Switchblade

About the Original Switchblade kit

The Switchblade Kit comes ready to mount and retrofits to any snowboard making it ready to ride on Ice. Kiteboarding on ice with the Switchblade is a smooth ride that feels very similar to kiting on snow or water. Having control and traction while ice kiting makes these conditions much more manageable.

Designed and engineered by kiteboarder Todd Hanson in the early 2000's. Todd then started producing and distributing the Original Switchblade Kit locally as well as across the Northern Hemisphere. Utilizing durable materials resistant to corrosion all while keeping the total weight to a minimum the Switchblade is made to perform and last a lifetime.

The Switchblade is a great tool for filling the gap between the summer and winter seasons, riding through mild winters and getting out in very light wind, all allowing more kite-able days per year as well as becoming a whole new discipline of Kiteboarding offering a unique and exhilarating way to ride behind a power kite.

Switchblade How-to Videos

How to rig, launch and ride on ice:

How to mount, sharpen and maintain Switchblade kit:

Switchblade Kiteboarding Videos

More Switchblade Kiteboarding Videos

Toeside riding

Mount a second blade to your board to allow fluid rail to rail carves and transitions.

Made in the USA

The original Switchblade Kit is 100% made in house here in central Minnesota using our Hytek Tools CNC fiber lasers and routers. 

Straight from our factory to you we ship our products across the Globe.

Apply for distribution here

Worldwide Switchblade riders 2018-Present:

Testimonials

"Ice conditions are always dicey with a snowboard. I invested in a Switchblade years ago and it's a huge session saver. Was out today and had a blast."

John D

"The feel of riding the Switchblade came instinctively and quick. It handled the transition from ice to snow very well regardless of what speed you hit it. This is a great device."

Mike B

"I'm on my first winter with a Switchblade after using a regular snowboard on frozen lakes. It has opened up my riding options beyond good snow cover."

Dee E

"The Switchblade works wonders, I’ve been using it for many years. A very usable piece of workmanship for snowboard kiting on winter ice. Easy to install and user friendly in all conditions. Under the perfect conditions there is very little more exciting and exhilarating."

Roland R

"I put a Switchblade on my board and it's awesome! Never lose an edge when you hit the icy spots! I haven't used the sharpener and the blade has plenty of edge after 2 seasons."

Scott B

FAQ

• Kite Size?

Having such little resistance allows kiting in very low wind speed. Going faster relative to the wind gives your kite more apparent wind. We suggest rigging a couple square meters smaller than you would while snowkiting or kitesurfing.

• Wind Speed?

Similar to a Hydrofoil on water very little power is needed to ride on ice. If you can keep your kite in the air you can ride the Switchblade. Once you get yourself moving across the wind you will be able to lean into your harness and ride upwind properly.

• Upwind riding?

The Switchblade allows very steep upwind angles giving you more area to ride and more potential for speed. It is important to bring your shoulders back when going upwind, the Switchblade allows you to trust your edge where a normal snowboard would slip out.

• Toeside riding?

Mount a second blade to your board for toeside riding. Having another blade gives you more options for heel to toe or toe to heel transitions and carves. Going toeside can also ease the pressure on your legs while doing endurance races.

• Racing?

Be prepared for all conditions on competition day. The Ice kiting kit has seen multiple wins at snowkite races and competitions across North America. Set personal speed records. Track your session with gps trackers to push your top speeds. Get more early season days on the ice to work on speed and endurance.

Switchblade assisted Contest/Race Results