Kitesurfing seems and, without a doubt, is one of the most fun and exciting sports that can be performed in the water but although it is a sport that has been practiced for years there are many questions for those who plan to start trying the experience of kitesurfing, such as: How do I start, what do I need to start, how long will it take me to learn?
That is why we are going to dedicate this post to give answers to all the questions that, we have considered, are most frequently asked by beginners in this sport.
What skills do you need for this sport?
Many of the people who start practicing or simply plan to do kitesurfing at some point have never even put on a wetsuit, surfed a board or even flown a kite. All these actions require some time and kitesurfing lessons, but you end up learning them without any problem. We can say that the most important skill is, in terms of safety, knowing how to swim in open water.
What physical shape do I need to have to practice kitesurfing?
It is not necessary to have a very high level of fitness because this sport is practiced by many people of different physical levels. However, being in good physical shape will help you to be much more resistant in the water and out of the water, and it will help you to progress much faster in your kitesurfing adventure.
Do I need to take kitesurfing lessons if I want to practice kitesurfing?
Absolutely yes. Kitesurfing is a sport that involves risks and it is necessary not only to learn how to handle yourself in the water with the board and the kite, but also to know how to act if a problem arises. Knowing your safety systems and learning from professionals is essential before starting. Starting on your own is not the best option and anyone you ask will always recommend learning with people who already know.
What do I need to know to choose the right school for me?
The most important thing will always be to choose an approved school that has instructors certified by organizations such as IKO or BKSA. You should also take into account the experience of the instructors and their passion for teaching you everything you need to know to learn quickly and easily. It is recommended that the person in charge of teaching you, transmits good energy and above all, security.
What will I learn in my kitesurfing course?
In your first kitesurfing course you will learn step by step how to kitesurf safely and self-sufficiently. To complete your training you must:
- First you will learn everything you need to know about wind, safety and the complete kitesurfing equipment you need to go to the beach to sail.
- Second you will learn how to handle the kite on the ground, specifically launching, landing and control.
- Third is the turn of the water, where you will have to bodydrag, control and relaunch.
- Finally, it will be your turn to take your board and kite and ride both at the same time.
You will also have to learn:
- – Understand wind direction, strength and gusts.
- – Understand tides, currents and dangers.
- – Choosing the right equipment for each condition.
- – Assembling, setting up and packing equipment.
- – Safety procedures and what to do in an emergency.
- – Starting from the board (and how to get on it).
- – Continuous riding and speed control.
- – How to stay on the board upwind.
How many kitesurfing lessons do I need?
Normally a complete kitesurfing course takes between 8 to 12 hours and you go through the three phases that we have already mentioned and no matter how long it takes, it is really important to have control out of the water and in the water. There are people who have certain skills from other sports, such as snowboarding, that make your adaptation to this sport and your evolution in it faster than other people who start from scratch.
The most important thing is to have good training from professionals, to have knowledge about safety and to feel confident enough to practice it on your own.
Boy jumping with Best Kiteboarding
Private or group classes?
If you are sure that kitesurfing is for you and you really want to learn it in a fast and efficient way, then your best choice is a private (or semi-private) kitesurfing course. This way the whole course will be adapted to you and your learning speed.
In many occasions, we give shared courses with friends or family and it can be a lot of fun but it is true that at the learning level you will always have to adapt to the speed of the person who is doing the worst in the course.
What equipment should I buy when I finish my training?
You should not rush with this decision because when you are learning your school will give you all the material you need.
It is important that before buying any material you try different material than the one you have been given in your school. Surely you know people who can let you try their kitesurfing equipment and so you will have the possibility to feel other brands and other types of equipment. Apart from trying other brands, it is also a good option to find out about the types of kites, boards, harnesses and bars that exist to know what is closer to your tastes.
In short, take your time and you will decide well!
New or second-hand equipment?
This question is very personal since each person is aware of their economic possibilities and the time they have free to invest in kite.
Currently, in the market you will find second hand kitesurfing equipment at incredible prices of past seasons but it is true that if you have the possibility to buy new equipment it is always a good option to invest in your new kite equipment because every year the kitesurfing equipment improves.
Do I need a license to sail?
No, you are not required to have a license to sail but it is advisable to have two things. The first one is a liability insurance in case you hurt someone and also, wherever you go sailing, take with you a rescue card in case you need a boat to rescue your kitesurfing equipment.
