An Exciting Time

Today Heli-Al, and I had a super quick session at the Ghost. Tons of kiters out there rippin up the perfect 25km all day.

As we were coming off I met a kiter from Canmore who tells me that him and his business partner have applied for and recieved a license for a new kite school that will be operating on Spray Lake next winter. Along with that we started talking about promoting the sport and possibly a new kiting association. They sound really cool and if their website gets up and running, that means morning posts from Spray so we will never be skunked again. More details to follow but sounds promising and I will be working with them in the next few weeks to make sure we are plugged in to what they are offering.

Stay tuned.

Conditions: Desperate

Heli Al and myself shot out to the Ghost this afternoon to find new snow but no wind. We decided to go on to Spray and check the conditions there. The snow on Spray is awesome! and the lake has come down another 5 feet so the sides are like the walls of a big bowl. If the wind comes up, Spray will be awesome.

On another note, I have checked out Linda's and it is quite bare. RR12 however has good coverage and at the very least will be like pre-season with a little wind. Just use the RR12 launch site.

If anyone has another location to report (like Eagle or the "supersexysecretspot"), please chime in!

Sick Eagle

Today a few of us had to "work" so we drove out to Eagle Lake for a session as we had heard that is was not bad. The East end from the boat launch has all the snow and by that I mean the crust and ice fog rime stuck to the surface. I can't complain though, wind was 'zactly 22km (SSE) for the 4 hours we were there with a bit of ice fog. I was going to upload a short clip of myself launching a "lose your right ski at 6 feet and land on your ass" move but my youtube page is down. The new Camera is awesome but still trying to find the best places to attach and angle it. Today it was almost too dark for it so the clips are dull and flat.

The cool part was eating lunch and seeing 'Pat' drive up on his way back from his "job". talk about dedicated. It was an alright day as far as I was concerned. "B" and kevinemesis were kickin ass and I think it was a big change to have constant good wind. Can't wait for the next "work-day"!

Leaving It All Behind

This last Friday and Saturday a few of us got out of the city and punished ourselves out on Spray Lakes. Friday winds were extremely light and there was only a skiff of new snow but it was softened up and no where near as bad as a good day at the mall. Saturday we had about 20km from the North (wtf?) and got about 3 hours of riding in.

I have to say, as meager as it was, it is always still a great thing when you can get away from town with a couple like-minded guys and do what your passionate about. This year as much as some of us are missing the King, we have a great crew and the guys that have been riding together all gel like they have known each other for years. I think that can only come from one thing; the understanding that living our greatest pursuits in the mountains, pushing ourselves, and leaving it all behind makes us all equal.

Conditions Eagle Lake

If you happen to be in the Strathmore area, check out Eagle Lake. Looks like it has snow and it is generally a good spot for wind. Thanks to Patrice for the update.

First Anual XPK Poker Run

Hey Guys, I wanted to tell you about an idea I had a few years back. I have always wanted to do a poker run with the kites and right now it is actually in the works. Details will be coming but likely will take place at Spray. I am thinking 7 checkpoints with sealed envelopes, travel up wind then a downwind straight shot to the check in for the play in hands. $20 dollars per rider, winner takes the pot. Other prizes will be added as we can work them in. I have a request into HQ for some stuff as well as I will be supplying some prizes. Right now we are looking at first week of March. Contact me if your interested.

Conditions January 1st, Spray Lakes

Barrett and I shot out to Spray Lakes this afternoon to get some first-day-of-the-year kiting in. The kiting was great, a little low (7m) but the wind and snow on the south end of the lake was very good. I also chatted briefly with a local who told me that the best spot to fly is not the Driftwood end but further south at the other end of the lake.

I won't be able to go this weekend but if your thinking of going out, conditions are almost perfect.