Kite riding on snow vs. water

[LionKite]

The arguments of snowkiting being easier are simply not comparing apples to apples. Of course, if you compare riding a kiteboard in Alameda with a 14m kite vs. standing on skis with a 3m - then yes, snowkiting seems easier (and maybe that's why I bought it). It took me a while to realize that this is simply not apples to apples.

Compare standing on skis with a 3m vs. body dragging with a 5m. What is easier? What is safer?

By the way, "Being a good kiteboarder doesn`t mean you are going to be a good snowkiter" - what was that about ??? I was talking about beginners, not pros.

Apples 2 apples !!!!
You are the one that is asking which is easier and safer to learn between snowkitting and kiteboarding but we can`t compare 3m ridding on the snow to 5m boddydrags well sorry that `s the first step to learning both sport! If you were trying to do boddydrags with your 5m in the snow that might explain why your wife wants to divorce you and you are all bitter on snowkiitng.

You seem pretty set on your arguments anyway since you are making questions and answers for all of us.

I wasn`t talking about no pros but average Joes and let me rephrase for you Michael:
Knowing how to kite on the water doesn`t mean that you know how to kite on the snow= don`t think you can teach someone how to snowkite because you know how to kiteboard and snowboard.

Paid lessons IS the easiest and safest way of learning BOTH sport and that is the best you can do for your loved ones!


PS: were you driving a white Subaru Outback when you went to Utah?

[KillaHz]

I'm sorry I haven't shared any of my real experience in this thread. Maybe I'll start a new thread with the same question and some bullet points on both. This thread was just too "shit-stirring" from the start for me to really devote much time to it.

My main gripe is anyone speaking from any kind of authority on the subject unless they have had a lot of time in a good spot for snowkiting. Also, if you have never taught lessons, you can't speak much on wich is easier for the instructor and the student. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but just realize, most snowkite knowledge from this forum is coming from very little actual experience.

I personally feel that for most people, learning on the snow is more comfortable, cheaper, faster and safer. That's my personal experience from two years of observing and participating in both kinds of lessons and about 7 years of off and on water instruction.

Paul, fair statement; yes and no. I know people that learned to kite on snow and did that exclusively for two years until they decided to hit the water. While they had to make a few adjustments, water starting was not really an issue. Now I know for a fact that some of the students out in Utah this year left Utah having snowkited beyond their expectations but I would consider still in need of a water lesson or two before they are ready to go at the water themselves.

That statement kind of speaks for the whole thread...so I'll repeat it:
A total rookie can come to Utah for three days having no snowboarding or kite flying experience and surpass their expectations. They will leave Utah 99% of the time with the ability to snowkite on their own. Maybe 5% of those students could then go on to kite water on their own. The rest will need more instruction.

Still think learning on water is easier?

[michael]

No, I wasn't on white Subaru.

Well, I rephrased the question so in both situations a beginner is with the best pros, yet I get the same advice - take lessons, pay for lessons!

I was comparing from a beginner's point of view: what he is about to do on the water and on the snow, his first steps WHEN HE IS WITH AN INSTRUCTOR, and the lessons have been paid for in advance, in cash, with tons of tips.

Ok, now when a beginner (not my wife) is with a pro (not me), why falling on snow with skis attached is an easier and safer rather than body dragging on the water? Or beginners don't get yanked and fall with pros because there is a great value added? Or their skis don't get crossed because the pro knows how to set up expectations and environment?

Again, snowkiting is absolutely a lot of fun, I loved it, and highly recommend to everyone. But the beginners are safer in the water, IMO, until they are comfortable with larger kites. Yes, it takes time to learn, but lack of safety on snow in no way makes it easier.

Bob, thanks a lot for sharing your experience with your wife and two kids. I actually got a little scared after reading Adam's post :-)

[KillaHz]

Doesn't seem like you really have any questions, Michael.

What did you wish to get out of this thread? Maybe that would yield more direct responses.

[michael]

No questions, just wanted to hear other opinions.