Kite surfing – playing the piano and waterstarts

Continuing our series on how to kite surf we have found two videos which we believe you will find extremely useful as a beginner to this exciting sport.

The first video from How2Kite demonstrates how to ‘play the piano’ with one hand. This is essential knowledge as when you are putting the board on your feet you only have the one hand to control the kite. By moving your hand to the right or left of the centre of the bar – as if you were playing the piano – you will find that the kite moves in the opposite direction. The skill is to have enough finesse in your hand not to over-do the correction. When putting the board on your feet you should be aiming to have the kite above your head at an imaginary 12 o’clock.

The second video from andxto99 is an excellent demonstration on how to execute the water start, we suggest one of the first and most essential lessons to learn. As we have just learned you will be keeping the kite overhead by playing the piano and you will be holding your board with your other hand. As you go into the water try to keep the kite out to sea and at a low angle as this will avoid any gust taking you airbourne when still on the beach.

Once in the water place the board in front of you and then put one foot into the boards footstrap, and then the other, making sure your feet are secure. Allow yourself to be pulled down wind by the kite.

When ready for launch you have to dive the kite into the power zone in the direction you want to go. Place the kite at 11 o’clock and dive it down to 2 o’clock and the kite will have the power to pull you out of the water. Remember to bend the knee of your back leg and extend your leading leg.

Sounds easier than it is but remember there is a first time for everyone – keep practicing, take lessons, don’t rush, build your confidence.

An Important Disclaimer

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Trusting your life to something you read on the internet is just plain stupid.  Get corroboration from a more reliable source, use your common sense, don’t get yourself killed, and don’t come crying to us if you do.

It all comes down to common sense doesn’t it…. don’t forget that.

One of the most extreme kite races in the world

This is a race that I have had some difficulty in finding more information on. If my interpretation of Russian is correct, then this 100km race takes place on the 9th – 12th April on Imandra lake, Monchegorsk, Murmansk – just beyond the Arctic circle.  This truly is one of the most extreme kite races in the world.

Imandra lake has a surface area of 876km² and is 200 kms long. It freezes in November and the ice holds until middle of May.

Weather conditions in April can vary, but race day has generally provided wind speeds of 15 – 25 knots. However,  if you get into a closed bay this could drop to 4 – 6 knots. Air temperature will probably be between -10*C at night to +5 during the day, and the ice on the lake is so thick that it can sustain the weight of a car!

The 100km race was first held in 2001 with 13 competitors. Only 2 of the 13 completed the race within the time limit. Both the number of participators and the number who complete the race has risen over time – but not hugely. 2007 saw 150 participants with 26 completing within the time limit.

The rules are fairly lenient – you can use a traction kite, a sail or anything that can harness the wind. In 2007 Graham Steel from the UK , the British Parakart Super Cup legend, made a special snowcharged kitebuggy for this race but unfortunately, due to technical problems, was unable to finish. However, an unfinished challenge opens up yet another challenge and Graham was determined to compete again.

The first man to complete the race with a traction kite was Anthony Baird from the UK. He finished in 6 hours and was placed 18th in the general ranking.

Here’s a video from savagemarx showing last year’s race (2008) which was bitterly disappointing as the wind dropped. It follows Graham Steel and Jonny Pople, an experienced kite skier, as they drive to Monchegorsk, to take on the challenge for a second time. This is a race that is completely dependent on the wind, and as with other extreme competitions such as surfing, it is something you cannot rely on. However, it gives you an idea of what you might be letting yourself in for…

and, if the wind holds up, oliron shows us what it should be like… sorry about the soundtrack.

The Imandra project is not only for advanced racers. Any snowkiter wanting to take part in this extreme race can do so, and, if he completes the race, can become a member of the “100 km Club”!

Here’s a challenge: nobody on a snowboard with a traction kite has yet crossed the finish line…..