Learn To Kitesurf

Intro

Kitesurfing is an incredibly exciting, fast-growing watersport.

Imagine hearing the water gurgle beneath your board as you zoom across butter-smooth water, then silence as you launch yourself skyward, not forgetting the whoop of sheer exhilaration when you land!

Despite looking quite technical and difficult, kitesurfing is actually relatively easy to learn, especially when you are taught by professionals with the right equipment and in the right conditions!

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 done 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 happens 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!!

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 destintations 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 3J, 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 alike as they are easy to relaunch, have more power per 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, try to avoid C-kites and stick to those with a lot of de-power – beware of the EBay purchase, 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.

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.