Choice of first kite(trainer)

Hi Phil, welcome to the party.
The thread that I point people to is:
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28759#pid27...

Bottom line, as abkayak said, is: buy a 3 square meter kite to start.
Once you learn the skills of flying the kite, you can get onto a board/skiis/buggy/skates. But learn to be a pilot first, and everything else will be much easier.

Of the kites you mention, I prefer the HQ Rush Pro. I have an old 250, and it's been badly abused by lots of newcomers and still flies as it did when new. None of the trainers require a harness. (But remember that trainer kites are generally smaller, and produce much less power, than 4-line power/traction kites.)

Horizon Kites (Vince) is in Welland, Ontario (near Niagara Falls - I was at his shop last week). His prices are in $CDN so you'll save some money on exchange, shipping, and duties. There are lots of other sellers (including some others in Canada like Mark Groshens - markite here on PKF).

The lake looks fine as far as size goes, just make sure it's well frozen before you venture out. Having someone with you is also a good idea. And wear a helmet - there's nothing worse than having your day ended by bouncing your head off the ice (or grass, sand, etc.)

And, don't worry, there are other Canadians around here. There's a large group up in Saguenay that are great pilots and great guys.

Salut

Quote: Originally posted by Plante

Thanks for the answers. I can't gain weight. Maybe in a few years :P I already found that forum post, thanks though. I will get the HQ Rush Pro 350 like suggested. The lake is frozen all winter. Some folks even bring a farm tractor onto it to blow the snow away for an ice skating ring. Should I wear an helmet when I fly the kite without a board? There's always snow on the lake, never only ice. Thanks again, Phil

Good luck with that weight gain. Don't loose hope, you can do it! :D

As for the helmet, I'd ask you when was the last time you actually used the air bags or seat belts in your car? You never need these sorts of things until you absolutely do. One way to make the helmet a bit of the solution as compared to more of the problem is to use it as a bucket of sorts for your other stuff. Your goggles, mitts or gloves, and any head gear like a balaclava, etc. can all be hooked together with the helmet's chin strap. That way when it's time to go Snowkiting you just grab your helmet by the chin strap and all that stuff is together. Sucks to get out to the lake and find you only have one mitten.

As for keeping your noggin safe even in soft snow, remember that the ice isn't the only hard or sharp thing out there. I know you mentioned being on a snowboard as compared to skis but stuff happens in the strangest ways sometimes. I once hit a wind berm on skis which stopped my skis cold. A double heel release followed and the front of my helmet slapped off the tip of one of my skis, smack! I would have scalped myself without a helmet on.

Look at it this way, you'll never have a chance to get over 200 lbs like the rest of us if you don't have a brain left in your head to know which beer to drink!

Welcome to the sport - snowkiting is far and away my favorite way to enjoy my kites!