Power Kite Forum

Free Skatewing ! Taken.

Bladerunner - 13-9-2012 at 05:55 PM

Prarriewind gave me a skatewing a few years ago and I have not given it the life it deserves. Winter is coming on again and I want to snowkite on the 6 or so days I get a chance! :ticking:

This is NOT A KITEWING !

It is more like a windsurfer that you peg down to you skates or skis. All sailing and no airtime. Best suited to somebody with previous pole surfing background.

It has 2 sails and expanding frame. Is in good shape and complete. Packs down into a bag about the size of a small ski bag and about 20lbs. YOU PAY SHIPPING !

I don't want to make a game of this but do want it to find the right home. So ....... Tell me why you would like it, how often you will be able to use it, where you will use it, if you can already windsurf and already snowkite / kitewing. It is well suited to Skates so somebody who has frozen lakes + no snow will get extra points. if you also rollerblade and have a good location for this you have my attention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgtW732JP6s

Points, I guess that does make this a game ! :wee:

SOBB2008 066-2.jpg - 15kB

Todd - 13-9-2012 at 06:03 PM

Perhaps Adam can use this with the kids?

pyro22487 - 13-9-2012 at 06:05 PM

Man I will throw this in there. I saw one at NABX and first thought it was a rev without the strings. Anyways on to the game…

I live in Oklahoma and we don't get a lot of snow but I am curious if it could be used with a snowboard. I don't see why it couldn't. Also I have several small fields around my house that I could use it in when I don't feel like driving 45 minutes to a good field to buggy in. I have also thought about getting into land boarding and this may help me progress a little faster in that aspect. Also I could use it to zoom up and down the road in front of my house when I am bored.
Also I could show a few of my younger friends this and give them a board so they can try moving around instead of static flying. I would let them use the buggy but they can't quite reach the front pegs yet. I do tandem them when the wind is right.
Thanks for taking the time to read my little explanation.

flyjump - 13-9-2012 at 06:39 PM

Very cool, and Todd thanks for the thought. Today was our first club outdoor day. Trying to balance powerkiting, skateboarding, and disc golf I could use something like this, but I think I'm going to pass. It should go to somebody who doesn't have much wind gear. At this point I have plenty of kites and other trainer stuff to go around. However, my club has caught a lot of attention so it may grow. I think i'm going to pass on this for now

Todd - 13-9-2012 at 07:06 PM

Cool Adam and great to hear of the response to the club. Good luck to the lucky one on getting this skate wing and thank you Ken for the generous offering to pass it on.

B-Roc - 13-9-2012 at 07:23 PM

Looks awesome. Here is my story. This is the video I first saw that got me into power kiting


It is obviously for the Skimbat (which I know you aren't selling). Ross (who was a member back here way back in the day opened NewWindSports in the Lake Sunapee area and imported for Skimbat but closed shop and relocated down south before I was ever able to meet him for a demo. But I started kiting nonetheless.

This is my backyard (scroll a bit to pull Peter's Pond into view).

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Cedar+Pond,+Dracut,+MA&aq=0&oq=cedar+pond,+drac&sll=42.03 6922,-71.683501&sspn=2.019436,4.916382&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Cedar+Pond&ll=42.721567,-71.267746&spn=0.007804,0.019205& z=14&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Cedar+Pond,+Dracut,+MA&aq=0&oq=cedar+pond,+drac&sll=42 .036922,-71.683501&sspn=2.019436,4.916382&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Cedar+Pond&ll=42.721567,-71.267746&spn=0.007804,0.019205&a mp;z=14" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

I built and maintain a trail to Cedar's pond for the sole purpose of having a private ice skating and kite skiing pond in my backyard. There is also a trail from Cedar's to Peter's pond which my family and I like to snow show through to get out kiting and skating on Peter's pond.

I have been a competitive skier since I was 7 years old (moguls and downhill). When my kids were born in 1999 I gave up skiing every weekend so I could spend more time with my wife and children and because money was tight. I didn't think I'd be able to ski with any degree of regularity until I saw that skimbat video in 2005. 2 weeks later I took my first kite skiing lesson. 3 weeks later I bought my first Blade and I have been kite skiing on those ponds every weekend the ice allows for the past 7 years. It is a short, 5 minute, scenic walk through a cedar forest. I tether my kids to a saucer and pull them behind me. Two years ago I started pulling them on their skis behind me.

