jy1zoom - 3-12-2013 at 10:10 PM
Does anyone have any experience snowkiting on cold snow covered golf courses?
indigo_wolf - 4-12-2013 at 03:32 AM
One of the outfits out West used to hold their snowkiting lessons on a snow covered golf course.
Lest it need be said, get permission first. Doing otherwise is a fast track to making enemies and possible legal action.
Generally their biggest concern is that you might edge too hard on a lightly cover section and gouge the turf which they will then have to repair for
the Spring season. Making sure you have some kind of agreement with the course owners in place beforehand.
Another concern they might have is liability, in case you get injured. There are a couple of boilerplate waivers floating around that might be useful
to have on hand. At the very least, it would show them that you are thinking ahead and appreciate their perspective.
ATB,
Sam
ssayre - 4-12-2013 at 07:07 AM
Good luck with that. I wouldn't even bother asking in my area because I know I would get turned down.
rectifier - 4-12-2013 at 09:10 AM
Out here we have a golf course a local club grooms for XC skiing. But that's pretty different, low speed, no edges. I don't think kiting would fly for
reasons mentioned above.
I would also think the average course is too narrow between the trees unless you are flying a kitewing?
jy1zoom - 4-12-2013 at 10:06 AM
Thanks for that. Some of the locals here in Whistler BC were suggesting to give it a whirl, and politely appologise profusely after. The Fairmont
Chateau Whistler includes unlimited golfing for hotel guests, the course closes in October. Yes I can see about the liability and damaging the turf
issue. Its pretty frozen right now, with a decent layer of snow, and as the cold weather proceeds, I would think it would be unlikely to damage the
turf. Im not a golfer, so Im not familiar with the courses and trees, so thats a good point.
Being told off and asked to stop seems like a better option than falling though the ice on a partially frozen lake!
However i'd best start it out on the right foot around here, so if it is an option, it would provide an option for the other dedicated kiters around
these parts. Wouldnt want to give us kiters a bad rap.
bobalooie57 - 5-12-2013 at 09:23 AM
Farmers with hayfields/pastureland are the best bet to ask permission from around here. Point out they are growing nothing but snow, your pastime
requires no more than space and wind,(no noise or other pollution) and your willingness(if you are willing) to share your experience with them if they
are interested. Most likely will reply they don't have time for that, but might have youngsters that might be. There are other great ways to show
appreciation for use of their land, too! A bottle/case of their favorite beverage, or a product that is local to you goes a long way to building a new
friendship. Good luck in finding a spot, and we love video here!
lives2fly - 6-12-2013 at 05:26 AM
I go on the local golf course on my XC skis but would not risk taking a kite on. It draws too much attention and is likely to get an angry reaction
from golfers and green keepers alike.
skimtwashington - 6-12-2013 at 07:58 AM
Most golf courses I know have trees lining the fairways...so the first problem before access issues...is blocked wind and clean winds. You may get a
ride for a bit and then your wind is blocked by trees. Down goes your kite.
If you have any larger frozen areas like a lake, it's best to go there.