Gin Kiteboarding | Snowkite Season: Which Kite Should You Use
Tue 7th Feb, 2023 @ 9:00 am
With the winter season well underway, let’s get some snowkiting in! However, choosing the right kite for snowkite can be challenging. The Gin Kiteboarding team are here to help you decide which tool you should use based on your riding level, riding style, and weather conditions.
The Shaman 3.1
Beginner to advanced
The Shaman is undoubtedly the perfect kite for any rider looking for a memorable ride in the snow. Whether you intend to tour high mountains, or to freeride in challenging spots with trees, fences or streams, the Shaman can handle it all. As a matter of fact, safe riding at all times is its key definition.
For an even safer snowkite session, we highly recommend using it with the Gin Ice Bar equipped with a fifth line. Pull the fifth line to land your kite safely, activating the attached safety system. Also note that the Shaman is extremely compact and lightweight, fitting easily in any backpack.
For more information on Gin Kiteboarding’s Shaman 3.1, please click here.
The Marabou 2
Beginner to advanced
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With the Marabou 2, beginner snowkiters who want to improve their skills get a super-versatile kite, both intuitive and accessible and rock solid. One key aspect is its smoothness, without any sense of fluttering. It also features the typical stability of a single-skin kite, making it extremely easy to use, regardless of any inconsistent or switchy wind conditions. And don’t be misled! The Marabou 2 also offers easy speed efficiency and effortless upwind edge.
Depending on the wind conditions and the type of ride you are going for, we recommend riding the Marabou 2 with the Gin Foil Bar or the Gin Bar, with line lengths between 17 and 23m.
For more information on Gin Kiteboarding’s Marabou 2, please click here.
The Spirit
Intermediate to advanced
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The Spirit is a very responsive closed-cell kite with a wide wind range, light enough to be carried in a backpack. It is the ideal kite for snowkite regulars looking for performance, light wind rides and slope flights. As a matter of fact, it is Eloi Rondeau’s kite of choice. He loves having long air-times and doing freestyle, racing or slope flight. The Spirit is best suited for laminar wind conditions (constant in direction and strength), when the terrain is not too rough, or the wind isn’t too gusty.
The Spirit should be used with the Gin Foil Bar. The length of the lines may vary depending on the spot. When the wind is consistent on a flat surface, it can be compared to racing on the water, so shortening the lines (and having a bigger sail) can be a clever move. However, short lines might not be wise if the spot is hilly or in the mountains. This prevents from making loops to climb up hills. Also, long lines are great for reaching better wind conditions higher in altitude. Freestyle and big air work best with a 17-18m line length, but 23m can also be used in lighter winds.
For more information on Gin Kiteboarding’s Spirit, please click here.
The Instinct HB
Intermediate to advanced
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The Instinct HB is the ultimate level snow closed-cell kite. It can be compared to the Spirit, with more suitability to gusty and powerful conditions. Additionally, the Instinct HB allows for better upwind performances and more speed. It is also well-known for its extraordinary hang time, so feel free to rise to any challenge on snow!
Paired with the Instinct HB, the Gin Foil Bar makes the perfect combo. As for the Spirit, the length of the lines can vary depending on the spot. Our Test Pilot Tim Bollinger recommends riding it with an 18m line length, making it perfect for any riding conditions, but also suited for loops and flying around.
For more information on Gin Kiteboarding’s Instinct HB, please click here.
Whatever the weather or terrain, Gin Kiteboarding has you covered. Single-skin kites, hybrid kites, or closed-cell kites inevitably lie within our kite range. Pick yours and live it up!
Please click here to view all Gin Kiteboarding products.
