Board and Kayak
Get A Fishing License
*Disclaimer: Board and Kayak earns a commission from qualifying purchases.

Extreme Sport in The Snow: Mastering The Art of Snow Kayaking

Mastering The Art of Snow Kayaking

Mastering The Art of Snow Kayaking

Updated on 10/10/2024
Abigail ScottBy Abigail Scott
Hi, I'm Abigail 👋 Since embarking on my kayaking and boarding adventures in 2010, I've navigated rivers and lakes across North America and beyond. With over a decade of experience and countless waterways explored, I'm here to help enthusiasts like you embark on unforgettable water adventures!
Learn More about Abigail Scott

Kayaking In The Snow: Extreme Sport is known as Snow kayak

If you enjoy solving riddles, you are going to adore this one. What do you get when you combine kayaking, snowboarding, and speed riding in a single activity? The correct response is, of course, snow-speed yakking. This sport, snow kayaking which combines snowboarding, speed-riding, and kayaking, is also known as skyaking, and it is pretty extreme, even for those who enjoy participating in extreme sports.

Snow kayaking

Snow kayaking

You might wonder how it is possible to combine three sports considered to be of such a high difficulty level. Still, the person who came up with this crazy sport, Miles Daisher, seems to think it is just a natural progression from kayaking and speed racing. It is important to note that Miles, a Red Bull Air Force Team pilot, has never been regarded as someone who could be described as sane.

Kayaking Over the Snow

Kayaking Over the Snow

Flying Over the White Stuff

How exactly does one accomplish the sport's central objective, which is to glide a boat through the air while flying over snow? Mike had previously tried launching his kayak out of an airplane, and after gaining some experience, he decided to take things to the next level by testing it out in the mountains. After putting on his speed-riding gear, he hops into his kayak and simultaneously steers the wing with his hands, harness, and the boat with his feet and hips. He can do this because his kayak is equipped with a swivel seat. Of course, it could be oversimplified, but in reality, it represents a significant achievement in both bravery and equilibrium.

Kayaking At 100km/h On Snow

Kayaking At 100km/h On Snow

The first attempt was made by Mile in the winter of 2014 in Pebble Creek, Idaho. He explained that the kayak adds another 20 kilograms to the overall weight, so it was essential to ensure that the wing load was correct. He hiked up the Red Mountain while carrying his boat on his back in a kayak portage pack. He then flew down the mountain using an 11-meter speed-riding kayak. He said he did this because getting the wing load right was important. According to Miles, and in contrast to what you might anticipate, the most challenging part is not the landing but rather the takeoff; but once he is airborne, everything is smooth sailing – or should that be plain skiing?

Snow kayaking

Snow kayaking

Snow kayaking

Snowboarding, also known as snow kayaking, is a type of winter sport in which competitors use kayaks to navigate snow-covered slopes. Snowboarding is also known as snow kayaking. Up until quite recently, the activity was only done on a recreational basis, and it was almost always done in the backcountry, with the exception of a few ski resorts. The first snowboarding race took place in Austria in 2002, marking snowboarding officially emerging as a sport open to competition. The majority of countries where people participate in other winter sports also practice this sport.

The courses that are utilized for competitions are natural downhill routes that are suited for the free movement of the kayak as well as the rider. For snowboarding, athletes can choose to utilize either creek boats or playboats, depending on the type of paddling they are most comfortable with. Dry suits, helmets, and various other pieces of safety gear are utilized in addition to the kayaks and paddles.

In competitions, races are run in a format comparable to that used for other direct racing winter sports. Four racers compete in each round, and the first two finishers advance to the next round. This continues until only four racers remain for the final round, in which the winners are determined. The sport has gradually gained some respect and popularity worldwide, leading to the establishment of an annual competition for showboating at the World Championships beginning in 2007.

The Upcoming Challenge

Kayaking On Snow

Kayaking On Snow

Just remember to dress appropriately if you decide to give the snow kayak a shot because of what you've read here. It may look cool to wear clothes that wick away moisture and are breathable, but these clothes do not offer much protection against wind chill or water spray. If you get caught in the water, you will be eternally grateful that you invested in waterproof and windproof clothes. These days, most modern designs are centered on using a neoprene jersey mix, providing mobility and flexibility while enabling a close fit.

Miles has already decided on the nature of the next obstacle he will face. He plans on finding a lake where he can go snow kayaking, skipping along the water, and then bouncing back out into the snow! I'd rather have him than I do!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to sled with a kayak?

Don't worry; an intact kayak can double as a sled but only takes up a little less space. Stay upright and gain speed with your paddle. Get your Kayedding on!

Can I kayak in the winter?

Winter is a favorite kayaking season for many kayakers because there are fewer people on the water, and the sights are always different. Kayaking in the winter does require more preparation and respect for the elements than paddling out on an 80-degree day in the summer.

Can you kayak in the snow?

You should only kayak during winter if you are fully prepared for submerging in freezing-cold water. It is not the water that poses the greatest danger but the cold; hypothermia develops quickly in cold water.