Snowkiting Courses in New York

Things to know

• Covid measures in New York

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in New York, please refer to the official website of the State of New York.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• Why should I book with 57hours?

  With us, it’s all play and no work for you! 57hours is an open platform that connects you with trained and certified outdoor adventure professionals all over the world. Using our tech-savvy, we make it super easy to find and book adventures worth tackling, with guides worth booking, all gathered from the first-hand experiences of the locals who adventure in these amazing locations.

• Why should I go snowkiting?

  Snowkiting combines kiteboarding and skiing or snowboarding into one fun winter sport. Gliding through the air, while wind and snow rush past you sounds heavenly, but trust us, it feels even better!

  Everyone can do it, even if you don’t have any prior windsport experience. It is easier to learn than kiteboarding — it is easy to stand on snow and requires less wind to get you moving, which makes the whole process easier. And no, you can’t fly away! The equipment is designed to move how you want it to move, but it will seem like you’re flying, which is the best part. If you ask us, there’s really no reason not to try it!

• What’s included?

  Here is what you get in every course:

  • Lessons with an experienced and professional snowkiting instructor
  • The Level 1 and Level 2 Courses include 3 hours of lessons and kite gear (harness, kite, bar)
  • The Advanced Course includes 3 hours of kiting with a instructor

  What’s not included:

  • Transportation
  • Snacks and meals
  • Helmet
  • Skis and ski boots or snowboard and boots (can be rented)
  • For the Advanced Course, you also have to provide your own kiting equipment (can be rented)
• Can I rent equipment?

  All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:

  • Helmets, kite, harness, snowboard and boots can be rented from New York Kite Center
  • Skis, snowboards and boots can also be rented from Sun & Ski Sports in Plainview, NY

  Equipment rental locations are in New York Kite Center in Amityville and Sun & Ski Sports in Plainview, NY. Make sure your rentals are arranged at least 48 hours prior to your snowkiting course.

  If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

• What do I need to bring?

  For snowkiting, you will need to bring:

  • Skis or a snowboard and boots
  • Helmet
  • For the Free Rider Advanced Course, you will need to bring your own kiting gear

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • Face mask (neoprene works best) and a balaclava
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof pants
  • Sweatshirt or thin micro-fleece jacket
  • Fleece pants
  • Base layer
  • Warm socks
  • Fleece neck scarf
  • Thermal gloves and waterproof gloves
  • Protective gear: knee and elbow protection, impact vests — optional
  • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 24-35L bag)
  • High-quality sunglasses
  • High-index sunscreen and lip balm
  • Water bottle or a thermos
  • Camera — optional

  This list will be finalized with your instructor prior to the course.

• What if I’ve never snowkited before?

  If you’re new to kiting, lessons will benefit you immensely. Technically, all you need to know to get started is how to stand on skis or a board, but you’ll progress much faster with an instructor. An instructor will make sure you’re safe while you get the hang of it, and will teach you the skills to become a competent independent snowkiter.

  Keep in mind that you should feel confident on skis or a boar, as ski/board instruction is not within the scope of these courses. Any time spent instructing skiing or snowboarding is time that is taken away from your kite instruction. Advanced courses require that you have all basic snowkiting skills and can ride both upwind and downwind.

• How fit do I have to be to snowkite?

  The only thing your instructor will expect from you is that you know how to ski or snowboard, but of course, being in good shape helps. Strength isn’t a necessary component to successful snowkiting; it’s all about the technique, which is why it’s the perfect sport to lake lessons as a beginner.

  As you progress, you can move to larger kites, which generate more power and are more physically demanding, but if you’re just starting out, if you can ski or snowboard and hold on to a kite, you are good to go!

• Is there a minimum age requirement?
  • Everybody over the age of 18 is welcome to book this snowkiting adventure
  • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis

  If you plan to ski with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• What about group sizes and pricing?
  • For Level 1 and Level 2 Courses, there is a 2:1 student to instructor ratio
  • For the Free Rider Advanced Course, there is a 5:1 student to instructor ratio

  The cost of the kiteboarding courses is priced per person.

• What about bad weather?

  Snowkiting lessons are scheduled to fit with the ideal wind and weather conditions. As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad preparation,” so make sure you bring the right gear. Inclement weather can always pose a challenge, but your instructor will be prepared for anything and will present suitable alternatives, like moving to a nearby location.

  Despite your instructor’s best forecasting efforts, sometimes fickle wind requires that lessons need to be called off. In this case, your remaining booked hours will be rescheduled for a more favorable day. If no arrangements can be made, you will be issued a full refund.

• Cancellation policy

  With 57hours, you benefit from both our own cancellation policy as well as that of the individual guiding service that delivers your adventure. All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure, but rest assured that our own cancellation policy will work on top of what is provided by your guide.

  For this adventure, 57hours offers a Flexible Cancellation Policy, which states:
  If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to fourteen (14) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund. For cancellations seven (7) to thirteen (13) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a credit with that Guide for another identical or substantially similar Booking, or a full refund, minus a One Hundred-Fifty Dollar ($150) reservation fee. For cancellations one to six calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a full refund, minus a One Hundred-Fifty Dollar ($150) reservation fee. For cancellations anytime less than 25 hours in advance, the Client is not entitled to any refund.

  For more information on terms and conditions, please visit our Terms of Service page.

• Getting there and meeting location

  The snowkiting school is located at NY Kite Center, 334 S Bayview Ave, Amityville, NY, which is roughly an hour from NYC by car and a little longer by train.

  Beginner lessons are held at the NY Kite Center, and intermediate and advanced lessons are held at a few spots in the surrounding area, on Long Island or in upstate NY depending on the conditions. Once you and your instructor agree on the details of your itinerary, your instructor will suggest the best place to meet. Be sure to arrive about 15 minutes early so you can check in, put on your gear and start your lesson on time.