Because the pond is in a bowl, the wind is very different above and below the tree line which can make kiting challenging but if I had a wing at ground level where the winds may be lighter but not as variable... well... that might work. I have always wanted a
Skimbat to take advantage of the private pond in my backyard but never bought one and never really thought I could afford it given the finances I have tied up in my other kites, but I have always wanted one. I am an avid rolller blader and great ice skater and obviously a snow kiter as well.

The picture shows you where I would use it. When would I use it? Well, I hit that pond during the winter whenever I have 30 minutes to kill.

Now I'm not sure I'm the best candidate but I can roller blade, skate and ski. I have ready access in the winter and the beach I landboard at has a 1.3 mile long paved parking lot that others use wings like this to skate or landyacht in.

I'm not sure I could afford the shipping given a number of other expenses I've got at the moment, but I'd sure like to be considered and have a discussion with you about that if you think its worth it.

Thanks for posting it. Looks like fun. I appreciate your generosity and congratulate, in advance, the lucky person who skates away with this deal.

B-Roc - 13-9-2012 at 07:26 PM

I don't know why the google map picture isn't showing in my post. It shows perfectly when I edit / preview my post but not when I actually post it. What gives?

Here is the link to my backyard. You may have to scroll up and to the left a bit to get the two ponds in view as I can't seem to figure out how to pull / post the link correctly.

Cedar Pond

Snake - 13-9-2012 at 09:22 PM

First off, thank you Bladerunner for being so generous to give this away.

My addiction to the wind started 3 years ago when my dad brought home an old O’Brien windsurf board and rig. I was 11 and could barely hold to sail up. We tried it once and I drifted to the middle of the lake. Three years later I saw a windsurfer on TV and I wanted to give it another go. We went back to the lake and within 30 minutes I was sailing! I was instantly hooked. The next day when I woke up I had a full body rash that was insanely painful and itchy. It lasted for about a week. Turns out I am allergic to our local lakes water and the only cure is to not go in the water. My passion for windsurfing had me going back to the lake again and again. In my mind the pure joy of windsurfing was worth a week of suffering from itchy red blisters.

Then I discovered kiteing. It seemed like it would cure my need for windsurfing. Kiteing has its advantages but it’s just not the same. Windsurfing has more of a “direct” feel to it. There is only one place in town where I can fly my kite and it is 3 miles from my house (no car). This I could use in the large parking lots and streets near my house. I would use it whenever it is windy and I didn’t want to skate 3 miles to kite. In the video it shows someone longboarding with it. I’ve been skateboarding for 2 years and snowboarding for 3 so I have the board skills for it. The local lake in winter has about 1-2 inches of hard snow on it which should be good for holding an edge. I could get some speed runs in which would boost my confidence with a kite. This would fulfill my urge to windsurf with me being covered in painful blisters.

Good luck to all other participants, and once again, Thank you Bladerunner for this wonderful offer.

indigo_wolf - 13-9-2012 at 10:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by B-Roc
I don't know why the google map picture isn't showing in my post. It shows perfectly when I edit / preview my post but not when I actually post it. What gives?


Preview supports more html tags than are supported at the time of actually submitting the post.

I believe this is due to some security precautions. When you are previewing, you are playing in your own little corner of the world.

When you submit the post for inclusion on the forum proper, it filters out HTML tags that could be used for nefarious purposes by the less than altruistic.

ATB,
Sam

indigo_wolf - 13-9-2012 at 10:53 PM

I expect Kober to be drooling over this when he finally gets to reading it. ;)

ATB,
Sam

cheezycheese - 14-9-2012 at 04:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bladerunner
Best suited to somebody with previous pole surfing background.


Todd, this has your name all over it.... :P:moon::singing::smilegrin:

snowspider - 14-9-2012 at 06:28 AM

I could add it to my already sizable collection of winter paraphenalia but I'll pass, smooth ice is really pretty rare in central NY.

bobalooie57 - 14-9-2012 at 06:32 AM

Good on you, Ken, for this give away, but I think I speak for a lot of us that would LOVE to see a video of you bombing a parking lot with that thing before you give it up! :lol:

Bladerunner - 14-9-2012 at 06:36 AM

I have to go and wash fire retardent off my Mom's place all weekend.

