Arctic Wind Riders. Feel the empowerment on-the-land.

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The Arctic Wind Riders smile! Easier to get than you think ...
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Get the instructions from a trained instructor. Eepa Qappik, a kite ski instructor from Pangnirtung, assisting a student during an initiation class. Igllolik, Nunavut

... First, get the proper instructions, "In less than an hour, you'll be crossing the bay" ...
Igloolik, Nunavut

... then, get used to the kites ...
Kimmirut, Nunavut

... It doesn't take long to get the hang off-it ...
Kimmirut, Nunavut

... your teacher will want to feel the breeze too ...
Igloolik, Nunavut

... a local guide/hunter may assist you ...
Kimmirut, Nunavut

... soon it will make you feel like you want to fly.

... soon, you'll feel like you want to fly ...
Grise Fjord, Nunavut

... get on skis to start to navigate the wind... The radio animator gives it a try in Whale-Cove Nunavut

... get on skis, and start to navigate the wind ...
Whale Cove, Nunavut

... it won't take long for you to cross the bay and have a happy smile. The Smile you can't stop shining

... in no time you will be crossing the bay, .... and showing a large smile ...
Whale Cove, Nunavut

... a real smile... The Smile you can't stop shining when you get to master the wind ...
Kangirsuk, Nunavik

... once you get it, it rides like a bicycle... Noah from Kimmirut, in Iqaluit Nunavut.

... once you get it... It happens each time you go back out ...
Iqaluit Nunavut.

...You'll enjoy the moment even in heavy gusty winds. Inukjuak, Nunaviks. Inukjuak, Nunavik

... You may even start to enjoy powerful and gusty winds ...
Inukjuak, Nunavik.

.... riders from many communities share the same spirit, ... Puvirnituq, Nunavik

... and maybe, meet riders from other communities who share the same spirit ...
Puvirnituq, Nunavik

... you may want to become a kite ski instructor ... Iqaluit Nunavut

... you may want to become a kite ski instructor and a racer ...
Iqaluit Nunavut

... on the weekend, you can now have fun sharing your passion with the family ... Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

... on the weekend, you can have fun sharing your passion with the family ...
Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

... get the dog out for a ride ...
Kangirsuk, Nunavik

... or peacefully ride the bay.
Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

It's all about being in symbiosis with the land.
The smile comes naturally

The Arctic Wind Riders program introduces kite skiing as a new way for youth to get out on the land and get physically active. It provides a new level of freedom to travel the territory and opens up various development opportunities for participating youth and communities. From local initiation camps, regional championships, and instructor training, to local ecotourism opportunities, the program aims to support individual personal growth and local development.

Whether it's the joy of discovering the control of wind energy, having fun with friends, racing and pushing its own limits, exploring in silence, or just watching the colorful spectacle kites provide, the Arctic Wind Riders program creates smiles, wherever it goes.

The objectives of the program:

Introduce kite skiing, a new vehicle to ride the wind on sea ice, tundra, and mountains.
Develop local skills to empower youth to share their knowledge with others and/or ride at a competitive level.
Provide technical and leadership development opportunities locally and regionally,
Build capacity in communities with expertise and specialized equipment
Organize a regional championship with stakeholders for an annual gathering
Create opportunities for closer ties between experienced hunters and young people to encourage knowledge transfer
Create new employment opportunities for young people and a new eco-tourism attraction in their community

Feeling the wind power and learning to mange it is naturally empowering activity

Discovering wind power, and mastering the kite. An empowering experience to share.
Kangiqsujuaq Nunavik

Teaching your daughter the basics of sailing, which you just acquired.
Kimmirut, Nunavut

Rita Lucy, a local hockey player, learned to kite-ski in the morning and participated to all the events of the Championship which took place in her community. Inukjuak, Nunavik

A young blind student learns to feel the wind in the sail, assisted by a class friend during an initiation. Qikiqtarjuaq Nunavut

Assisted by a class friend during an initiation, a young blind student learns to feel the wind with the kite.
Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut

Eze Saggiaq and Peter Qissiq, focus on their evening ski descent. Kangiqsujuaq Nunavut

Eze Saggiaq and Peter Qissiq, all charged up after their climbing, focus on their evening ski descent. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavut

A young student in symbiosis with the elements in front of Beloeil Island and Mount Herodier near Pond Inlet, Nunavut.

