Cirque Belgique: Belgian Snow, Skate, Surf Extravaganza. Szymon Stachon at the 2009 Quiksilver skateboard Super Bowl, “A Day In The Life” with snowboarder David Doom, surfer Jamie O’Brien, and Hadlow kiteboarding.

Produced by Cirque Belgique

Snow-kiting Grand Valley, CO

Jeff Kafka, Bay Area entrepreneur and big wave rider, has spent the last five years introducing local adrenaline junkies to the growing sport of kite-surfing (small surfboards or wakeboards attached to kites) as part of his Wind Over Water adventure business. Maybe it was inevitable, but the next opportunity has him pointed towards the snowy hills of Utah’s Skyline Ridge and the winter progression of his sport: snow-kiting.

“To make the expansion work, Mr. Kafka is relying on one big asset: his loyal following of Bay Area pupils, some of who want to keep riding in the winter and are committed enough to spend money flying to Utah…” writes Jessica Vascellaro of The Wall Street Journal.

“Mr. Kafka’s plans show how some Bay Area businesses have been able to parlay their local connections to grow, despite the weak economy. Even as many businesses have shrunk, Mr. Kafka is working on a $1.2 million snow-kiting accommodation and activities lodge in Fairview, Utah.”

photo credit: GrandValley-Dave