So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of kitesurfing—awesome! If you’re anything like I was when I first started, you’re probably excited, a little nervous, and eager to get on the water. At the same time, you might be wondering if you really need to spend hundreds of dollars on kitesurfing lessons or if you can just shortcut the process and learn on your own—trust me, I get it! But let me break it to you: taking lessons is a must!
To help you get the most out of it, I’ve put together 5 crucial tips that will ensure your kitesurfing lessons become a success and set you up for smooth kiting.
1. Be Strategic About the Time and Place
Choosing the right spot and the right time to start kitesurfing is crucial, especially as a beginner. It’s not just about finding a windy beach—choosing a beginner-friendly location and starting at the right time of year can make a huge difference in your learning experience.
Location
As a beginner, you want a spot with consistent winds, calm, shallow waters, and space to practice. Here’s what you should look for:
Consistent Winds
Aim for moderate, steady winds around 12–20 knots. Anything stronger can make learning more difficult.
Flat or Shallow Water
Learning in shallow waters or lagoons is ideal for beginners. They offer calm conditions and make it easier to stand and practice without worrying about waves.
Space
Find a less crowded beach where you have plenty of room to fly your kite and practice without getting tangled up with others.
Research beginner-friendly spots near you or popular destinations like El Gouna in Egypt, Lo Stagnone in Italy, or Dakhla in Morocco. These places have ideal conditions for learning kitesurfing.
Timing: Start Early in the Season
Timing matters, too. It’s smart to start your kiteboarding lessons at the beginning of the season so you have time to practice regularly before the winds die down or the weather turns bad. Here’s why:
Time to Build Confidence
Kitesurfing takes time to master. Starting early gives you a whole season to improve your skills.
Consistent Winds
The start of the season often has the most reliable winds, which are perfect for beginners.
Momentum
The more frequently you practice, the faster you’ll progress. Starting early helps you keep up the momentum without long breaks between sessions.
I made the mistake of starting too late in the season, and just as I was getting comfortable, the weather changed, and I had to wait for months to jump back in. I then had to take a refresher course to get up to speed again.
Kitesurfing seasons vary by location—for instance, Brazil offers prime conditions from July to January, while Tarifa in Spain is best from May to October—due to differences in wind patterns and climate. I’ll cover the best times for different locations in a future blog post.
2. Find the Right Instructor
Why Certification is Essential
The most important thing you can do for your safety and progress is to take kiteboarding lessons with a certified instructor. Certified teachers are trained to guide you through kitesurfing properly, safely, and in a structured way. They understand the local conditions, explain techniques clearly, and help you avoid common beginner mistakes that could slow your progress—or worse, put you in danger.
By choosing a certified instructor, you’re ensuring they follow industry standards for safety and instruction. Instructors certified by organizations like the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) are trained to handle a wide range of situations and teach in a way that will help you build your skills effectively. They can also certify what you’ve learned, which enables you to rent gear at different locations once you become independent.
A quick word of warning: In some tourist hotspots, scams are common. Some schools claim to be IKO-certified but aren’t. I’ve encountered this firsthand in Cancún and Zanzibar. Always double-check their credentials on the IKO website or ask for proof. Don’t risk your safety or waste your money on unqualified instructors!
Why the Right Vibe with Your Instructor is Important
Beyond certification, feeling comfortable with your instructor is equally important. You want someone who is patient, encouraging, and good at explaining things in a way that makes sense to you. The right instructor will make you feel confident and supported, while the wrong one could leave you feeling frustrated.
Over the years, I’ve had several instructors, and while I’ve learned something from all of them, some were clearly a better match for me than others. For example, one instructor was super knowledgeable but not the best communicator, which left me feeling more confused with each lesson. When I found an instructor who was patient and explained things in a way that clicked, my progress skyrocketed—and I had way more fun!
There’s no magical formula here. What worked for me might not work for you, so it’s important to vet your instructor for compatibility from the start. And don’t be afraid to ask for a different instructor if necessary—it’s your money and your learning experience!
3. Pick Your Type of Lessons: Group, Private, or Packages?
When it comes to kitesurfing lessons, you’ve got a few different options, depending on your goals, budget, and learning style. To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of the various lesson types and which might be the best fit for you.
Group Lessons
Best for: Beginners on a budget or those who want to test the waters.
Group lessons are usually the most affordable option. You’ll be learning alongside a small group of other students, usually 2-3 people in total. However, since the instructor’s attention is split among the group, your progress might be a bit slower compared to private lessons.
Pros:
- More affordable than private lessons.
- Great for getting familiar with the basics and figuring out if the sport is for you.
Cons:
- Less individual attention.
- Progress might be slower.
Private Lessons
Best for: Those who want to progress quickly or need personalized attention.
