Date:	Sun, 30 Oct 1994 10:21:45 -1000
From:	Stefan Smulovitz <stefs@u.washington.edu>
Message-Id: <Pine.ULT.3.91a.941030121042.23647A-100000@hardy.u.washington.edu>
Organization: University of Washington
Subject: Cheap Kite Skiis

I thought I'd let everyone here know of a quick easy and cheap way to 
make kite skiis. Buy 2 pieces of 1/4 inch thick plexiglass 21 inches long 
and 8 inches wide. (Thats the dimensions of mine but that was mainly due 
to the size they sold the plexiglas by. Similar measurement would work 
just as well.) Over a kitchen burner then heat up the end and bend it up, 
as on a regular ski tip. The glue an old pair of shoes to the skiis about 
2-3 inches from the back of the ski. My favorite pair is a pair of Tevas 
(strap on sandals) glued to the skiis. They don't get as heavy when wet 
and are easy to get in and out of. To attach the shoes I used Shoe Goo, 
or any other kind of shoe repair glue. The total cost was about $10, not 
including the shoes. Presto a pair of kite skiis...
	As for skiing with them I usually go on the coast, either on the 
sand or in the thin surf layer. At higher wind speeds I recomned sitting 
on your heels for a lower center of gravity. I have tried them on a wet 
field and they work okay in a strong wind with a big kite. (I use a 
quadrafoil 25) Unfortunately you must pretty much go directly behind the 
kite so its a one way trip. I some of you can have fun on kite skiis. 
They are amusing both to ski on and watch others ski on. 


	Stefan Smulovitz
	stefs@u.washington.edu


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