Intro
Learn to Kitesurf
Kitesurfing is an incredibly exciting, fast-growing watersport and one that all ages can enjoy.
Despite looking quite technical and difficult it is actually relatively easy to learn, especially when you are taught by professionals with the right equipment and in the right conditions!
Of course, the very nature of the sport means that you are hooked into a kite that has the potential to generate a lot of power, and so getting lessons is absolutely essential – Lessons may seem a little expensive initially, but booking onto a course means you’ll not only learn a lot more quickly, but avoid any painful and embarrassing mistakes along the way! Not only this but lessons are generally on a ratio of 4:1. The International Kiteboarding Organisation (IKO) has developed a syllabus that has seen thousands of people safely take to the water.
Unlike many sports, you can progress very quickly when learning to kitesurf and each time you go out you will improve.
Once the basic skills are mastered you won’t look back, every time the trees move you’ll be looking to book an impromptu board meeting!
How it works
Kitesurfing is best learned on a beginner kitesurfing course as part of a 7 night holiday to somewhere warm and windy!
Courses normally include 12 hours of tuition, taught over 3-4 days, depending on the location and the conditions. This works well as it allows you time to rest between teaching sessions, as well as relax and try other activities, or explore your destination.
Courses are normally taught in small groups of 4 people sharing 2 kites. You can go with a buddy, girlfriend, partner – or on your own. There will always be other kiters around to chat with over a beer after your day.
At the end of your course ask for your IKO card that shows the level that you have reached, signed off by your instructor. This is worth keeping hold of as it is a useful progression marker for when you take your next course, and if you want to rent kit in the future, you’ll need to provide this as proof of your ability.
If you have time at the end of your course, you can choose to add more tuition or hire kit to practice what you’ve learnt, subject to your instructor’s approval.
NB. In the UK, to kite at your local beach, there is a growing requirement to have 3rd party insurance, such as that offered with membership of the BKSA or the IKO.
What to do next?
Take a look at our our calendar to get an idea of where you can go when.
Take a look at the relevant destinations to see which ones you like the look of – don’t worry too much about the kitesurfing details at this stage.
Check the FAQs for answers to any other questions you might have.
Have a think about the type of accommodation you are looking for.
Give us a call on 01273 224069 to book a trip! We will give you informed advice to make sure we get you booked on the right course at the right resort, to suit what you’re looking for.
Get excited about learning to kitesurf!!
Lessons & Courses
Kitesurfing lessons & courses
Whether you’re just starting out, looking for coaching to progress to the next level or want to nail your next freestyle move then some tuition will help you reach your goals.
Teaching yourself to kitesurf these days really isn’t recommended – aside from the danger you pose to yourself and others, Kitesurf kit doesn’t come cheap – and a trashed kite will cost many times the cost of a beginners course. Treat your course as an investment, and you’ll not only learn a lot more quickly, but you’ll also know how to kite more safely in the future.
Waveriders staff are kitesurfers with personal experience of the destinations we offer, so making sure you are on the right course is what we do.
At each of our holiday destinations we have hand picked the kitesurfing centres to make sure you are kitesurfing from the best spot and get the best possible facilities and support. Each centre has a different personality, kite brands and beach conditions, so give us a call for the low down on each location and to find out whihc location is right for you.
If you have any particular questions about learning or the courses, please give Julius a call on 01273 224069.
Beginner courses
Your beginner course starts by teaching you the flying skills needed to keep you safe and in control of your kite. Once you are comfortable with the kite, you will move to the water and learn body-dragging and water-relaunching, before moving on to using the board and techniques for water-starting. The aim of a beginner course is to get you standing up on the board and riding a short distance.
Courses range from 6 -12 hours, depending on what you want to achieve, spread over a few days. Of course the speed at which you progress, depends on many things including wind conditions, water conditions, how quickly you learn to use the kite and your fitness level, so it is very difficult to say how long it will take for you to get up and riding.
We recommend taking at least a 10 hour course spread over 4 or 5 days. This works really well for a weeks holiday, giving you enough time to rest between sessions with the kite as well as just relaxing or doing other activities.
Many of our destinations are superb for learning to kitesurf, but it does depend on the time of year you want to go – so please take a look at our calendar to see when’s best to go where.
Progression courses
Our progression sessions are for those that are currently able to water-start, but not consistently, and kitesurf short distances. You will be looking to master upwind riding, slide transitions and controlled jumps.
Your course would normally start by recapping safety and water skills before moving onto IKO level 3 skills modules (see IKO Levels tab above). Options range from a standard 6 hour IKO level 3 course to a more bespoke programme that can include private coaching and supervised rental.
All our destinations are superb for progressing your kitesurfing skills, dependent on the time of year you are looking to travel – so please take a look at our calendar to see when’s best to go where.
Freerider courses
As a freerider your skills will vary, but you should be at least consistently upwind, landing controlled jumps, and attempting if not successfully completing back or front loops. You will be looking to advance your freestyle skills or wave ride.
At all of our centres we can arrange bespoke programmes to meet your aims. This might be a semi-private lesson, private lesson with video analysis, or simply kite service (storage and rescue service).
If you are looking to perfect your next freestyle move we do offer special trips such as our Jo Wilson Kitesurfing Clinic (Soma Bay in 2010) as well as specific courses such as our ‘Learn to Wave ride’ session in Fuerteventura. Please call for details – 01273 224069.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to a lesson?
The only thing you need to bring with you is your willingness to learn an exciting new sport. Other than that a few things you might want with you are a swimsuit or shorts if in warmer waters, a rash vest, sunscreen, water, and inexpensive sunglasses.
Do I need to have strong arms to kitesurf?
No, your waist or seat harness distributes the pull of the kite throughout your body.