I figure I will let this run until early next week and then pass it on.

It is worth a bit of coin and is a very cool idea. I only hope it finds an owner that can get the most out of it.

PrairieWind - 14-9-2012 at 02:40 PM

This was my first wind toy. After it, I purchased a kitewing, which is a much more stable sail (infinitely so). The skatewing has limitations that the footpeg essentially becomes the base of the "mast" with the frame of the sail. It would not be snowboard useable in any way. With skis on crusty icy conditions - perhaps in the right wind - but the ideal is ice skates or inline skates since the footpeg is needed to make it work as intended. It can be held in a modified manner at an angle not unlike a kitewing, but it is not as stable at all in that position as compared to a kitewing. The smaller sail is 2.8m and the larger 3.9m if I remember correctly. Here is a wee vid from a few years ago with the big 3.9m sail. www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhCxvaAllBM

Bladerunner - 14-9-2012 at 04:18 PM

Nice video Patrick.

I managed to get going in one direction on packed snow. Every time I took this out I seemed to be able to go one direction but struggled going the other way. I struggled to get going on hardpack with Coyotes but think it is doable if you can actually pilot the thing.
I thought I would end up using it on our seawall with regular blades but never got confident enough to leave the parking lot.
Thanks for pointing out how difficult it would be to use this with a board of any type !

I just want to see this thing getting out and enjoying the life it deservesThe ideal canditate will have icey lakes and a bit of windsurfing / sailing background.

P.S. Your offering this to me was one of the nicest things that anybody has ever done for me ! I hope I thanked you enough. As you see I appretiate it enough still to be sure it finds a good home !

Broc, This is NOT A SKIMBAT !!!!!! It is a skatewing and sails like a sail rather than a wing. Still you have a great location, background and Family ! Big points !!!!

PrairieWind - 14-9-2012 at 08:52 PM

If I get a vote, I vote for B-Roc.

scissorfighter - 15-9-2012 at 04:14 AM

Wow, thanks Bladerunner for this great opportunity! I've been snowkiting for about 5 years now, but still only have one kite. It's a small HQ Beamer TSR, and the lack of depower control makes it tough to handle in the inland gusty breezes here in central Maine. I've been hoping to come up with funds for a skimbat for along time, but, here I am 5 years later still dragging that HQ out there! What I really want to do is get my kids involved... I'm hoping that a skatewing will give me a more steady and predicatble ride that I can feel comfortable dragging my kids along behind on a runner sled. Here's a picture of the local pond where we skate, with mirror-smooth ice:


http://www.mile213.com/pond2.jpg

Also, here's a video of my family on the lake this January, teaching my kids to skate. My son found a fish left on the ice by some fisherman and delivers it to his sister in this video:

https://vimeo.com/49500429
(the password is "skate")

Living in Maine we get a lot of cold weather, but interestingly the snowfall amount has really dropped over the last several years. This last winter was the least snow I've seen in my entire life, I think. That's been a real bummer because I haven't been able to snowkite (or ski, or ice climb, or any of the other great winter sports we like to do!) But it's been great for the ice, which is why I want to move to a sail-type device with my nordic skates.

Thanks for your consideration, and good luck to all here on the thread who are interested!

Ryan

rocfighter - 15-9-2012 at 05:28 AM

We used to build things like this when we were kids. We have a big lake near here and we would convince a parent with a truck to drive us the 5-6 miles to get there. But his thing is way cooler because A- it folds down to make transport easier. And 2- Hell you can see through it! we used old bed sheets or hay tarps!! We tried cutting a hole to see through once but that just wrecked the whole thing! So it was always a chance thing getting going fast. Between wind holes in the ice and other skaters it was a crap shoot if you made it off the ice in one piece and dry!!
Good luck on your choosing a worthy recipient for this awesome device. And heck maybe there will be ice this year in the US!!
Oh and I finally found a pair of hockey skates in my size this summer 13's are not easy to get. So I'm planning on playing this year. ( any one know where to find a pair is 15 wide? TheKid would like some too)

skimtwashington - 15-9-2012 at 05:56 AM

staple a size 8 and a size 7 together...

skimtwashington - 15-9-2012 at 06:41 AM

...will this work? You do the math!

