Hmmm......

The nightmare of tangled lines

KITING BASICS

Kite Type
Consideration must first be given to what type of kite to use on snow. There has been plenty of R&D in kiting lately and Ozone have been leading the way in the development of foil kites specifically designed for use on snow. After many years of being dragged across the snow on our faces with inflatables, we switched a few years ago to foils and have never looked back. Foil kites are much safer, much lighter and much easier to set up than their inflatable counterparts, which are designed primarily for water use.

Kite Size
The wind can be a fickle beast. Each kite manufacturer will provide recommendations as to the wind range for any particular kite. We have found the 10m2 Ozone Frenzy to be a versatile kite for the average sized guy, within a reasonable wind range. But it all comes down to personal preference and experience.

Harness
There are two main types of harness - a sit harness or chest harness similar to those used on the water. On our expeditions we have found that a climbing harness works well. Though not the most comfortable set-up for long hauls, it is an essential item for any glacier travel and so doubles well for the kiting harness.

Wind Power
Wind power varies depending on where the kite is in the window. What is the "window" - imagine standing with your back to the wind and your arms outstretched to the sides. The window is everything downwind from you, with its edge defined by a plane through your head and hands. This edge (shown in green in the diagram) is where the kite is at its most stable with minimal power.

If you now bring your hands inward 45 degrees, you start to define the power zone. With your back still to the wind the power zone is that area directly in front of you (shown in red above) and is the area where the kite has maximum power and is at its most unstable. By driving the kite through this power zone you create the force needed to start moving. Once you gain forward momentum the kite can then generally be stabilised on the edge of the power zone for maximum effect.

Getting Started
Here we discuss the method of setting up for winter kiting using a foil kite.

Launching
Start by finding a suitable launch area that has a clear downwind run out.

Roll out the kite so that the trailing edge is to windward and the leading edge downwind. As you fold out the kite place snow on the trailing edge. Enough snow should be used to keep the wind from lifting the kite into an unexpected launch. If the wind is strong then launch the kite in the edge of the window rather than in the power zone. Do this by placing the leading edge away from you and securing the windward tip of the kite with snow.

Take the bar and check the bridle lines for twists or knots. Then begin to unwind the lines to windward (note: we leave the lines and bar attached to the kite as this allows for a speedy setup and launch). By placing your fingers between the lines as you unwind, any twists tend to unravel as you go. Take care not to place any tension on the lines.

Give the kite and lines a final once over, hook into the chicken loop and slowly tension the lines by stepping back to windward. Be prepared for the initial pull downwind as the kite fills with air and launches. Fly the kite to the edge of the window at the zenith (directly overhead) to gain control and then… enjoy!

Landing
Landing the kite can be achieved by a number of methods depending on wind strength. The kite should have a de-power bailout which can be released. This effectively turns the kite from a sail into a flag. The second method would be to pull down on the handbrake (the strap connecting the two rear brake lines just above the bar), which stalls the kite. If you have a leash connected to this handbrake then you can just pop the chicken loop and let the leash stall the kite. The third would be to fly the kite to the edge of the window and have an experienced friend catch it.

Packing
We have found this method to work best. Roll the lines up in a figure of eight around the bar ends. Fold the kite from the tips into the centre so that it is approximately 40-50cm wide. Place the bar across the trailing edge and roll the kite up around the bar. Assuming you don't need to dry out your kite, you are then ready for a speedy launch on next use.