out to White bear a couple times.....thats pretty much it! This past weekend I went down to my home town of La Crosse Wisc. To watch the green and gold take care of business with the family! Anyway, there is an awesome lake down there (lake onalaska). Its off the Mississipi and is pretty big. I stood out on the lake for some time and it seems as if the wind is very clean. I really wanted to get out there yet I did'nt see anybody else out there. I dont really expect to see other kiters out there since I realize this is still a fairly new sport and people down there are more into outdoor sportsman type things. Hence I was really looking for at least ice fishing houses, snowmobiles, cars ....whatever! These do exist on the lake, yet not on the main body. More so in some of the smaller bays. Is it possible since its off the river (moving water) that its not as consistant? Bottom line, how do I know if its ok to go out there? I do have the ice picks, yet am so inexperienced I'm not so sure I could maintain the kite to pull myself out if I went in! I thought about calling the local DNR to see if they could shed some light. Any ideas?
Also on my drive home I noticed many WIDE open fields that looked very inviting! Anyone ever jumped in?! I realize this is probably less of an option since I'm sure most of this land I was seeing was most likely private. Anyway.....
All input appreciated. Looking forward to meeting all of you out on the lake!
Possible places to ride!?
Moderator: MK
Re: Possible places to ride!?
Yeah I've wondered the same thing about rivers. Seems to make sense, ie. that currents could effect the thickness of the ice. Having said that I've also had some great sessions down on Pepin in the winter. Generally it's a good idea to follow the lead of the ice fisherman. I think your idea of checking with the DNR is a good one. Also look for snowmobile tracks. A lot of rivers are highways for them in the winter.
Its a good idea to find the owner of the land before you hop on and ride. Not all will grant permission but many will. If they have concerns about their liabilities there is a liability waiver in the Knowledge section that you can offer them. Best to only pull that out as a last resort, else it may create a concern.
Welcome to the tribe.
Its a good idea to find the owner of the land before you hop on and ride. Not all will grant permission but many will. If they have concerns about their liabilities there is a liability waiver in the Knowledge section that you can offer them. Best to only pull that out as a last resort, else it may create a concern.
Welcome to the tribe.
Tighe
Re: Possible places to ride!?
The dnr dose no Cary any information on the river. The ice and water is constantly changing because there is moving water year round. things such as eddies and hot springs are all over rivers. Hot springs in the Midwest tend to stay around 50 degrees so the ice will never freeze around them. In addition you have a cut bank and deposit bank on a river. in other words as the river corners it cuts at the bank and the ice tends to be thiner at the cut bank. it would be best to use extreme caution and not go out on the river or take and ice auger and take thickness samples every 5 feet in various areas.
Re: Possible places to ride!?
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/compass.html
WMA's and WPA's are listed on this map. The grassy areas are great for holding the deep snow. For finding terrain, look up these areas on Google Earth in 3d mode. But if you are still trying to keep the kite up, try to stay out of the heavier grass as it can give you some grief when relaunching.
WMA's and WPA's are listed on this map. The grassy areas are great for holding the deep snow. For finding terrain, look up these areas on Google Earth in 3d mode. But if you are still trying to keep the kite up, try to stay out of the heavier grass as it can give you some grief when relaunching.