Dave, check this out..

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=mens+size+14+hockey+skates&_sacat=0&_odkw=mens+size+15+hockey+skates&_osacat=0


remember..a size 14 skate = a US size 15 1/2...on most canadian brands..which is most skates listed anywhere*

Send a note to seller. Make an offer for less $ than listed. This person is sitting on TEN PAIRS! How many people need this big?:wink2: C'mon!

There is generally a size and a half difference. (* some are just a full size diff.... but Nike skates may list exact US sizing). so search one size down to US size you're looking for.

B-Roc - 15-9-2012 at 06:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by PrairieWind
The skatewing has limitations that the footpeg essentially becomes the base of the "mast" with the frame of the sail... ...but the ideal is ice skates or inline skates since the footpeg is needed to make it work as intended. It can be held in a modified manner at an angle not unlike a kitewing, but it is not as stable at all in that position as compared to a kitewing.


How do you peg it to the skate? It looks like you move it side to side but do you mount somehthing to the skate before you start?

PrairieWind - 15-9-2012 at 07:12 AM

the footpeg thingy just rests on your foot, it is not attached

Bladerunner - 15-9-2012 at 07:19 AM

Each end of the sail has a slightly curved arm that you plant on top of your downwind foot. The briiliant design of the sail loads the hook and pushes / secures it . Pass it over your head and plant the other hook on the other foot as you turn and ( I wish ) you head back the other direction. A rocked until the " other direction" part. I have no sailing experience and am sure I would have gotten it with some instruction. This is why sailing / windsurfing background is best for this.

One of these arms is a bit loose so can turn away. The only thing that is less than perfect on this kit and just something to keep an eye on.

Yeah was thinking 'bout that too....

skimtwashington - 15-9-2012 at 07:22 AM

Quote:

How do you peg it to the skate? It looks like you move it side to side but do you mount somehthing to the skate before you start?


...just sitting loosely on top of your skate..would want a pad..not a peg presed into foot. Plus it takes away some independent skating movement from that foot if you didn't want to 'park it' or wanted to do fancy foot manuver(or unfancy)..add speed by skating along w/wing.... a little more fully, anyway( I think you can still skate a bit).

:wee:

Bladerunner - 15-9-2012 at 07:36 AM

YES, the load builds so gets stronger as you want it more and need to skate less. My rollerblades are pretty soft topped and it wassn't an issue but I sucked at this. My Coyotes and ski boots are harder shell so the load was never my isssue?

Snake - 15-9-2012 at 07:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by PrairieWind
It would not be snowboard useable in any way.

What if a harness was used? It would allow more power to be built up which would make it more useable on hard packed snow.

PrairieWind - 15-9-2012 at 09:37 AM

The pressure on your downwind foot is essentially what creates the "mast". On a snowboard it just would not work as intended. You'd need a separate harness lines on each of part of the boom, it would be cumbersome. It is a fun gizmo, but has limited application. The kitewing is a much better design - since it just floats and you are the mast.
here are a few pictures... - they are still for sale http://www.edgesports.net/html/page10091.html
The origianal german website is no longer active www.skatewing.de

Snake - 15-9-2012 at 03:04 PM

I see what you mean now. I could still skateboard with it. In the link there was someone that was doing a sick ollie up a ramp. It would be so much fun to skateboard with one of these. My friends would definatly want to get into wind sports if they saw me doing tricks with one of these. I might have to buy one of these if I don't win. But that would mean waiting off for 3-5 months so I'd have the money to buy an Arc.

Bladerunner - 17-9-2012 at 06:37 AM

I am waiting to here from one member ( Jaymz ) that was suggested. If anybody know how to get ahold of him please have him reply ASAP.
No word from Kober either.

Interest is a bit low so I think I will extend this a couple of days . Really hoping some more with windsurf / sailing experience will be interested.

One drawback is shipping. I estimate it to be close to $70. to con U.S. Well worth it in so much as the kit is in excellent condition.

martinipro - 17-9-2012 at 06:47 AM

I sent Jaymz a message. He should get in contact with you shortly.

