winter is coming im thinking of using a 7 meter bullet to go sledding. we have some wicked winds in western kansas. also some super flat terrain. any one ever done this before?

There isn't anything out there that says that you can't try it, however, will it be something that'll give you a long fun ride? If you're riding a saucer sled then plan on a short lived ride as more then likely you'll be pulled in the direction of the wind, which will cause you to eventually catch up with the kite causing it to collapse. There are, however, other options of sleds though. Two I've been looking at is the Hammerhead since it's steerable using your feet similar to that of a buggy and the mad river rocket, which is similar to a waterski kneeboard setup. The downside to most sleds (and is still a possible downside to the ones I mentioned) is that you typically want something that can edge into the snow similar to that of skis or a snowboard, causing a friction which then causes the movement in the direction you choose. This also allows you to have continuous fun, as oppose to just flying til you catch up with the kite then starting over. Without an edge you're at the mercy of the wind and the direction it flows. Always worth a try though..just keep in mind, steerable and something that may be able to edge...maybe a rudder sled would work too.?. Plan on testing a few myself this winter. If you figure out one that works, let me know and I'll be sure to do the same.
~Joe

i rummaged through the winter fun items we have and found a tabogan style sled with two ridges down the middle im thinking of modifying it with some fins similar to a surf board. the way i remember this sled is that you lean left or right to turn. should i rig a strap or something to keep it under me?

Don't know about the strap thing as that's kinda the double edge sword. If you do strap in, I would imagine the possibilities may be greater that you end up with more control, however, the possibility of getting hurt moreso then if you could just fall off the sled seem to be a potential problem as well.
If you go that route..just make sure you have a way to quickly release the kite and quickly release yourself from the sled for safety.

Am not sure what type of snow conditions you all get either. We get a lot of wet packing type snow, generally freezes over come night too, causing nice crusty ice on top. If we only get an 1" then it's 50/50 snow and ice mix it seems. So for those conditions I'm thinking the only option I have is to take a pair of old skis and make something. Kinda doubt the rocket option or the hammerhead will handle those conditions too well as they don't have a bladed edge like skis.

If you have similar conditions you may want to find away to modify the ridges so that they actually grasp hold not allowing the sled to slide sideways too much ( a little give is okay and probably nice for initial take off and landings).

My thought is that if I can't control the sled going down hill, then going almost straight downhill then cutting hard either left or right without rolling then the sled may not be the right one. Stability sideways and being able to turn and edge seem to be big factors.

Look at how buggies are setup...they have the two rear wheels that stick out relatively far from where the rider is to absorb some of the side ways tension that the kite puts on the rider and buggy. This allows for the buggy to sit flat and not roll over. That's not to say they won't roll over..they will, but it takes a bit more to get it to.

Skis and snowboards have the edges on the sides and smooth in the middle allowing them to slide side ways when flat, but edge when placed in that position. Even during edging they tend to slide a bit, but not much..all depends on how hard of an edge you put down.

I had thought about making something similar to the Hammerhead instead of buying one..kinda a cross between that and a hobiecat using an old set of skis I have. The only issue I'm having is being able to make turns like buggy's do. The hammerhead seems like an awsome sled and for the $400 or so that it cost, it should be. However, for kiting I have a feeling that the sled would roll over on its side too easy since the rear rudders are directly under the rider and not further out. Am going to ask around..will let you know what I find out.
~Joe

http://www.newindsports.com/ CHECK OUT THE PHOTO OF THE SKI BUGGY I FOUND!

i am not sure where i can get one of these but i think it could work. i live in kansas one day it is sunny and eighty degrees the next it is snowing. the result when it does snow it melts then freezes. A lot of fun unless you are in a hurry to get somewhere.

You guys need to go to the source:

http://www.peterlynnkites.com/vehicles/buggies/kitesled.htm

Mr. Lynn is the man!!

The snow buggy I tried (for about 15 minutes) was built on a Flexi frame and had snowmobile skis fitted for wheels. The design was nice but there was too much friction to get going easily. I think a ski that has a waxable base would work better. Other than that, you may want to just try putting skis on your feet.

