The Kitewing (also known as Skimbat) sails are ultralight sails designed for sailing on ice, sand, turf and snow with normal downhill skis, a snowboard, an all terrain board or skates. The symmetrical wing acts as a flying rig and is held freely by the Kite Surfer in both hands.
Special attention has been paid in the development to making the rig light, strong and durable. The sail cloth is made of light polyester (dacron) or a combination of monofilm and reinforced K-ply film, which lets you wingsail at temperatures below -30 C.
Required wind velocity for wingsurfing is 3 m/s on ice and 5 m/s on packed snow. Ideal wind speed for wingsurfing is 6-12 m/s. A skilled sailor can handle the wing in 15-20 m/s winds and can reach speeds of 70-100 km/h (44-62 mph). Because of the wing's aerodynamic properties, a skilled sailor can make jumps with the wing.
The International World Ice and Snow sailing Association (WISSA) awarded the Kitewing its "Best Design"award.
Kitewing FAQs:
What's the difference between dacron and monofilm?
Dacron is a non-transparent material, which is easier to pack, since you can roll the sail around the rig and don't need to remove the sail from the rig and is therefore more popular for example in rental use. Monofilm is a bit more responsive material ( the sail does not stretch). The downside of monofilm is that you need to remove the sail from the rig.
Which size of wing should I choose?
To ease choosing of the wing we have now a selection chart, from which you can choose the wing according to your Weight, windspeed, surface and your abilities.
Why should I choose Kitewing instead of other traction gear?
The kitewing is easier to learn and handle than windsurfing or kitesurfing gear. It's also very safe for the people around, since there are no lines. The wing is also TOTALLY depowerable, since you have direct control to the wind. Compared to windsurfing rigs a kitewing covers easily 4 windsurfing sail sizes ( which often requires two different masts). Compared to powerkites a kitewing covers around 2-3 kitesizes.The kitewing does not pull you sideways such as a windsurfing sail, but gives you pull that is a bit upwards, so you never carry the sail, you pull it a bit downward.
Can I use a harness?
Yes, almost all kinds of windsurfing or kitesurfing harnesses work well. We offer harnesslines that are a bit longer than windsurfing lines and the v-line is something that you can't get from windsurfing or kitesurfing companies.
Can the wing be used on water?
No, the wing can not be used on water.
How long does it take to learn?
Basic sailing takes around 1 day to learn if you don't have a teacher. With a teacher it takes under 1 hour. In case you can even do a bit of windsurfing, it will dramatically take down the time to learn. Most windsurfers only pick up the wing and ride.
Do I need to have a teacher?
No, you don't need to. Kitewing is safe to to learn without a teacher, but a teacher makes the learning faster.
