upwind on skis?

Jonesing4Wind · Post by **Jonesing4Wind** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 8:51 pm

I am a competent buggier, been flying for nearly 2 years. Just started kite snowskiing, and seem to have trouble keeping my ground against the wind. Once every few passes, I can edge enough to make a little progress upwind, but not most of the time. In a buggy, it seems like I can point (go upwind) almost straight into the wind, prolly more like 45 deg, tho. Is this due to me being too overpowered, or lack of technique? I fly razors on handles. I am completely new to skiing, and think there must be something I am missing..... Any advice??

thanks!!

sean

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Wed Jan 28, 2004 9:14 pm

Could be you are overpowered, or on a slick surface. But most likely if you haven't ski'd much it is your technique. Going upwind on skis is fairly easy with the right technique.

It is absolutely important to ride your edges. Most of your force goes into your downwind leg and through the inside edge of your ski as you lean against the force. As you do this you'll need to move your upwind leg infront of the your other and weight that upwind edge as well. Pushing with your downwind leg will steer you upwind and give you great resistence against the kite forcing it farther forward in the window. Falling off the wind pushes the kite farther back in the window and can create a no win situation in which the only way to recover is to get the kite to zenith.

Hope this helps.

Jonesing4Wind · Post by **Jonesing4Wind** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 9:00 pm

yea, I remember edging pretty hard, but still couldnt get enough of a hold to get the kite further to the edge of the window to get me upwind. I actually think it is down to a couple factors, such as technique(obviously), surface(lake with patchy snow coverage), and crappy skis..... Maybe practice will let me overcome the other 2 factors, which I will be getting this weekend!! Thanks for the help!!

sean

Boardsports USA · Post by **Boardsports USA** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 9:09 pm

Sean,

One other thing to try is sharpening the edges on your skis. It is easier to hook up on ice as the temps get warmer too. That stuff is pretty hard right now. You should have snow to hook up with now...ehh? Also, when you are going out in the snow...you gotta wax 'em up.

Have fun, stay warm.

Jason