I'm looking for some advice on snowboards, bindings and boots etc, now that it's all gone white outside I want to get the kite out and have a play. I've seen a few boards made by Nobile etc are they better for kiting than the normal boards or is it the same product? I've never been skiing or snowboarding before so looking at snow stuff is all new to me. I've got a mint 159 Spleene Door to do swaps with if anyone's selling any gear

Hey craig, I snowkite with the same board I use for snowboarding and it seems fine to me. Havent ridden a kite specific one so cant comment if theres any diference. Im sure there will be some slight differences though.

mick oliver has the nobile one so im sure he'll be able to give you a bit of advice on that. Aboards also do one.

You could just get some second hand gear of ebay first to see if you like it (which im sure you will, and its a piece of piss) and then splash some cash and get new gear. but youve got to thing to yourself how many times a year you are going to use it. however if you travel to yad moss or weardale you could be out quite alot

Snowboard size, well I dont think it matters too much for snowkiting however I wouldent go anything bigger than 157-160. what shoe size are you ? because if you are a size 10+ then you will need to look for a 'wide' board to minimise toe and heel drag. Also some boards are directional so watch out for that.

bindings, have a look at flow bindings they seem like the easiest bindings for snowkiting, just slide your feet in and pull up the backs. mick also has these so he can tell you more. However I use normal bindings and have no problems. same again with shoe size.......make sure you get the right size bindings for your boots.

Boots, always best to try them on first however ive just bought some without trying them so hope they are comfortable and fit
theres snowboard shop in newcastle called north state. Adam bought some brand new salomons for £80 or £90 which is a good price not sure what sizes he has instock as they where discounted because they where from last season.

and finally some pimp snowboard pants as colourful and as bright as possible.......

Craig in a similar predicament kinda wondering if it is worth a punt but budget would be tight. Was last year a one off ?? Is it worth spending?? Let me know what your findings are

Now then Mr Barber...... U do know i work for the best Kitesurf/Snowboard shop in the country
Give me a call and im sure i can point u in the right direction
01202 738 448

Thanks for that Jamie...and thanks for the offer Karl but I needed to try stuff on local. I'm getting my heed round all the new lingo/gear and what does what. I've bought a second hand Aboards kite snowboard and some Burton boots I just need to pick up some bindings and I'll be set to hurt myself in a whole new way

Andy this snow gear is the same as kite stuff...it's expensive. I'm going to sell my Spleene door to fund it. I don't know how much snow we'll get this year or where I can get to to use it yet but we'll see. If not I might have a week away snowboarding. The board I've gone for is made for snow kiteing and normal snowboarding it's a 158. It was half the price of a new un. I have'nt got a clue if it's good or not cos I've never done it before! New boots are from £100ish mine were because I've got wide feet. Bindings are mega expensive for what they are but I've been advised by a few people that Flow and K2 cinch are good because they are dead easy to get in and out of (which is probably a good thing if you are on a gusty hill, sliding about on youre arse with the kite dragging you about)

I did see a load of gear on ebay but I didnt know if they were dedicated twintips, directional boards or had a central stance etc. When I get sorted come and have a shot, it won't take me long to snap both wrists and buckle my ankle...again

hi i bought the nobile remi board from surfstore last year and used it for kiting and snowboarding and it seems ok but i dont know much about snowboarding.
i bought flow m9 bindings which are great without them it would be a pain to launch a kite and ratchet up normal bindings.
with the flows i launch the kite ,put it at 12 oclock or edge of window then step into bindings and drop onto my knees and pull the back plates up.
on the ski tows i leave my front feet strapped in then at the last second before i get pulled forward i step into back binding but dont lock it in and you still get a bit of control with the back foot as the front straps keep you foot in which is better than standing on a stomp pad with no control.

Just down from my house it's in an activity centre called whickham thorns the guy theres call Ricki canny bloke, this is the number he gave me (Business Card) when I bought some gear from him 07792 791 843
ricki@north-sate.co.uk
http://www.north-state.co.u
he dosn't have much on his website he hasn't updated it in a while, he's got all round shiz in their for every level