Do I have to be in great shape to kitesurf?
No. Being in good shape will help but people of all shapes and sizes can enjoy the thrill of kitesurfing, however being able to swim and being comfortable in the water is mandatory. Please advise your instructor if you have allergies or medical conditions.
What happens after the course?
Once you have got the basics, you can then take trips to a wider range of destinations, building your skills as you go. Once you are a committed kiter, the world is your oyster! You can kitesurf in windy destinations all over the world.
What happens if there’s no wind or the wind is too strong?
In many locations alternative activities are available, if not then each centre has an independent no wind policy which may include a pro rata refund or a voucher for their shop.
When can I go?
Now! One of the great things about kitesurfing is that you can go at any time of year. Just give us a little notice and we will get you away to somewhere suitable with wind. With the popularity of kitesurfing at busy times it can be prudent to book sooner rather than later as flights and hotels in top spots get booked up quickly for peak periods.
How much does it cost?
It needn’t cost the earth, we will tailor your holiday to suit your needs and will always advise you on how to get the best deal available. A typical holiday in Egypt costs from about £449 per person including flights, transfers and accommodation. A 6 hr ‘learn to kitesurf’ course starts from £250.
Gear starts at about £1100 for a kite, board and essential equipment, but all of the kitesurfing centres we work with include the use of gear in their costs, so you don’t need to buy your own, or carry it with you. See the Buying Kit tab for more details.
What do I do next?
Call us on 01273 224 069!
Buying Kit
Buying your own kit
Once you have completed your kitesurfing course and are a competent kitesurfer, having passed up to IKO Level 3, it could be time to buy your own gear. New kites are so advanced that water relaunching is much easier, the wind range is bigger, total de-power is possible and the safety and emergency systems are spot on. Despite the expense, these kites will last you many years and give you a huge amount of fun.
There are 4 things you will need to invest in, which could cost you from £1,000 – £3,000 in total depending on the age and performance orientation of the kit:
Kites:
There are a variety of kites on the market to suit a range of riding styles. The new Delta kites are a perfect choice for intermediate and advanced riders as they are easy to relaunch, have more power for a given kite size and are totally depowerable. A 70 – 80 kg rider could have just one 10m kite that would give you a wind range of between 15 and 25 knots, or for maximum wind scope, a 9m and a 12 m – heavier riders may have to go for a 10 m and a 14 m. For your first kite, avoid C-kites (these are designed to provide constant power for advanced freestyle tricks) and stick to those with a lot of de-power. We recommend you speak to your local kite shop or school for advice. If you are looking to rent kit bear in mind that most kitesurfing centres will request your IKO card and ask you to demonstrate set up, launch and to travel out and back to the beach in control.
Board:
Again there are lots of boards on the market. Try to stick to a twin tip as opposed to surf board for your first buy – speak to your local kite shop and check out online reviews for more information. Try not to get seduced by smaller boards to start with – a 145cm board is ideal and will help you keep upwind as it will have more grip on the water and work properly at lower speeds.
Wetsuit & Harness:
If you are planning on kitesurfing in the UK, you will need a warm, comfortable wetsuit and booties. With harnesses, you can choose either a seat harness or a waist harness – most kitesurfers prefer to use a waist harness due to the freedom of movement that can be achieved.
IKO Levels
IKO Levels
Most courses follow, or are similar to, the levels established by the IKO (International Kiteboarding Organisation). These levels are set out below and can be used to assess your ability level and then choose an appropriate course.
Kiteboarder Level 1 on land (4-6 hours)
Level 1A
- Know safe wind directions and conditions for kiting
- Know hazards on a spot
- Set up a trainer kite
- Know the use of safety systems
Level 1B
- Have basic flying skills with trainer kite
- Launch and land the trainer kite with an assistant
- Twist and untwist the lines while flying the kite
- Walk and change directions while flying the kite
- Know the wind window
Level 1C
- Set-up a 4/5 line kite with a full de-power system
- Pre-flight check of equipment and settings
- In flight check of equipment and settings
- Understand and use the international communication signals
- Launch and land the kite to an assistant and as an assistant (4/5-line de-power kite)
Level 1D
- Control the kite hooked into the harness
- Understand the de-power system and can use the safety systems
- Advanced flying skills with the de-power kite
- Show full control of de-power systems in flight
Level 1E
- Pull quick release and activate leash
- Recover the bar and kite
- Self land
Kiteboarder Level 2 in the water (4-6 hours)
Level 2F
- Enter and exit the water independently and safely while controlling the kite
- Water re-launch the kite
- First body drag downwind
- Maintain correct kite position in the wind window
- Change direction to the left and right while body dragging
- Recover the kite and bar in the water
Level 2G
- Upwind body drag to recover board
- Upwind body drag holding the board with one hand
- Enter and exit at the same point while upwind body dragging
Level 2H
- Know the power stroke for a water-start
- Know the safety rules and theory for water-start
- Can put the board on the ft and maintain the correct position for water-start
Level 2I
- Water starts in both directions and ride a short distance
- Come to a controlled stop
- Understand weather forecast, tidal- and wind effects
- Determine the wind strength, direction and quality
- Know the right of way rules
- Know equipment set up and choice according to the weather conditions
Kiteboarder Level 3 (4-6 hours)
Level 3J
- Control the riding speed by edging
- Consistent riding in both directions
Level 3K
- Consistent riding in all directions including upwind
- Ride amongst other riders and water users and respect right of way rules
Level 3L
- Change of direction without stopping
- Self- rescue and full pack-down in the water
Level 3M
- Risk assessment and awareness of the riding area
- Self launch
Level 3N
- Make a toe side turn
- Knows the theory and the safety rules for jumping.
- Land a basic jump