Private lessons give you one-on-one time with the instructor, allowing them to tailor the lesson specifically to your needs and pace. This is ideal if you’re serious about maximizing your time on the water and want faster progress.
Pros:
- Full attention from the instructor.
- Lessons are customized to your pace and goals.
- Faster progression.
Cons:
- More expensive than group lessons.
- Fewer opportunities for social interaction.
Packages & Kite Vacations
Best for: Dedicated learners or those wanting to combine learning with a vacation.
Some kitesurfing schools offer lesson packages, which can be a cost-effective way to get multiple lessons if you’re serious about improving. You can also find kitesurfing lessons vacation packages, which are great if you want to immerse yourself in the sport for several days. These packages often include accommodation and access to top kite spots, making it a fun and intensive way to learn.
Pros:
- More cost-effective if you’re taking multiple lessons.
- Great for progressing quickly.
- A fun way to combine learning with travel.
Cons:
- Requires a larger upfront commitment.
- Can be overwhelming for complete beginners.
Which One is Right for You?
Personally, I found that booking a package of consecutive lessons over a few days worked best. I’m the type who likes to make steady progress without too many gaps between sessions. I had my breakthrough moment during an 8-day kite vacation in El Gouna, Egypt. Practicing consistently for 6 days in a row helped me develop muscle memory and build on what I had learned the previous day. This was crucial in solidifying the basics.
But that’s just me. If you’re not sure how committed you are yet and just want to dip your toes into the sport, group lessons might be a better way to get a feel for it. On the other hand, if you’re eager to progress but aren’t ready to commit to a full package, booking individual lessons could be a good middle ground. Ultimately, it all comes down to your goals and how quickly you want to learn.
4. Manage Your Expectations
Land Training is Key
You might be eager to jump straight into the water, but here’s a reality check: you’ll likely spend a good chunk of your first kiteboarding lessons on land. And trust me, that’s a good thing! Before you can ride the board, you need to get comfortable controlling the kite. Kite control is 80% of the game in the beginning stages. Learning to handle it on land gives you a safe, controlled environment to understand how the wind affects the kite and how to steer it.
During the land portion of your lesson, you’ll learn:
- Kite Setup: How to rig your kite, attach lines, and check your safety systems.
- Wind Awareness: How wind direction affects kite movement.
- Basic Kite Control: Steering and managing the kite’s power without getting dragged all over the place.
Mastering these basics on land will save you a lot of frustration later and allow you to focus on riding the board when you hit the water. I remember feeling antsy during my first lesson, thinking, “When do I get in the water?” But once I got out there, I was so grateful I had taken the time to nail kite control on land.
Expect to Fall… A Lot
Let’s be honest—you’re going to fall, a lot. Kitesurfing has a steep learning curve, and you’re juggling a lot of new skills at once: balancing on the board, controlling the kite, and responding to the wind. You’ll wipe out, but every fall is a learning opportunity. Embrace it!
When I first tried water starts, I face-planted so many times that I started to wonder if I’d ever get it. But each time I fell, I learned a little more about balance and kite control. Eventually, those short rides on the board turned into longer glides, and it felt amazing. Just remember, everyone starts as a beginner, and falling is part of the process.
5. Prepare Ahead of Time: Basic Knowledge Will Boost Your Confidence
Why a Little Homework Pays Off
One of the best ways to maximize your kitesurfing lessons is to come prepared with some basic knowledge. If you already understand the fundamentals, you won’t be overwhelmed by information during the lesson. This frees up mental space to focus on actually doing rather than just absorbing. I usually prepare for everything, but in this case, I wish I had done even more research before starting.
Before your lesson, familiarize yourself with these key concepts:
- Wind Directions: Know which wind directions are safest for beginners. Side-onshore winds are generally ideal.
- Wind Window: Learn about the kite’s wind window, where it flies, and how positioning affects its power.
- Kite Setup: Understand how to rig a kite and attach lines. The more familiar you are with the gear, the more confident you will be, and the smoother the lesson will go.
My Pre-Lesson Prep
Before my first lesson, I did a little research on wind directions and kite control. It made all the difference. When my instructor talked about the wind window and safe kite positions, I already had a basic idea of what he meant, so I could focus more on practicing. It definitely took some of the pressure off, and I felt much more confident going into the lesson.
On that note: I’m currently working on a comprehensive guide to help you prepare and max out on your lessons. Stay tuned!
Final Thoughts
Starting kitesurfing is an exciting adventure, and being well-prepared will make your first lesson even more enjoyable. By choosing a certified instructor you vibe with, picking the right lesson format, being strategic about your location and timing, managing your expectations about land training and falling, and doing a little prep work ahead of time, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Remember, kitesurfing has a learning curve, but with the right mindset and preparation, you’ll be gliding across the water in no time.