For most kiters, the first foray into snowkiting is on whichever snowboard or set of skis happens to be in the garage. But, one kite brand has developed a dedicated snowkite board, and we've got the inside scoop!

Jan, thanks for taking the time! First-time snow kiters usually don't have any specialised equipment, instead using whatever they can get their hands on. Can a standard snowboard work for snowkiting? What benefits does a kite-specific snowboard like the NHP Snowkite offer?

Sure, you can use a regular board for the first steps in snowkiting. However, snow kiters go out in various conditions and terrain that snowboarders sometimes don't experience. Some snow kiters ride on frozen lakes with ice surfaces, others go out on flatlands, and others try to conquer mountain terrains.

The NHP Snowkite has a specially designed straight rail that helps hold the edge, which, in snowkiting and with the need to go upwind, is quite crucial. This board is quite universal and was developed with a very soft flex pattern and soft tips. We keep it steady under your feet while still delivering plenty of fun on the tips for pressing jumps and smooth landings to bring ultimate joy in all snow conditions.

 What characteristics should a snowboard have to be a good fit for snowkiting?

First of all, the flat profile exists to maximise the edge connection with the surface. A versatile flex pattern with soft tips allows for nice presses and easy landings, while the harder flex in the middle of the board helps with edging. The NHP Snowkite's flat rocker keeps the edge dialled in the snow the entire way.

Does a snowkite board require a completely different factory and construction process?

It is much like snowboard construction, using the same machines and the same factory but with a slightly different process. Both boards have Paulownia wood as a core, but the finishing process is slightly different. Kiteboards have PU edges, whereas snowkite boards have metal rails like snowboards.

Can the NHP Snowkite work for snowboarding without a kite? What would its weaknesses be for "normal" snowboarding?

It is possible, of course, but won't be anything spectacular when compared to the designated snowboards we produce. The NHP Snowkite is essentially a simple "twin tip" snowboard with large flex!

Is there a kite in the Nobile lineup that is better suited for snowkiting? Which one, and why?

We mostly use the one-strut kite named The One. Thanks to its great depower, it works perfectly on snow and delivers a relatively safe ride.

Any plans to create snowkite specific skis??

Nope, regular Nobile Skis work just fine!

By Crystal Veness
Editor at IKSURFMAG, Crystal Veness hails from Canada but is based in South Africa. When she isn't busy kitesurfing or reporting on the latest industry news for the mag, she is kicking back somewhere at a windy kite beach or working on creative media projects.

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