Learn to Kitesurf: beginners with kite surf interest

Our school has put together key information for total beginners in kiteboarding which can be found below

Frequently Asked kite surf Questions (FAQ)

1) How many hours of lessons do I need before I can stand on the board?

This will be different for each individual. It is not unusual to get on the board and have a short ride after 10 hours of lessons. Extremely talented individuals with a strong background in a related sport may take just a few hours whereas others may be less fortunate and take more than 20 hours.

2) What equipment do I need?

To kitesurf you need a kitesurf kite (one with safety system and that can be relaunched from the water), a kiteboard and accessories (safety release system, harness, life jacket, wet suit, helmet, water shoes, etc.).

3) How difficult is it to learn?

Learning how to kitesurf is actually easier and takes less time than learning how to windsurf. However, the learning curve is much steeper. For example, one of the first kitesurfing moves you need to learn is water starting, which is a rather advanced technique in windsurfing.

4) Is kitesurfing safe?

There have been a few known fatal accidents while kitesurfing so for kitesurfing or any other disciplines of power kiting, safety has to be taken seriously. Safety is mostly in your own hands. Make sure you follow safety guidelines.

5) How much does kitesurfing cost?

A kitesurf board normally costs between €500 to €700 and a kitesurf kite normally costs between €700 to €1300 including lines and bar. A larger kite may cost more and smaller one may cost less. Usually the freedom on the water is free.

6) How can I learn to kitesurf?

You should learn kitesurfing from a reputable kitesurfing school.

7) I am a windsurfer. Is it hard to convert?

As a windsurfer, you already know how to have good balance on a board and know the "way of the wind". It should be easier for a windsurfer to learn kitesurfing than for an ordinary person. However, the learning curve is still pretty steep as you need more balancing act in kitesurfing not to mention doing that while controlling a nervous kite which tends to pull you out of your board. Once you get pass the beginner stage, you can progress faster in kitesurfing than in windsurfing.

8) Do I need to be the athletic type?

Not really, at least not to kitesurf non-professionally. Since you should normally use a harness, your body weight is more of a factor in how much kite power you can handle than your strength. You should be strong enough to unhook the kite from your harness when you need to, though (do a lot of pull up). Kitesurfing is not very aerobic - you don't quickly run out of breath like you do when running. The kite does most of the work. Muscle fatigue can wear you out, but as your skills improve it becomes less strenuous. For more answers to frequently asked questions: beginners in kiteboarding.

Links with more information: General information: [kite surf info 1] [kite surf info 2] [kite surf info 3]

Dictionary of kitesurfing terms: [Kitesurfing dictionary]