what would be the best option for someone that has never skiied or boarded? and what kind of board or skis? im 6'1'' 175.....thanks all

Your best bet is to goto a mountain and learn one or the other first. Snowboarding is probably a bit easier to learn, but is definately harder on the body. Catching edges results in getting slamed down, usually happens in an instant. Skiing is a touch harder learning but you know when your going to fall. I never liked it because your legs sometimes get twisted up under you when you crash. Guess it personal preference. Best to learn on a hill though and not under a kite.

Do you skate at all ?

Extra short skis may be a good choice. With them you can walk around and deal with mistakes without having to get in and out of your bindings ?

What do you enjoy off of snow? If you like ATB or kitesurf then the board may be a more logical cross over ?

If you go with skis and like them I have found Coyotes by Rollerblade give a similar ride when there is no snow.

Ski's are nice because you can get them on and then launch the kite. With snowboard its a little tougher because you need to launch the kite and then try to get into the bindings. Also when you go down on skiis there is a better chance to get back on your feet while still flying the kite. Its pretty hard to recover when you're lying on your stomach with a snowboard strapped on your feet.

I hate ski boots though. They are so uncomfortable to walk around in when setting up the kite, whereas snowboard boots are just like a stiff set of comfy winter boots.

I also think that the snowboarding stance works better for kiting because you're facing the kite.

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Originally posted by kiteNH Ski's are nice because you can get them on and then launch the kite. With snowboard its a little tougher because you need to launch the kite and then try to get into the bindings. Also when you go down on skiis there is a better chance to get back on your feet while still flying the kite. Its pretty hard to recover when you're lying on your stomach with a snowboard strapped on your feet. I hate ski boots though. They are so uncomfortable to walk around in when setting up the kite, whereas snowboard boots are just like a stiff set of comfy winter boots. I also think that the snowboarding stance works better for kiting because you're facing the kite.

I am prone to ski style because it feels most comfortable to me, having NO board experience pre-kiting.
The greatest majority seem to like boards ( and bow kites ) on snow.

What I don't understand from my perspective is that people think it is good that you are pointing / looking at the kite. I don't look at my kite a lot when I'm riding . I'm looking where I'm going or spotting a landing ( or waving at someone when I should be paying attention ).

WHY is it an advantage to be pointing at your kite rather than in your direction of travel ???????????

My only experience is with ATB There is a lot of stuff I like about the stance. I just feel I'm looking over my shoulder when riding.



If you can get a chance take BOTH with you and see what feels best ?

wow--lots of good advice and now im even more confused--might have to get both

Take a day and goto the mountain and try them both.

The first day of snowboarding is the worst. After that it's all downhill....

Try ski blades if you go the ski route. You will appreciate how they feel exactly like rollerblades, and don't get tangled up when you crash.

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Originally posted by Bladerunner What I don't understand from my perspective is that people think it is good that you are pointing / looking at the kite. I don't look at my kite a lot when I'm riding . I'm looking where I'm going or spotting a landing ( or waving at someone when I should be paying attention ). WHY is it an advantage to be pointing at your kite rather than in your direction of travel ???????????

For me it doesn't have anything at all to do with looking at the kite. Like you said, you've got to be watching where you're going. I like the "board stance" better because it seems to work better for kiting. The hook is right there on your waist facing the kite when you're on a board and the stance feels more natural to me. On skis the harness always wants to spin around my waist so that hook is sitting on my hip.

I'm much better on skis and can barely get going on the snowboard, but I'm hoping to get a lot better this winter. My biggest reason for wanting to quit the skis is that I despise ski boots.

One thing that no one mentioned is that if you're going to spend much time kiting on frozen lakes this winter then skis are the only way to go. I was shocked at how well I could hold an edge on bare, textured ice at Kitestorm this year. Not only that but it was FAST and I was able to shoot upwind like never before. The folks on snowboards had a much tougher time.

There are advantages to both, but knowing how to ski/snowboard downhill will get you a lot farther, faster. It really is worth taking a trip to the local ski resort to learn how to ride downhill before you grab a kite. I've heard stories of people who learned how to snowkite on a snowboard before they ever went to a hill. THEN, over a year later, they went downhill snowboarding and rocked it, but learned so much that it GREATLY improved their snowkiting experience/skill.

Long story short = Learn how to downhill ride if you dont already know. It will help.

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Originally posted by ragden There are advantages to both, but knowing how to ski/snowboard downhill will get you a lot farther, faster. It really is worth taking a trip to the local ski resort to learn how to ride downhill before you grab a kite. I've heard stories of people who learned how to snowkite on a snowboard before they ever went to a hill. THEN, over a year later, they went downhill snowboarding and rocked it, but learned so much that it GREATLY improved their snowkiting experience/skill. Long story short = Learn how to downhill ride if you dont already know. It will help.

that settles it--i will try that!looking forward to winter and LOTS of snow!!!!

If you plan on snowboard and want to practice pick up an ATB

If you plan to ski try some Coyotes.

The basics are the same.

I get a whole lot more days in on my Coyotes than I do on skis.

ive got a board-havent tried it--now would be a good time

I would definitely recommend full length skis over ski boards or snow skis. Ski boards work well until the wind really picks up and you need all the grip you can get. Long skis provide the additional grip and are a lot more stable. Ski boards are easier to turn with (tight turns) but besides that I'm not sure they offer much advantage.

I kinda think that skis would be easier to learn if you've got no experience with either. Some how, somewhere you've done something akin to skiing Im sure. Rollerblades, ice skates.....who knows. I just think that board sports require an extra bit of balance and core control that skiing doesn't require.

Just my opinion. I know RevPaul started on skis and he hadn't done either if I'm not mistaken. It's huge NOT having your feet bound together on a board. Stay clear of the ski skates though - especially if you're in deeper snow. They need good hard pack otherwise they just sink under the snow and choke you at the ankles. Find some free or next to free skis and boots and give it a whirl.

I am new to snowkiting aswell, this will be my first winter, and never snowboarded before in my life but have downhill skiied and water skiied lots, I would use skis hands down the only thing i am worried about is falling through some snow that is packed but not hard packed. The thought of my feet digging in and stopping and the top half of my body still going, cant end very well.

its my first time as well, but i think I'm gonna take the snowboarding approach, it looks to be more fun.

yea, me too--i saw an instructor from red sky out at maumee bay last year and he was really cooking!! all kinds of big jumps off snow drifts--looked really sweet!!:o

Okay, okay....somewhat anti-climactic but it is what it is.

Video

I see snow boarders mostly on their ass or knees. Not necessarily crashing. It is just part of it with both your feet on one plane. Skiing has issues too with crossing skis and damaging knees of course. I recommend getting used to either one well before adding a kite into the mix. I learned to ski 30 years ago. I skateboarded as a teenager but never really got into snow boarding. I still have a Burton Backhill wood snowboard from the early 80's signed by Jake Burton.

FWIW my short skis have the surface area of 160cm regular skis ... I can do powder but it's not easy and not particularly fun I prefer the snowboard for softer snow ...