The perfect winter or am I a pansy???

[reutersju]

I'm not sure I could ask for better wind, ice and snow conditions for a winter season of snow kiting but that being said I have only kited once this winter...ugh!!! Typically my winter sessions exceed my summer session because of the beautifully low resistance of snow and the smoother winter winds. My kiting deficit has many contributors...family and work to name the obvious but by far I have been kept off the ice by the extreme temps. Maybe this makes me a pansy but I find myself being concerned with breaking gear (nosels, bladders, spreader bars, etc.) or getting injured in a harsh environment. Or maybe it makes me smart...I'm not entirely sure...probably a little bit of both. How is everyone else's winter turning out? In curious to know how the temps have affected others!

[enderbeanz]

Funny....because I had the exact same thoughts this morning. Perfect conditions, but low temps. Not ideal. My wife looked at me and said "What's wrong with you? That never used to stop you." Touche. So I got the gear out and headed to the da Bear. Always great to see others out shredding. Really gets the stoke up. One thing I have learned over the years of kiting here in MN is that 'when its blowin, you better get goin'. You can't waste days. Especially when the wind lines up with a weekend. Today was great. Surface was a little rough, but the wind was good. I thought I would be cold, but wasn't (setting up or riding). It was good to be reminded of that. My limit is 0 F. Then it is time to question a session. It is just too hard on the equipment, but when the sun is out and the wind is up just get out the the lake. You can spend way too much time checking the forecasts and the online chatter to second guess yourself and miss a good session. You just don't know until you go.

[Drvermin]

Yep, we need to be tougher. Slopecat and I went out on Da Bear last Sunday and nobody else was there. The winds were light be we put up Turbines and got absolutely perfect rides. I think the winds are far less gusty when they are low. I've been out 6 times this year because I am learning and I am trying to take it to the next level. It is hard for me because I fear hurting myself in addition to breaking my gear so the cold makes it easy for me to convince myself to stay home. But "there is no subsitution for bar time" is my motto and have been getting out even when I think I will be wasting my time. So far I am learning a lot and also learning what not to do. My first rigging took over 45 minutes and it was cold! Now I can be pumped, rigged and going in under 10 minutes with the system I have worked out. I'll get even faster when I can get riding a board because I won't have to mess with ski boots.

The flip side is this has been a brutal winter due to the cold. We are going to set a 30 year+ record so don't feel bad. These conditions are enough to make even the most harty person hesitant.

[magicninja]

" There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Get outside." quoted by Mom. I firmly believe that statement. I've been out numerous times this season. most of them in subzero weather. Your equipment is remarkably resistant as long as you don't tomahawk your kite into the snowpack. Get out there and ride kids you aren't getting younger. pansies. LOL

[slopecat]

The season is going well for me so far. I have been out riding 10 different days now. The cold doesn't bother me like it does most people. I haven't missed any kiting because of it, but I did skip an afternoon at Afton Alps.

Yesterday I had my hands get very cold while I had my golves off to pump and sort out my lines. With them back on I was OK. My face got a bit cool while riding but the rest of me was toasty warm. In fact too warm. I was sweating so much I go soaked from that alone.

Glad to run into you for a few minutes yesterday. Hopefully things will align for you and you can get more sessions in.

Mike

[KitingKen]

This has been a great winter! I must say I've prioritized kiting at every possible opportunity racking up 15+ sessions this winter, even if that meant getting up at 6AM, going out in sub zero weather, or downsizing kites and coping with with 30 mph winds. At first I was having trouble with frozen pumps, valves that wouldn't close, and frostbite on my cheeks. But now I think I've learned the art of cold management and am feeling more pleasure and less pain - except for the occasional faceplant. I invested in better winter gear this year especially face and neck. I also get totally outfitted before I leave home or in the car rather than standing at the trunk out in the wind. Also bring in ALL my equipment the night before so that nothing's frozen and setup seems to be going alot faster. Cheers.

[speedsailor93]

Great season! Lots of riding & snow conditions have been very good on Waconia for most of it. As long as temps are over 0F I have no problem staying warm while riding w/fleece balaclava & helmet. Mainly use large foils in winter so very quick to setup & pack up.

Goal is to try & pass 1,000 mile mark before the season ends.......only 385 to go!
Alan