Snowkiting - Zero Gravity Rush

As early as the 1960's, people began experimenting with the idea of snowkiting. The onset of the sport is attributed to Dieter Strasilla who tested various techniques in the German Bavarian Alps. Since then, many have followed suit around the world developing newer and more advanced technologies in equipment and techniques based largely on Strasilla's unique ideas. Such advancements have made the sport of snowkiting a revolutionary development in extreme sports with competitions and events in countries all over the world. Many countries that are popular with snowboarders and skiers have become very popular locations for snowkiting.

Unlike many other snow sports, snowkiting is an uphill or cross-country adventure as much as it is a downhill sport. In fact, in 2006, Kiril Korabelnikov of Russia reached an altitude of slightly less than 15,420 feet snowkiting Mt. Elbrus, a volcano in the Caucasus Mountains. With the latest and greatest technology available today in snowkiting, enthusiasts and professionals abroad are pushing the envelope of the sport. Across vast snowfields, snowkiters have been recorded at speeds in excess of 70 mph. Exhilarating at the very least! On skis or snowboards, the sport has made leaps and bounds in the area of popularity and available equipment.

There are many popular choices when it comes to snowkiting equipment. It all depends on your choice of terrain and snowkiting conditions. Some basic equipment, however, should include skis and/or snowboard, a kite, a harness, jacket, helmet and gloves. A variety of choices are available in design and overall quality. Foil kites are among the most popular choices in kite equipment among novice and expert kiters but inflatable kites are widely used as well. Equipment should be chosen in relation to your level of experience, as all kites are not created equal. The beginner would most likely be suited to a trainer kite while learning the sport.

You can purchase DVD's that explain some basics of snowkiting from a local sporting goods retail store or online to get you started. These instructional videos provide an excellent introduction to the sport and give you a good idea of how to get your feet wet. In addition, many websites devoted to extreme sports or snowkiting specifically provide online tutorials that you might use to get the basics. As with any other sport, knowing the basics is an excellent way to begin. If you find yourself really getting into the sport, then hit the mountains or snowfields to discover the anti-gravity sensation of flight that the sport offers.

As with any sport, particularly extreme sports, safety should be a top priority. Before you attempt those phenomenal kicks, flips, turns and super jumps that snowkiting is famous for, be sure to endow yourself with the right safety equipment, get some training, and practice, practice, practice. Choose an area where there is no danger of injuring other kiters, snowboarders, skiers, skaters or onlookers. When done with the proper knowledge and the right attitude, extreme snowkiting provides the ultimate rush in zero gravity sport skiing.