| As early as the 1960's, people began | | | | design and overall quality. Foil kites are among the |
| experimenting with the idea of snowkiting. The | | | | most popular choices in kite equipment among |
| onset of the sport is attributed to Dieter Strasilla | | | | novice and expert kiters but inflatable kites are |
| who tested various techniques in the German | | | | widely used as well. Equipment should be chosen in |
| Bavarian Alps. Since then, many have followed | | | | relation to your level of experience, as all kites |
| suit around the world developing newer and more | | | | are not created equal. The beginner would most |
| advanced technologies in equipment and | | | | likely be suited to a trainer kite while learning the |
| techniques based largely on Strasilla's unique ideas. | | | | sport. |
| Such advancements have made the sport of | | | | You can purchase DVD's that explain some basics |
| snowkiting a revolutionary development in | | | | of snowkiting from a local sporting goods retail |
| extreme sports with competitions and events in | | | | store or online to get you started. These |
| countries all over the world. Many countries that | | | | instructional videos provide an excellent |
| are popular with snowboarders and skiers have | | | | introduction to the sport and give you a good idea |
| become very popular locations for snowkiting. | | | | of how to get your feet wet. In addition, many |
| Unlike many other snow sports, snowkiting is an | | | | websites devoted to extreme sports or |
| uphill or cross-country adventure as much as it is | | | | snowkiting specifically provide online tutorials that |
| a downhill sport. In fact, in 2006, Kiril Korabelnikov | | | | you might use to get the basics. As with any |
| of Russia reached an altitude of slightly less than | | | | other sport, knowing the basics is an excellent |
| 15,420 feet snowkiting Mt. Elbrus, a volcano in the | | | | way to begin. If you find yourself really getting |
| Caucasus Mountains. With the latest and greatest | | | | into the sport, then hit the mountains or |
| technology available today in snowkiting, | | | | snowfields to discover the anti-gravity sensation |
| enthusiasts and professionals abroad are pushing | | | | of flight that the sport offers. |
| the envelope of the sport. Across vast | | | | As with any sport, particularly extreme sports, |
| snowfields, snowkiters have been recorded at | | | | safety should be a top priority. Before you |
| speeds in excess of 70 mph. Exhilarating at the | | | | attempt those phenomenal kicks, flips, turns and |
| very least! On skis or snowboards, the sport has | | | | super jumps that snowkiting is famous for, be |
| made leaps and bounds in the area of popularity | | | | sure to endow yourself with the right safety |
| and available equipment. | | | | equipment, get some training, and practice, |
| There are many popular choices when it comes | | | | practice, practice. Choose an area where there is |
| to snowkiting equipment. It all depends on your | | | | no danger of injuring other kiters, snowboarders, |
| choice of terrain and snowkiting conditions. Some | | | | skiers, skaters or onlookers. When done with the |
| basic equipment, however, should include skis and | | | | proper knowledge and the right attitude, extreme |
| or snowboard, a kite, a harness, jacket, helmet | | | | snowkiting provides the ultimate rush in zero |
| and gloves. A variety of choices are available in | | | | gravity sport skiing. |