Posted by: Jon Imhoof
on May 11, 2010
Snow Kiting on the back side of a steep sloping high Col in Chamonix one year, it occurred to me just how much in depth meteorological knowledge we really need, to truly appreciate the potential dangers we could be putting ourselves in during our power kite activities. As a paragliding instructor, I had to learn to understand the behaviour of wind and convey this information to students to reduce the likelihood of people flying in hazardous places. Given that we are flying airfoils and now taking them to hilly or mountain environments, some of this knowledge would benefit powerkiters too.
Posted by: Jon Imhoof
on May 06, 2010
Floating on the Long White Cloud
I chose a wife that is as straight up as they come. You never have to guess what she’s thinking- she’ll let you know. And I love that about her. Strange then that I would choose a mistress who likes to play games. You think she’s’ telling you one thing but can never be completely sure. She always keeps you guessing. Sometimes I hate that about her, but if I’m honest it’s probably the thing that keeps me coming back to her again and again. I leave the comfort of my wife and family for what: to get my head played with by Mother Nature.
Posted by: Jon Imhoof
on May 04, 2010
Snowkiting New Zealand with Guillame Chastagnol
It was like being in the same room with Yoda and Luke Skywalker. Although I couldn’t understand a word they were saying, I was sure each phrase could unlock the secrets of the force. Remi Meum had just arrived in New Zealand for the first time after bailing out early from Australia due to poor snow and wind conditions. Chasta and I picked him up at the airport in Queenstown and headed straight up the Remarkables hoping the Northeast wind would kick in.
Posted by: Jon Imhoof
on Dec 07, 2009
It only takes a quick glance at the globe to see that the Southern hemisphere has far less land than the northern hemisphere and therefore far fewer places to snowkite. A look at our earth from the poles is even more revealing. The land masses of the Northern Hemisphere extend much further north while in the southern hemisphere there is the Antarctic in the polar region but the temperate zone is covered mostly by the oceans. Your choices are South America, Australia or New Zealand. If you're thinking of a snowkiting trip to New Zeland, then here's all the info you need.
