The Beginner's Guide to Snowkiting in Ontario
Photo credit: iKITE Canada
Experience the euphoria of surfing and soaring across a frozen lake or a snowy field. Clutching the controls of a kite, combine the skills of waterskiing and snowboarding with the harnessed power of Ontario’s winter wind to give you lift and speed.
No line ups, no lift tickets, full adrenaline rush. Are you game?
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Where to go Snowkiting
Snowkiting is a unique outdoor winter sport that is gaining popularity worldwide. Some of the most popular spot for snowkiting are lakes and fields near Toronto, Collingwood, Wasaga, Georgina, Beaverton in southern Ontario and locations near Thunder Bay in the north. From a frozen lake to snow-covered fields, snowkiting requires wide open spaces and just the wind conditions.
What You’ll Need to go Snowkiting
Snowkiting gear includes harnesses, helmet and kite of course, as well as skis or snowboard. You’ll want to dress warmly; think snow pants and layer up. Keep in mind the sport is heavily weather dependent, so you’ll need to be mobile and flexible. Spontaneity is part of the fun!
Who to go Snowkiting With
Whether you’re a first-time flyer looking to learn a new skill, or you’re transferring your summer kitesurfing skills to the snow, these instructors can teach you everything you need to know about snowkiting in Ontario. Here are the best places to take lessons and go on expeditions this winter.
iKite Canada
iKite offers customized snowkiting lessons to any skill level, taught by an International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) certified instructor. iKite recommends at least two lessons for beginners to get a firm grasp of the basic techniques and safety measures. In addition, they’ll gear you up with necessary equipment and rentals, or you’re welcome to bring your own skis or snowboard if you wish – any ski or snowboard is compatible with any snowkite. iKite Canada is located just outside Toronto, although they trek out to various Southern Ontario locations. Cooks Bay, on Lake Simcoe is one of their go-to locations for snowkiting lesson as it freezes over early and stays frozen for the full season.
HQ location: 109 White Beach Crescent, Maple
Toronto Kite Club
If you want to make snowkiting your new favourite sport, Toronto Kite Club also offers lessons from IKO certifited instructors that range from one-on-one introductory courses for one hour, to beginner boot camps lasting three or four hours.
You can even continue your education with advanced level lessons, where you’ll continue to learn about how the wind impacts your moves and how to do more advanced maneuvers. Various lesson locations include Lake Simcoe, Bass Lake, Wasaga Beach, Long Point, Sauble Beach and Toronto’s Downsview Park or Cherry Beach. Note that Toronto Kite Club can also be your go-to for summer kitesurfing on the Great Lakes.
HQ location: 299 Glenlake Avenue, Toronto
PBKiteboarding
If you’re looking to level up from beginner as quickly and efficiently as possible, check out PBKiteboarding in Toronto. These kiteboarding aficionados know all things related to wind, kites, and surfing. Learn the basics, then move on to more advanced tricks like front rolls and spins from these experienced instructors. Take your first lessons in Toronto before heading out to catch some wind on the snowfields in Ontario.
HQ location: 26 Natalie Place, Toronto
Superior Kiteboarding
If you’re looking for snowkiting gear in northwest Ontario, Superior Kiteboarding carries products by Ozone, one of the world’s top manufacturers of kites and paragliders.
Location: 314 Bay Street, Thunder Bay