Kiteboarding taking off in Saskatchewan
CBC News
Posted: Dec 6, 2012 4:05 PM CST
Last Updated: Dec 6, 2012 5:11 PM CST
A windy and cold Saskatchewan day would keep most people indoors, but a growing sport has people excited about staying outside.
Victor Labar, has been kiteboarding for 13 years, and says the sport is growing in the province.
To kiteboard, people use a snowboard or a pair of skis and the wind to propel through a snowy farm field.
"In a three hour session I put on 50 to 100 kilometres," said Labar. "You can wear out a set of skis or snowboard if you're really going all the time."
When Labar first started there were only a handful of people trying to kiteboard. Now there are up to 60 riders, he said.
Mark Holmstrom, who is relatively new to the sport, said the abundance of open, snowy fields is one of the things that he loves about it.
"It's great to head out a short little ways…you're out on the fields and going, no fuel to burn, it's fantastic actually," said Holmstrom.
Riders need between 15 km/h and 70 km/h winds for a good ride — they can reach speeds about triple that on a board.
Labar suggests those interested in kiteboarding should first get comfortable on a board, then take a lesson using the kite.
Share Tools
Latest Saskatchewan News Headlines
- Fire destroys hotel in Lafleche, Sask.
- Fire has destroyed a hotel in Lafleche, Sask. more »
- Work could soon begin on oft-delayed Regina condo project
- Work is set to begin on the much-anticipated and oft-delayed Capital Pointe condominium project in downtown Regina. more »
- Man assaulted with hammer on Saskatoon's west side
- Police are investigating a Tuesday night brawl that sent one man to hospital with serious injuries. more »
- Blades could skate into final with win tonight
- The Saskatoon Blades are one win away from the final at the Memorial Cup. more »
Must Watch
Top News Headlines
- Lawyers tell Rob Ford to limit comments on alleged crack video
- Legal advice may be behind Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's decision to stay silent in the wake of allegations he was recorded smoking what appears to be crack cocaine. more »
- Oklahoma residents begin to return home after deadly tornado
- Rescue workers raced to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children. more »
- Wednesdays with @Kady: Senate expenses questions continue
- As Ottawa waits to see whether Prime Minister Stephen Harper takes questions on the Senate expenses scandal in Peru this afternoon, CBC Politics blogger Kady O'Malley is available to answer your questions on the latest controversial developments. more »
- 'You will see him again in heaven,' Sharlene Bosma tells daughter
- Sharlene Bosma told more than 1,000 people at the public memorial service for her slain husband, Tim Bosma, about the love they shared. more »
- Controversy swirls around chief who sexually assaulted teen
- Regina OKs Albert Street nightclub
- Missing Biggar-area man's body recovered from slough
- RCMP seek suspect accused of assault on teen
- Singer who flubbed U.S. anthem returns for redemption
- Blades could skate into final with win tonight
- Aboriginal woman settles lawsuit over 3½ years solitary confinement
- Officials promote Sask. carbon capture project
- Train carrying crude oil derails east of Saskatoon