A young student in symbiosis with the elements in front of Beloeil Island and Mount Herodier.
Pond Inlet, Nunavut.

Pangnirtung kite-ski Instructor Alex Killabuk demonstrates Olympic torch carrying during an initiation.
Pond-Inlet, Nunavut.

Through collaboration with the community hamlet the school and the Landholding Corporation, the clubhouse makes a big difference in the development of our local skills.

With the collaboration of the community hamlet, the school, and the Landholding Corporation, the clubhouse makes a big difference in the development of our local skills. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik.

Regional Championships are strong motivational events for participants. AWR riders and team during a regional championship.
Kujjuaq, Nunavik

A young student during her initiation and training to become the first kite-ski instructor in Nunavik,
Kangirsuk, Nunavik.

Supporting "For Youth by Youth" initiatives

The Arctic Wind Riders (AWR) program is a group project that supports "For Youth by Youth" activities in the community and works with local and regional recreation departments, the provincial and national youth engagement movement for the development of recreational activities, and competitive sports. Our local community Initiatives and clubs are often supported by suicide and crime prevention organizations. The Arctic Wind Rider program promoted Participation programs in Nunavut from 2008 to 2012, including the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

Video : Short flight over some participating communities

Action is building up in front of Kangiqsujuaq kite ski club house. Nunavut

Leaving the school for the initiation on the bay.
Pond Inlet, Nunavut.

A group of youngsters eager to play with the colorful kites. Kimmirut, Nunavut.

Initiation clinic with a group of students, Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

A very disciplined group learning the basics. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

First time feeling the kite,
Kimmirut Nunavut

People gather down on the bay as the students begin their initiation

As students begin their initiation, more people gather on the bay.
Igloolik, Nunavut

Eepa an instructor from Pangirtung assistingg a student.

Getting the hang of it. Qikiktarjuaq Nunavut

Getting the hang of it!
Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut

Initiations attract a many youth, some that are to smal to use the kite, this year..

Initiations attract many youths, some that are too young to use the kite this year but will be ready next year ...

Community members are welcome on the ice and often bring; tea, bannick, and maktak to share with the young participants. Kangirsuk, Nunavik

Community members join on the ice to share arctic char and maktak.
Kangirsuk, Nunavik

Now with the skis for the first time.
Igloolik Nunavut

Members of the community join in and share some stories.
Kangirsuk, Nunavik

Joining a group of hunters and locals for a traditional gathering during a QIA annual youth conference.
Igloolik, Nunavut

t the end of an initiation period, leaning against the wind in front of Beloiel Island and mont Herodier

Leaning against the wind in front of Beloiel Island and Mont Herodier.
Pond Inlet, Nunavut

Explosion of colors and energy on the bay,

The week-long initiation to ski traction camps in the communities for everyone where participants learn all the basics to get autonomous with kites and skis. Initiation camps are organized with the school and hamlet. A calendar is scheduled with teachers sometimes in 4 periods of 2 hours for groups of 10 students depending on groups, location, weather, and wind conditions. Initiations during and after dinner and over the weekend enable adults and the working community to participate. The formula often includes a program coordinator/instructor, accompanied by one or two instructors from participating communities.

The initiation camps are carried out during the creation of a club, to kick-start the spring season, or in support of an event. In addition to assisting the local club, the objective is to train two to three (2-4) emerging participants as instructors to ensure the expertise is carried on in the community.

Creating a new dynamic in the community

Through its daily initiation camp activities, AWR promotes a healthy and active lifestyle among young people. Demonstrations and races are enjoyed by playful minds of all ages. Community members are welcome on the ice and often bring; tea, bannick, and maktak to share with the young participants. They particularly appreciate the display of colorful energy and its positive impact on the whole community. Video of initiation camps: Whale Cove, Igloolik. Quikiqtarjuaq, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, Grise Fiord.

