Regina to host first North American kite boarding event

Seeing kites in the sky on a breezy summer day is common in Saskatchewan, butit's not often you see themin the middle of winter.

That will change this February when Regina hosts the first North American kite boarding championship.

About 100 participants will descend on a farmer's field just north of the Queen city with their kites, skis and snowboards for a chance to represent the continent in the international competition.

Aaron Hackel, an organizer of the event says the province's wind, snow and open space makes it theperfect location for the races. He worked for nearly a year and a half to land the event.

"I think it's a totalkudos to what we do have to offer in the wintertime in Saskatchewan and it is such a good place to live and get out," Hackel said about winning the bid.

The competition's marquee event will be a 50 to 80 km endurance race over the Saskatchewan prairie and it's not too late for even a beginner to get ready in time.

"Kite boarding is 80 per cent flying the kite, 20 per cent board skills," Hackel explained. "So if people have wakeboard, ski, or snowboarding skills it definitely helps but it's all relative to harnessing the energy of the kite."

Kite boarding event plans

10 years ago

Duration 1:24

Aaron Hackel outlines what people can expect at kite boarding event.

Local farmers have given Hackeland others permission to kite board on their land, and on windy days people can see kites in the area along Highway 11 north of Regina, Hackel said.

"It's so nice to be close to a major centre where we travel 10 minutes in any direction and be in a field and throw up a kite and ride til midnight," he added.

The Feb. 14 event is open for registration. It is free for spectators.