Michigan Winter Kiteboarding: Ultimate Cold-Weather Thrill

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When frigid winds sweep across Michigan in the heart of winter, most residents retreat indoors for warmth, while kiteboarders head outside, knowing it's the best time of year. Kiteboarding, also known as kitesurfing, is an action-packed water sport that uses a large, steerable parachute-like kite to harness the wind and propel a rider across the water on a small board. In winter, the controllable traction kite is used to pull skiers and snowboarders across frozen lakes, ice, and snow-covered terrain, often making speeds of 30+ mph possible.

Why it matters

Kiteboarding has become a popular winter sport in Michigan, drawing enthusiasts from across the country to events like the annual Midwest Snow Kite Jam in Cadillac. The sport combines elements of surfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding, allowing riders to glide over water, jump high, and ride waves, even in the coldest months.

The details

The Midwest Snow Kite Jam, an annual event that has grown over the last 12 years, recently hosted roughly 60 kiteboarders from across Michigan and beyond, some traveling from as far south as the Florida Keys and as far west as Montana. The gathering included tailgate tents, warming shanties, and mobile saunas, welcoming both experts and newcomers interested in trying the sport before investing in equipment.

• The Midwest Snow Kite Jam took place this past weekend in Cadillac, Michigan.
• The event has been growing over the last 12 years.