Thanks, Brian

Bill S. · Post by **Bill S.** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:15 pm

I had my second kiteskiing session yesterday at Cannon. Just like the first (in 8" of fresh powder) it was a full-on blast. There is much crossover with downhill skiing. I especially like the extreme knee/hip angulation and leg extension required to rock in the gusts. Makes me dream I'm Bode Miller ripping a G.S. course.

I came in when Brian arrived and we went back out together. When the wind backed off too much for my kite Brian fetched a rope and towed me home, about a mile across the lake. Thanks, dude.

Brian pointed out that Cannon has much more snow than Tonka and that there are very few tracks. I plan to ride there as many breezy days as possible till ice out. Come on down sometime.

Good luck to all Kitefreeze organizers and competitors. No matter the conditions it will be a great event.

dave t · Post by **dave t** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:30 pm

Hey Bill how about Saturday? I am planning to get in some kiting and still would like to learn more control without the giant crowd.

jim lehman · Post by **jim lehman** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 7:12 pm

I may be up for an afternoon of kiting at Cannon on Saturday. The winds are looking promising. Pete and I got skunked at Byllesby today. Would have been a great day for hot air ballooning. Call my on Saturday if your heading out. (507)251-6476

Jim

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 7:45 pm

Yeah I think your crossover skills helped you Bill, as they will anyone coming to the sport from downhill skiing or snowboarding. You are also a new type of student, one that learned the sport not from a 2-3 hour lesson, but rather hours watching/studying "How to Rip" and over 100+ hours of Q&A OVER THE PHONE with myself and others. Sorta like a telephony internship. I guess it works, you're proof of that.

I can't believe you guys are considering flying anywhere but the Kitefreeze on Saturday. It is going to be a blast. Warm temps, miles and miles of lake, some virgin snow, some big jumps, bays that could swallow up Cannon. The bigger the lake the steadier the winds.

The event is truly for everyone. It's just about riding together. We have so much gear to give away that almost everyone is going to go home with something. There is, intentionally, very little structure to the day. Everyone just out having fun. We can spread out all across the lake. We'll probably have a voluntary expression sometime during the day, and maybe make up some other games, but it's all voluntary.

And you can try almost any kite you want. How sweet is that? See if it's your kite that's holding you back. With the new kites, it is so easy to progress.

I guess I respect you guys wanting to sorta teach yourselves, but I know I learn so much everytime I ride behind someone who has a better grasp on this than I.

Come on, come up and play

dave t · Post by **dave t** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:55 pm

I have been thinking about the Kitefreeze and I go back and forth about it. I am on the hairy edge of full control and I know I could pick up a lot from others but a full on crowd makes me a bit uneasy. I would hate to be the cause of the 2005 Kitefreeze "Incident".

I'm still trying to make up my mind.

jim lehman · Post by **jim lehman** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:46 pm

I agree with Tighe, I would certainly prefer to ride with others -vs- by myself. The only reason I will probably go the Cannon on Saturday afternoon is due to the job. (Some of us have to work on weekends, bummer

). I am planning on making the trip on Sunday. Who knows maybe I'll be sick on Saturday.