Anyway, even just doing a downwinder on a disc type sled would be a good time!! And the good thing about snow is that it helps soften the inevitable (sp?) falls.

Have a blast!!

Seany

I've heard of guys with sleds and steep hills in no wind situations, 2 guys on the sled, rear guy holding onto the stupid huge kite. I think the game is see how long you can stay in the sled for before getting yarded out by the kite.

lol i mete try tht this year in england if we get ay snow i would also to prefer a smaller kite so u dont brke a bone or summt stupid lol

I ran accross a video of someone flying a Manta in NO wind downhill. He was able to get some amazing air. I'll try to find it again.

where is the snow at? If and when it snows i am going to try a sterable sled and a snowboard! Damn kansas weather

Of course the saucer idea would work great if you found a hill with the wind blowing straight up it, kite pulls you up the hill, then put the kite at the top of the window and gracefully slide back down the hill. Could also pull yourself side to side quite nicely. This is all in theory of course, would need to videotape the whole ordeal.

Woodneers -

The snow sure isn't here in Minnesota. I'm in St. Paul and we now have 4"-6" of black ice on most of the area lakes. Time for skates. Iceboaters are happy this year.

When we do get snow, this sled looks like fun:
http://www.madriverrocket.com/stash.html

Check out some of the crazy stunts off jumps and ledges. I wonder if it might edge well enough to do some crosswinders instead of just getting dragged downwind...

krumly

krumly.... I checked out that sled earlier on this year. It's a pretty slick sled the way it works similar to a kneeboard makes it all the more versatile with a kite. However, after reading the directions for the sled over and over, I did notice one thing.... they state in the release / directions under IMPORTANT notes. to not use the sled in wet packed / icy snow conditions and to not use it in snow less then 3 inches. That right there was the deciding factor for myself since I'm here in the Mid Atlantic where all we get is about 3" at a time (if we're lucky maybe a bit more, and it's typically icy or really wet packed). Not about to spend $60-$80 on a sled that I can't use. The hammerhead sled has pretty much the same ordeal...guess you need the soft powder and deep snow conditions if you really want to be able to carve with either one of those sleds. Best bet I've come up with yet is snowboard, skis or like Da Vinch and I are doing..buy a pair of snowblades/skiskates.

~Joe

Code -

I hear you on the sled for your conditions. I use both snowblades and 150 cm skis - when there's snow (geez).

I spent a few days in northern MN last winter learning to kite ski on 2' of windblown powder. I've played around with friends using a kite and truck inner tubes and with my molded poly tote sled kites on icy lakes, and you outrun the kite right away. I thought a sled that could hold an edge in powder might be fun for my son or friends who didn't have any ski gear.
With no snow, I'm on iceskates on the lakes and still using my buggy on grass right now.

krumly

Krumly...
I read your post on the snowblades thread too... Icy lakes call for something like this.. http://www.montanakitesports.com/v/iceboarding/
Keith Kallio, great guy that helped me get back into the sport, came up with the idea and was in the process of trying to get it to be a full out selling item. Keith passed away this past April, so I'm not sure if they've made anymore or if it's even a consideration to later on. If you go the their website and email or call Joel Beatty I'm sure he'll be able to help you out in either putting something similar together or selling you one.

If we had the temps to keep the lakes frozen I'd probably venture into that route as well. Today we had a sunny 65 degrees and tomorrow the same...Tuesday it's suppose to plummet to 28 in the evening, go figure. I give up with the weather anymore.

~Joe

Code -

The IceMonkey is some serious looking piece of equipment.

Now for the homebrew version of same check out:
http://www.instructables.com/id/EM52DA0RWTEP2866D5

And the "Polynesian Ice Proa":
http://www.instructables.com/id/EPKZ5O80HQEQZJI20F/?ALLSTEPS

Check out the videos there - pretty fun.

krumly

If you have a buggy/ homemade buggy (which is easier to mod) you can find 4 old skis and cut a foot off the front with a hacksaw/angle grinder and screw them into a 4X4 and mount them where the tires are (take the tires off of course) and then you have a snow buggy with steering action! I'm doing this right now i'll post some pics when im done

i might try it on grass