Snowkiting

General Rules

• The players are required to add flag or steamer as a bulletin in the places they have glided through. These marked positions increase the player’s visibility.
• The kites used in the events should have a single-layered frame prepared with air-filled balloons.
• The players are permitted to fly three kites from various areas in the standard division round, whereas two kites are allowed to project in the standard M. Division. 
• The kites used in the events have an area of 5 squares meter. 
• The players are completely forbidden to make any alteration in the kite design and maintenance, although the participants can change their bridles and can trim it too. 
• The players are also prohibited from modifying the kites by using Kevlar lines or steel ropes and strings.
• The distance between the bar centre and canopy’s end should have a maximum length of 45 meters.
• The players can use any bar design for the matches although the players are required to make sure that they have an easy release option to open the harness.
• The players are required to use only one ski or board for an entire event, and they can only replace the boards if it is broken or deformed during the match. 
• The standard division has a maximum axial length of 220 centimetres, whereas the radius should be 100-150 meters. 
• All the participants are required to wear a helmet for protection. And the harness should have an industrial production to provide better handling and grip. 
• Each kite is required to be administered by the officials. Only after their approval, the kites are allowed for the event. 

History of Snowkiting

Dieter Strasilla first practised snowkiting after seeking inspiration in the 20th century. In the 1960s, snowkiting trials were organized in Germany. In 1982, Wolf Beringer developed short line Parawing technique for various skiing and sailing events. Later, foils were manufactured for proper controlling of the kites. 

Soon, kite skiing popularised in many countries including Poland, Germany, Switzerland and Finland. In January 2007, Team N2i participated in the Antarctica Summer competition, becoming the first to reach the Antarctic pole of inaccessibility without any additional aid.

In 2009, Christopher Krug organized the Peter Lynn Kiteboarding where the participants can ski with a speed limit of 118 km/h. 

In 2010, Eric McNair-Landry and Sebastian Copeland skied for 595 kilometres within 24 hours and established a world record.