Alex Killabuk Kite-Skiing Instructor from Pangnirtung, initiates a young student in Resolute Bay, Nunavut

Instructors prepare their kites

Learning kite trimming and adjustments

Three proud kite-ski instructors, Wayne Putulik, Luke Kabluna from Whale Cove, Nunavut and Eze Saggiaq, Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Eze Saggiaq explaining to the CBC North host, his involvement as an instructor in the Arctic Wind Riders program, and here as a competitor during the kite ski championships in Iqaluit Nunavut.

Nathalie Echalottt, a local worker, member of the Canadian Rangers, and a very involved kite ski instructor in Inukjuak, Nunavik

The competitors, all instructors, participate in a ski maintenance clinic led by Eepa Quappik, an instructor from Pangnirtung, during the Nunavik Kite Ski Championships in Inujuak.

Minnie Annahatak, after crossing Payne River for the first time by kite-ski. Kangirsuk, Nunavik

Minnie Annahatak, after crossing 5 km wide Payne River for the first time by kite-ski. Kangirsuk, Nunavik. Click on image to watch video

The competitors, all instructors, participate in a ski maintenance clinic led by Eepa Quappik, an instructor from Pangnirtung, during the Nunavik Kite Ski Championships in Inujuak.

The competitors, all instructors, participate in a ski maintenance clinic led by Jobie , an instructor from Kangiqsualujauq ,during the Nunavik Kite Ski Championships in Inujuak.

Aulla Qaunnaluk from Ivujivik, an instructor very involved in his community, receiving the prize for the participant who made the most progress during the championships taking place in Inukjuak, Nunavik

Some dynamic kite-ski instructors from the Arctic Wind Riders program

get the chance to deepen their alpine skiing techniques in the Laurentians. Saint Sauveur

No wind on Lac des Deux Montagnes, a group of kite-ski instructors during a training camp, get the chance to deepen their alpine skiing techniques in the Laurentians. Saint Sauveur, Quebec.

Nunavik Instructors during a training camp on Lac des Deux Montagnes. Saint Placide, Quebec. Nathalie Echalook(1) and Qumangu Ningiuk (3) from Inukjuak with Traugott Annack (2) and Jobie Unaweenuk (4) from Kangiqsualujuaq.

Leadership development opportunity

The instructor program particularly reaches young people aged 14 to 25, dropouts or better students, but who often have acquired the expertise of hunting and fishing with their family and are used to being outdoors in winter. They are often the first to get involved locally and to want to share with others their passion but also their knowledge of the ice, the tides, the local fauna, and the best practice sites. By sharing their passion for this new sport, they develop leadership skills and become an active and productive part of their community.

Traveling with hands-on experiences

During our exciting initiation camps, enthusiastic facilitators emerge and receive valuable training advice from instructors. They have the opportunity to become certified instructors by attending our annual instructor clinic at the beginning of the season. Those most involved locally are invited as an instructor to co-lead initiation camps with a senior instructor in other communities where they continue to develop their skills in leadership and in the sport itself.

Participants land their kites near the club's house on the beach in front of Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Participants land their kites on the beach near the kite-ski clubhouse in front of Kangiqsujuaq village, Nunavik.

Young people arrive to pick up their equipment at the tent which serves as a place to put on their ski boots, helmet and harness. Kimmirut. Nunavut

Arrival of the equipment on the ice. Often equipment is kept dry and warm in the school gym or arena. Kimmirut, Nunavut

A meeting with local leaders, teachers and tour guides in preparation for the upcoming activity week..Kimmirut, Nunavut

In the beginning, training in the gym is a must to fully understand the construction and operation of sails. Umuijaq, Nunavik

The following year some communities use a traditional tent on the ice. Kimmirut, Nunavik.

Attached through the ice, a tent is very weather resistant and heats up quickly. Kangirsuk, Nunavik.

