I’ve been kiting since 1999 and since then there has never been snow and wind at the same time in Regensburg. This week is different. We’ve had snow for a long time and the wind has given us three good days of snowboarding and kiting this week. On Tuesday I’m going snowkiting for the first time in my life.
The wind at the Regensburg windmill is quite weak and the holes in between always make for forced sessions in the snow. But it’s enough for a few first tracks. With 10 knots of wind and 15 cm of snow, I’ve never had so much fun. I buy my first helmet in the evening. Snow is harder than water.
Thursday we drive to Wiesenfelden. It’s a little higher up, 40 kilometres to the east in the Bavarian Forest. Fine, thick powder snow makes snowkiting much more relaxed. The wind is gusting up to 20 knots. Apart from the fluttering of the kites and the occasional yodelling of joy, it is quiet. The snowstorm creates a Siberian feeling. My Safty is bitching. It is practically impossible to release in the cold. Some engine oil makes a mess, but the kite is safe again. Check your safety before you go out!
The small hill west of Wiesenfelden should actually work in all wind directions. There are only a few small snow-covered field paths, the meadows are unlimited. You can ride from one hamlet to the next for probably a kilometre on meadows between small woods. There are a few small natural cornices and ramps. But for my first time snowkiting with real wind, a few small jumps are enough for me. We kite until it gets dark. The next day, despite only one fall, I feel like I’ve been head-banging for a few hours the day before…
Saturday we go to Lake Guggenberg. Eight kiters on an open meadow in very laminar light winds. With the 19 Liquid Force Havoc we can reach speeds of up to 30km/h. But only the lighter riders are able to jump. The snow is hard, which is hard on the knees and thighs. After 10 years of waiting, it doesn’t matter. The sun is shining. Everyone is grinning. Thanks for all the wind alarms from you regulars!
Frank Woelky, born in 1973. Kitesurfer since 1998. Since 2006, I have been combining kitesurfing and web design on trips lasting several months off the beaten track.