snow kiting - which is better? skies or board?

[CaliRider]

If you're new to snow kiting I would go with skis. Getting around and in position on a snowboard sucks..

Im going to start with skis and see how I get along and then try my snowboard. Thank you to all who replied here as it was super helpful and much appreciated.

[Windstoked]

I've found that it's easier to stay standing on skis in lighter winds, because on a snowboard if the counter-pull of the kite drops off you fall over backwards.
You can definitely edge better with skis in icy conditions, so you can handle a larger kite size and go upwind better.
A snowboard is better for tricks, because you can land with your board sideways and swivel around straight, whereas with skis you need to land straight or you'll catch an edge and crash.
Whether on skis or a snowboard, you don't need to buckle or lace tight around the ankle, but rather keep it loose and you'll be a lot more comfortable. When downhilling, snug ankle support allows applying force to your toes for smooth carving. With kiting, your weight is back more like water skiing or wakeboarding. One of the top snowkiters in the country told me he doesn't even lace his snowboard boots up the ankle.

[mr moon]

Agree with most answers here.

Snowboard is a lot more difficult than skis with a kite, you'll struggle a lot more to keep up upwind while on skis you can edge to insane angles, easier and faster.

It's also much easier to climb on skis, as you shoot straight up as opposed to sideways.

When you fall on snowboard you struggle to get back up as you fall backwards.

Take off and landings on slopes are much easier on skis.

On skis you can ride at around 300 degress from wind direction, even completely downwind, while you can't on a snowboard.

That said, I ride only snowbaords! Just cause I've always ridden them....

[Hugh2]

Has anyone actually first learned to kite on snow and skis before water?

[joriws]

Has anyone actually first learned to kite on snow and skis before water?

Sure, 90%-99% of kiters in my country starts that way because snowkiting is easier.

[oonniilo]

Has anyone actually first learned to kite on snow and skis before water?

Sure, 90%-99% of kiters in my country starts that way because snowkiting is easier.

I'm one of those. I started snowkiting with skis and had lot of fun and pretty rapid progression. After 2 winters I finally got in the water. I found it quite amusing to learn the sport with sonic2s..

[CaliRider]

Has anyone actually first learned to kite on snow and skis before water?

Thats cheating. wish i did that.

[Nem0]

Has anyone actually first learned to kite on snow and skis before water?

Sure, 90%-99% of kiters in my country starts that way because snowkiting is easier.

I'm one of those. I started snowkiting with skis and had lot of fun and pretty rapid progression. After 2 winters I finally got in the water. I found it quite amusing to learn the sport with sonic2s..

You did your first flite with a Sonic2 from flysurfer?
Wow
Sounds like this is a all terrain kite for all levels

[CaptainArgh]

Use whatever you have.

I snowboard, so I use that.

If I could choose between either (had the equipment and knees for it) I'd choose skiing. If you are on a flat field with a few inches of snow and decent wind, then it doesn't matter. But if you are in DEEP powder, the skis are just so much more maneuverable and go upwind a LOT easier than a snowboard.

This is particularly troublesome in mountain terrain where you have to kite up to higher terrain for the cleaner wind. I'll be with skiers who get up there in one go. Might take me an hour if I even get up there. Your kite tomahawks in a wind shadow... and now your strapped into gear in bottomless snow. If a gust doesn't come to help you up, you have to unstrap and re-position yourself. Very tiring and time consuming. There is no hopping around in deep snow when the ground is nowhere to be seen.

[oonniilo]

Sure, 90%-99% of kiters in my country starts that way because snowkiting is easier.

I'm one of those. I started snowkiting with skis and had lot of fun and pretty rapid progression. After 2 winters I finally got in the water. I found it quite amusing to learn the sport with sonic2s..

You did your first flite with a Sonic2 from flysurfer?
Wow
Sounds like this is a all terrain kite for all levels

Oh, i gotta clarify that. I tested (and bought) sonic2 at the beginning of second winter season with about 10-15 sessions in hand. I think they are somewhat beginner friendly in snow, at least in bigger sizes (13m+) and in lower winds. Slowish turning and pretty stable. Though they still can accidentally jump big..

I learned how to kite _in water_ with sonic2s. They are not optimal kites for that, they like to go fast and produce the best pull with apparent wind. Not best combo for beginner and TT board. And launches are still somewhat hairy at small beaches after all the training.