Alec Kudluck involved since the launch of the first kite ski club in his village in 2006. Kangirsuk, Nunavik.

A clubhouse to keep the equipment and to be able to change out of the wind makes a big difference in the development of local skills.

With the collaboration of the community hamlet, the school, and the Landholding Corporation, the clubhouse makes a big difference in local skills development.

There is more action in a club where the recreational director is involved. George Pillurtuut draws some young people who also want to take advantage of this beautiful energy. Kangiqsujuaq Nunavik

Young people play late with the kites during the launch of the club in Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Local capacity development

It is here that care is organized, the acquisition of expertise and sports equipment, and weekly programs of supervised activities for the season are organized. Depending on the region, favorable conditions with safe snow and ice stretch between November and May. The club's equipment needs are planned mounts ahead to ensure delivery before the scheduled initiation camp. At the end of the week, with the collaboration of the recreation department, we organize a work schedule and a budget so that the new kite-ski instructors can continue the accompaniment for the rest of the season.

Regional impact

Since 2006 the Arctic Wind Riders program has been introduced in twenty-six (26) northern communities in Canada, mainly in Nunavik and Nunavut. The initiation camps alone have reached some 3,500 students and young adults. All participating communities have developed technical and leadership skills by training two to four (2-4) instructors and have sufficient equipment to provide training and supervised practices in their community.

In Nunavik, the Kativik Regional Administration (KRG) has been managing the program with the communities since 2012. It offers support for the development of the local kite ski club with the supervision of a regional coordinator, equipment sports, and part-time salaries for local instructors who assist their Recreation Coordinator with recreational, after-school, and weekend activities.

Sandy Haukai from Kangirsuk flying out of the first gate during a long-distance race. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Racers battle 25 knot winds on Hudson Bay near Inukjuak, Nunavik.

Runners prepare their equipment for the next kite-ski race. Iqaluit, Nunavut

Before the start, with the safe position used to make group stops. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

A start with the classic roster. Iqaluit, Nunavut

The first kite ski championship takes place across the Payne River in front of Kangirsuk Nunavik.

Veterans and young rookies pose in front of the clubhouse after completing three races in a row. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Veterans and young rookies resting in front of the clubhouse after completing three races in a row. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Runners in the distance on Frobisher Bay, the majority with their canopies in storm mode, during a long distance race in front of Iqaluit Nunavut.

A moment of relaxation before the afternoon races. Iqaluit, Nunavut

The icy conditions with strong winds offer quite a challenge to the participants. Inukjuak. Nunavik

Competitions, even in deep powder. Kangiqsujuaq Nunavik

In relax mode before the next race. During a day of races, with good wind conditions and a nice surface, runners can do 5 to 7 races of 2 to 10 km each. A very physical experience! Puvirnituk, Nunavik

Tommy Sakkualuk with the Arctic Wind Rider's smile. Inukjuak, Nunavik

Sharpening and waxing clinic during championships. Inukjuak, Nunavik

Four representatives from Nunavik are participating in the Quebec Championships in Saint-Placide. Sandy Haukai and Alec Kudluk from Kangirsuk, and Peter Qissiq and Tommy Tuniq from Kangiqsujuaq.

Energy to spare with this talented and friendly cohort of Arctic Wind Riders. Kangiqsujuaq Nunavik

The participants in the gym before the presentation of the results and the award ceremony. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Awards. Guy Laflamme, the founder of the AWR program, presents Raymond Koneac

Awards. Guy Laflamme, Arctic Wind Riders program founder, presents Raymond Ningeocheak from Kuujjuarapik, with the prize for the participant who has demonstrated the most progress. Peter Arngaq mc. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Participants sign the official banner of the Nunavik Kite-ski Championship. Kanqiqsujuaq, Nunavik

The participants and the whole team during the kite-ski championships in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik

The event of the Arctic Wind Riders

The Inuit are known to be very competitive in hockey, and now in Kite-skiing too. The Arctic Wind Riders Championship is the most anticipated moment for instructors and the most competitive of the great family of "Inuit riders". it's an opportunity to meet other instructors from remote communities during a week of competitions. During this event, participants engage their competitive spirit and share their passion and it's a chance to develop new friendships, challenge their own limits, and deepen their knowledge through on-site training clinics. Participants are aged thirteen and over.

