Snow boating

This sport has been officially around since the year 2002 where the first race was held in Lienz, Austria by a local group of kayakers.[2] In the year 2007 a so-called 'world championship' was held in Lienz where Peter Draxl from Austria was the first champion.[3] Rene Feuerstein (Austria) followed him in the year 2008 as the second world champion.

In Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir its first demonstration was given by J&K Ski & Mountaineering Association at Sonamarg in 2014. But after lapse of 3 years the Winter Games Association of J&K organised a 10-day course for 10 local boys at famous ski resort of the Himalayas Gulmarg. The former Kashmir University Aquatics and Adventure Sports Coach Muhammad Yusuf imparted training to the youth. The camp was held from 18 to 29 February 2017. The J&K State Cable Car Corporation sponsored the program, while the kayaks were provided by the Tourism Department of the state. The camp received wide coverage in the social, electronic and print media.

Athletes typically prefer Creek Boats or Play Boats when snow boating. The type of boat is the athletes choice depending on the type of slope the athlete plans to snow boat down and which boat they feel more comfortable with.[4] [5]Creek Boats are traditionally used for hobbies like bird hunting, fishing, and other hobbies that require the environment to stay as calm as possible.[6] Creek Boats are longer than Play Boats and considered to be high-volume with the volume being most concentrated around the cockpit. The Creek Boat is designed to resurface quickly if by chance either end is to submerge. Most Creek Boats have ample rocker which allows for quick turns, and dull ends to prevent vertical pins, they have slight edges along the bottom called "chines" to give good carving control on turns. There are many types of Play Boats, which were originally designed to move downstream quickly, tackle challenging whitewater, and provide a stable ride. Play Boats have traditionally been used for surfing waves and performing tricks. Unlike Creek Boats, Play Boats have a lot less volume and squashed decks so the ends can easily sink under water. Most Play Boats have a planing hull which is very flat and allows the boat to plane on water or snow when it reaches a certain speed and the chines creating carving control as well as drag for slowing down when necessary.[7] Athletes use wax or Rain-X on the bottom of their boat allowing them to maximize their speed.[8][9]

Athletes should choose a kayak that they feel most comfortable with, along with a two bladed paddle to help them control their balance, turns, curves, and swerves.[10] When snow boating it is important to wear equipment that protects an individual from the cold winds and possible water spray. Windproof, waterproof clothes are recommended, most designs are often made of neoprene jersey mix which allows freedom for movement but still keeps a snug fit.[11] Helmets are very important in case the athlete loses control of the boat and spins off course, or flips. Eye gear to shield the eyes from snow, wind, and water is optional.[10]

The first race was held in Lienz, Austria by a local group of kayakers.[2] Snow boating is considered an extreme sport, so most Ski Resorts do not allow it. If an athlete wants to practice snow boating they typically do it in the backcountry with the exception of a few ski resorts and ski areas, otherwise there are snow races where athletes race to a finish line or point.[8] This sport has steadily gained popularity around the world which causes these races to continue. [4] The majority of participants in these races are skilled whitewater kayakers who have professional grade equipment. Races are typically conducted in a form similar to other winter direct racing sports where four racers compete in each round and the two winners in each round move on to the next round. Many slopes include a series of obstacles such as the Monarch Mountain's 20-foot banked turns, leading into a 50-foot-long halfpipe, and ending in a pool of icy snow melt pumped in from a nearby creek.[9]

• Snowkayak