How to learn kitesurfing: Tips for beginners

Si estás leyendo esto, es más que probable que hayas decidido que quieres aprender a hacer kitesurf. 

Aun así, es muy probable que todavía tengas algunas preguntas sobre cómo empezar. El Kitesurfing o también llamado Kiteboarding o Flysurfing es un deporte extremo en el que eres literalmente impulsado por las fuerzas de la naturaleza que son el viento y el agua. Navegar es una sensación de poder, pero de humildad, que puede enseñarte mucho.

But how do you get started? How many kite classes do you need to take until you can be riding like your favourite pros? Do you even need lessons?

Even if you don’t want to hear it, the answer is that even if you don’t need to take lessons, you definitely should take lessons. 

What is kitesurfing?

Podríamos decir que el kitesurf está catalogado como un deporte de riesgo acuático, ya que se dispara la adrenalina. Los materiales que necesitas en el kitesurf son: una tabla y una cometa que vuela y te impulsa con el aire. Además, necesitas mucha buena práctica antes de empezar a hacer giros y maniobras arriesgadas para no ponerte en peligro. Te recomendamos iniciarte con clases y además, que estás primeras sean con pocas olas en el mar. Puedes ver cómo se practica en el video.

Kitesurfing Equipment

We leave you here the complete kitesurfing equipment you need to get started as a beginner. In addition, we give you tips on how to select them according to your needs.

Kitesurf Boards

Table size

If you are a beginner, it will be better to get a large kitesurf board as it allows you to make maneuvers in the water easier. However, there are also small and medium size boards. As you gain agility and with practice you will realize that the smaller the board, the more comfortable it can be. To give you an idea, a small board can be around 132x41cm and large kitesurf boards from 140x43cm..

Table volume

It is the weight of the kitesurf board. Ideally it should be proportional to your weight in KGs. For example, an adult of a medium weight like 70-80kg, will need a board of approximately 1.33cm and a board width of 41cm.

Style

Kitesurfers and all water sportsmen with a board love to customize their board, as well as having the board adapted to their style. There are different boards such as freeride kitesurf boards, freestyle kitesurf boards, tablas de kitesurf wakestyle y un sinfín.

Curvature or Rocker

Here in the curvature of the board plays the speed. The more or less curvature the more or less speed. However, for beginners a higher curvature is better.

Straps

If you are a beginner we recommend you to use them. They are padded grips to hold and fix your feet in the right way.

Prices

From a very basic board to one of the most expensive boards can be from 300-400 euros to 3,000-4,000 euros, and even more. We recommend that if you are looking for a kitesurf board to start with, look for value for money.

 

 

Kitesurfing Harnesses

Kitesurfing beginners usually start with a hip harness (also called a "truss harness"). As the kitesurfer gets more practice in the water, the truss harness becomes a waist harness with a considerably reduced width and thickness for greater ease.

Kitesurfing Kites

Kite Foil

They are not inflatable kites, therefore they are of higher quality, as it is difficult for them to break. For this main reason, they are very aerodynamic which makes them ideal for those kitesurfers who already have experience and have practiced a lot.

Hybrid or Delta Kite

These kitesurf kites are inflatable, so they are more suitable for beginners, as they are more manageable. In addition, you will not feel that great impulse by the wind, since it escapes much with what will allow you to focus on the technique and go slowly advanced. This is ideal for beginners in kitesurfing.

Kite C

Recommended for Freestyle and much more advanced kitesurfers, as it allows you greater mobility.

Arco de cometa

They are similar to the Delta and are also designed for beginners.

 

 

Kitesurfing Bars

Kitesurfing bars are comparable to the steering wheel of a car. If you are a beginner kiteboarder we recommend you to look for value for money.

Best Kitesurf app

Kitesurf App KANARA to track your speed on the water. It also allows you to connect with other kitesurfers and compete against them.

 

 

Why should you take kitesurfing lessons?

Many athletes and hobbyists get into or learn their favourite sports and past time activities through trial and error, watching and imitating what they see in real life or on YouTube.

The reality is, kiteboarding is a relatively new sport. Over the years, innovations and improvements have made kite gear and the sport overall much safer. However, it doesn’t change the fact that kiting is an open water sport that can not only be dangerous to yourself but to others. Injury and death are very real hazards that kiters face, as do the people around.

Protect yourself and others from unnecessary troubles by finding a certified, professional kite school or instructor and get the lessons.

Tips to find the right kitesurfing lessons for you

Aside from sparing yourself and others from serious harm or loss, the benefit of taking kite classes is that you will be able to rely on the experience and knowledge of a veteran rider.

Your instructor will help you to more quickly understand important concepts and techniques that won’t just keep you safe, but will help you to master kitesurfing more quickly. 

Many times people end up in dangerous scenarios because of ignorance or because they haven’t been able to grasp intuitive basics that come with the right experience.

It’s much better to invest in at the very least a couple of 1-on-1 kite classes with a certified instructor to learn these key safety and practical skills and techniques before heading out with a friend or on your own. 

Ready to take classes? How to Find the Right Kite Classes for You

Nowadays there are thousands of schools and independent instructors who offer kite classes.

These can be easily found online through Google or social media. Don’t forget to support local business and look for kitesurf or kiteboard lessons near to you.

Conclusion

Whilst many schools may be certified at some level, don’t be afraid to ensure your instructor provides proof of their training and certification (like IKO, FAV, PASA, etc). 

Make sure the school or instructor has high quality, well maintained training gear, as well as inquire about safety procedures in case of an emergency (Ex. do they have experienced staff and reliable watercraft on hand to rescue in the event of a drifting student).

If 1-on-1 classes are too expensive, opt for small group kite lessons with 2-3 other people. If you are in a large group, it will be hard to get enough time and teacher attention to comfortably grasp the basics.

You will know you have found a good school or instructor when they can demonstrate that they are transparent, open and responsible. If you’re still not sure, ask the instructor if you can watch one of their lessons. This way, you’ll be able to judge for yourself their teaching manner in a practical setting.

Once you’ve completed your lessons, you’ll have the confidence and security to get out on the water on your own. You’ll be able to see your progress, learn new tricks and techniques, and reach the new heights you’ve been waiting for.

Don't forget to track your kite progress with our free app for Android and iOS! Download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store, sync your Garmin or Suunto and begin riding and sharing the stoke! Earn points the more you ride, create and take part in speed or distance races with your friends and other riders, and interact with the community!

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