Specialized clinics and practical workshops

Kite maintenance, kite safety configurations, and the importance of having a safe approach. Clinics also cover ski sharpening, waxing, and binding adjustments. During the championships, the teaching techniques are also practiced with young people from the local school and adults who come down to the bay to observe the activity, following an invitation on the airwaves of the local radio. Since 2007, 9 championships have been organized including Kangirsuk, 2008, Iqaluit 2009, Kuujjuaq 2010, Inukjuaq 2014, Puvirnituq 2016 et Kangiqsujuaq 2012-13-15-18.

Post event video : Iqaluit Championship Kuujjuaq Championship

Answering local youth needs

Kite-ski being practiced on the wide open bays, we often interact with passing-by hunters, who happen to like this new outdoor activity. In some communities we have to be escorted by guides/hunters to protect the kids from polar bears spotted close by, so they become part of the activities. Since many young do not get the opportunity to get out on the land while others are just hooked up to their mobile, we collaborate with community hamlets, schools, and social services to coordinate projects bringing together experienced hunters and young people to share knowledge specific to their territory, ice, winds, and wildlife but also the opportunity to learn other traditional techniques and knowledge specific to the local Inuit culture.

Creating rich learning experiences on the land

In 2019, with Kangisujuaq Hamlet, Landholding Corporation, Arsaniq school, social services, and local hunters, we planned a five-day excursion filled with on-the-land activities for nine young people, four girls, and five boys. Beginning with a 100km travel to a well-known fishing and hunting ground, participants had the opportunity to participate in igloo building, ptarmigan hunting, under-the-ice net fishing, preparing char and ptarmigan meals, visiting seal & goose hunting islands, combined with dog sledding, kite-skiing, downhill skiing, and fat-bike.

PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

Eepa Qappik carving downhill in Pangnirtung-1

Eepa Qappiq, carving in perfect balance, without poles, in an improvised slalom course, during his 1st day of training. Pangnirtung, Nunavut

Entrainement de ski alpin Pangnirtung, Nunavut

En préparation pour une démonstration de techniques de ski alpin. Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut

Un étudiant applique les techniques de ski aplin dans un tracé de slalom. Igloolik, Nunavut

Peter et Eze en descente vers le lac. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Deux jeunes étudiantes lors d'un entrainement de ski alpin. Pangnirtung, Nunavut

Un groupe d'étudiants finalise la monté du glacier près de Grise Fiord, Nunavut

Le gracier près de Grise Fjord. À Grise Fjord, le glacier a perdu plus de 55 % de sa superficie entre 1960 et 2016. "ICI Grand Nord" - Une fonte sans précédent. (cliquez sur l'image pour consulter l'article.)

Un groupe de jeunes pratique par imitation les principes de base du ski alpin lors de leur 1 ère descente sur le glacier. Grise Fjord, Nunavut

Une remonté énergisante Inukjuaq, Nunavik

Alex Kilabuk carve comme un pro dans le tracé Pangnirtung Québec

Alex Kilabuk carve comme un pro dans le tracé de slalom lors de notre 3 ème sortie en soirée. Pangnirtung Québec

Alex Kilabuk carvant devant l'entrée du parc national Auyuittuq, Pangnirtung Nunavut

Ideal conditions

During our visits to the communities, we strive to maximize the opportunities to learn and to remain active outside. Since the equipment for traction skiing requires boots and downhill skis, or even a snowboard, and since many communities have a favorable environment, the initiation to downhill skiing becomes natural, even a must in some communities. Much appreciated by young people, this activity also attracts many enthusiastic adults. In spring, with the presence of the sun until 10h-11h PM depending on the region, the practice of downhill skiing continues after supper.