@Bladerunner U2U sent.

cheezycheese - 17-9-2012 at 07:51 AM

Ken are you coming to WWBB....?

Bladerunner - 17-9-2012 at 04:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by cheezycheese
Ken are you coming to WWBB....?


I am planning on trading my annual NABX trip for spring WBB . Things are changing with my work so it is not written in stone yet but I usually get what I want when I set my sites on it.

Jaymz - 17-9-2012 at 08:04 PM

Ken,

Thank you so much for thinking of the PKF family. You'll be a great addition to WWBB.
As much as I'd like yet another wind toy, I'll opt out and let someone else have a go at it that can enjoy it and has winter access to hard water. B-roc has my vote as well

I started on the Kitewing on snow/ice which has not seen many sessions since taking up kiting. I'd have to say the skate wing would get less use here. River hasn't froze in 2-3 years.

I flew the kitewing with an older gentleman who sailed 2 homemade skate sails he built in the late 50's. He really had a passion for that river and the wind. Sadly he passed from cancer 2 years ago. His wife called and offered me his skate sails and skates for which I did some repairs around the house as barter. I hope we get a freeze here this year to sail in his honor. He was one of us. Godspeed Ed Pitts.
Ed's wife sent this picture of Ed sailing his Skate Sail and my first day ice kiting.

CIMG0395.JPG - 178kB

scissorfighter - 18-9-2012 at 10:54 AM

I know at least one person with good access to hard water still interested (hint, hint!!)

This winter....We need 'ice' baby...Last winter stunk near me for ice. too warm.

skimtwashington - 18-9-2012 at 11:28 AM

Kober - 18-9-2012 at 06:23 PM

This is so cool to have family like PKF .... and members that think of me sometimes ,,,, lol ....
I am sure it would be lots of fun to try that thing .... and make some videos .... sadly I am going crazy here with work and its hard for me to find time for anything ,... and as Jaymz mention before .... snow and ice is not available to enjoy around here for too long ...
I would be very sad seeing another pice of gear seating in my storage and waiting forever for me to try it ....

Thanks again ,,,, hope it will find its new owner that can get plenty of time to ply with it....

Bladerunner - 18-9-2012 at 06:52 PM

Alright then.

Scissorfighter sounds like the person who will get the most out of this thing. Something for his kids to grow into as well.

I will be taking it to work tomorrow and seeing how best to ship. Plenty of time to check it out before freeze up !

:bigok:

rocfighter - 19-9-2012 at 04:49 PM

Hey congrates Scissorfighter I hope you have a great time with this. And when you get tired of it:lol: remember to pass it on :yes:

scissorfighter - 20-9-2012 at 09:43 AM

Quote:
And when you get tired of it remember to pass it on...

Will do for sure! Now if Bladerunner and I can just figure out the oversize cross-country shipping...

PrairieWind - 20-9-2012 at 11:39 AM

It is a cumbersome package shipping wise that is for certain. I'd sent it via Greyhound to Bladerunner - it was cheap and quick. That was one province over. Going to the states and across the country is a different matter. It might be best to head to washington and send it that way. No cross border hassles... . It may be Bladerunner's bane to figure out how to make it work where he is... if the costs don't work out. With the right surface it is a fun toy, but has limited application for sure. In bigger winds it is possible to hold it at an angle, not using the footpeg, one hand on the upper boom, the back hand on the lower boom and "feather" the wind rather than putting the full sheet to the wind if you know what I mean.

I think this skatewing vid is in Chicago, but I'm not sure... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu411LJkptg

Might be similar to what bladerunner was trying to do on the seawall?

Bladerunner - 20-9-2012 at 04:28 PM

Yes Shipping is getting a challenge. If I can't do it cheap enough from here I may have to work something out with BigKid and have him ship from down there?
Working on it!

Yes, that is similar every bit as busy. I was getting it in one direction and would try to shoot out of my practice parking lot onto the seawall. Make a smooth turn and STOP. Not able to carry it back? Generally in everybodies way and looking a bit the fool. I only wish I had enough snowkite days to play with it instead of all my other stuff.