NSW
39 posts
I want to go snowkiting in Australia, so where are spots to go to?
I live in Sydney so how about Thredbo or Perisher?
Any other good locations closer - anyone out there wants to join for a trip?
QLD
185 posts
hey Jimmy,
Get amongst it. Perisher is pretty limited. Thredbo is a good place to go - ride the kosi chair then hike above the bridge which is level with the top of basin t bar (5-10 mins). then if the winds and snow cover permit kite to teh top of the saddle. here your options expand to craziness. beware of your return - the further you head backcountry the longer you need to return if you have to walk (no wind, broken gear, or injured) dont go if a front is forecast - weather changes very quickly up there. register your plans with Nat parks.
Ive had sick sessions on north ramshead in west winds - fall line riding with slack lines, turn, power up and ride back to the top in two tacks then lay fresh lines next to your last ones.. Also good and safe is just ag teh top of the basin bowl - stay within sight of thredbo and your pretty much always safe. take maps and compasses and gps if youre heading out back.
the wind is sweet up there but perisher is generally gusty. vico has some good options but im not familiar - ht up kitepower geelong for some good experience there.
have a good time and keep it safe.
NSW
54 posts
I know Hotham used to have it up at the top, just off the back of the summit quad / orchard area which was well suited to it.. a guy named Chris(?) was running it with lessons booked through the main village.. top bloke and good setup i thought but not sure what happened as i can't find it anymore and it didn't look to be running last time i was down there.. anyone know if it's still going? the extra couple of hours down from Sydney is worth it just for that (besides, better runs at hotham in any case).
not sure whether they still allow you to fly in that area unofficially; maybe check with the village info
QLD
175 posts
hay, I was just looking at some snowkiting websites and they all seem to have open-cell foil kites in their snowkites. Is it possible to use a conventional LEI kite that i use for kitesurfing, as im planning on buying the new 2011 Switchy when it comes out.
thnks
Marcel
QLD
185 posts
hey Marcel, yeah LEIs are possible but they arent so suited for aussie conditions where you are generally going back country - they fly great and if the relaunch well off their rear lines (which they nearly all do these days) then theyre fine for snow kiting but they are a pain in the ass to carry, with pumps etc, they are very fragile on ice with inflated tubes (no need to float on snow) and if do get damaged they generally dont fly anymore. all these problems are overcome with open cell foils.
Good luck up there and dont ride over your lines ;)
NSW
39 posts
hEY kitethrills, thanks for the info.
Sounds really promising.
I did a lot of snowboarding when before i moved to OZ and last year i was in NZ and did 2 days snowkitng near Queenstown ( Snowpark ) . Was such an amazing experience and real fun.
So i definitely want to go there for a weekend or 2.
What's a good place to search for the wind/snow conditions to go there - and which wind direction is best?
NSW
39 posts
hey marcel
when i was in NZ last year we rent some gear and they were all foil kites.
Easier to lunch and carry.
But we had a guide who was flying his LEI kite and a couple of other guys did the same.
It's just the pain to carry the big bag, pump and stuff.
But they turn quicker and if you're have already your water kite i don't see a reason to spent again a lot of money for a new foil kite.
Just remember you need 1-2 sizes smaller size than on the water
73 posts
Hey
I live in Thredbo, but have not tried snowkiting yet although I have been kitesurfing on water for 8 years now, so when it snows, as there is not much out on the range at the moment! Send me a message and I would like to hook up to get out there. I am using North Vegas and Rebels so will keep on using them as it is too costerly to buy special kites just for the snow.