Talent to spare

Although alpine skiing is practiced when the wind is insufficient for the use of kites, many have acquired a remarkable level in a short time. Over the years, we have noticed that young Inuit demonstrate impressive athletic abilities to perform as high-level athletes from day one, whether in kite skiing or alpine skiing. Video : Pangnirtung, Grise Fiord, Igloolik

In front of one of the glaciers of Bylot Island east of Pond Inlet. Nunavut

Within walking distance of the two hotels, an immensity of ice and snow where tradition and modernity meet. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Evening outing. Pamgnirtung, Nunavut

KIte skiing in the mountains around Soper Lake, Kimmirut Nunavut

After a nice snowfall in the Fjord near Kimmirut, Nunavut.

We perceive the end of the ice in the Fjord. Kimmirut. Nunavut

You can see the edge of the pack ice (floe edge) in the distance. Kimmirut, Nunavut

Arrived at the floe edge, it's time to turn back. Kimmirut. Nunavut

More than 15 km away, Bylot island exposes its peaks of 2000 m. Pond Inlet, Nunavut.

Majestic territories to discover

To explore the Arctic, traction kites and skis are the vehicles of choice for environmentally conscious travelers. Light and powerful, they color the present moment and leave no prints. Up north, exotic opportunities can be found simply in front of the community where the bay quickly leads to a fjord or on sea ice. Browse the pictures from some of our favorite spots.

Opportunities for kite-ski instructors

Apart from working with Hamlet recreation services and with the school, kite-ski instructors have the opportunity to offer their service to visitors, workers coming up for a few weeks, the school, and local residents. We offer support to local instructors to communicate their offer and organize their operation in collaboration with local Hamlet and economic development.

Exploring a unique section of the park near the canyons of the Puvirnituq River, Pingualuit, Nunavik Parks

After supper, in the mountains for a descent in downhill skiing, in front of the entrance to Parc des Pingualuit. Kangirsujuaq, Nunavik.

Before going downhill skiing, in front of the entrance to the Pingualuit Park. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik.

Map of the route to the Pingualuit crater, Nunavik Parks

Meditate towards infinity. Nunavik Park

Along the route, Stock up on Arctic char

Along the route, between each camp, the guides take the opportunity to stock up on arctic char. Several are eaten the same evening by the group. Nunavik Park

Arrival at the top of the Pingualuit crater where nature offers us a superb solar halo or parhelion, locally called "sundog". Nunavik Park

Skiing the Pingualuit crater, Nunavik Park

From the main camp near the crater towards the Puvirnituq River. Nunavik Park

A warming tea and dried caribou stop. Nunavik Park.

Skiing in the valleys and gorges. Nunavik Park

Local expertise is essential for mussel fishing. Identifying the sector, choosing the right ice cream and the right place to make your mark is traditional knowledge.

Local expertise is essential for mussel fishing.
Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

George Pillurtut, one of the main supporters of the program since its inception. Kangiqsujuaq Nunavik

George Pillurtut, guide, kite ski instructor, and one of the main supporters of the program since its inception. Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik

Expanding the eco-tourism offer

In 2014, the first expedition to the crater made it possible to equip the facilities of the Park near the crater with kite skis and alpine skis to test the possibilities of the sector and allow young students and tourists who frequent it to practice these new activities.

Exploring, skiing in the crater, and discovering local culture

In 2018, a small group excursion to Pinqualuit Park gives an idea of what you can find. Kite skiing back from the crater to Kangiqsujuaq over 4 days with wind conditions ranging from 10 to 40 knots, alpine descents in the crater, and various gorges along the way. Travels are always punctuated by stops to warm up, and for visitors, a unique chance to taste traditional food. Arctic char fishing is ubiquitous along the route. Mussel fishing under the ice, a local delicacy that can be found just off the village, is accessible only with seasoned local guides.

ARCTIC WIND RIDERS

THROUGH SPORTS, NATURE, AND LOCAL ENERGY,
FEEL THE EMPOWERMENT ON-THE-LAND