Can you kite surf as a beginner?
The common opinion, which I can confirm in my experience, is that kitesurfing is actually the easiest of all those sports (windsurfing and surfing) to learn. The learning curve is rapid in kitesurfing, which gives you quick success and gets you so incredible hooked in that sport. Kitesurfing involves using powerful equipment in a constantly changing environment, which can be dangerous for beginners who are not familiar with the sport. A qualified instructor can teach you how to kitesurf safely and effectively.Having said this, never attempt kitesurfing if you cannot swim. As a beginner, you will spend a lot of time in the water, and basic swimming skills are necessary. Note that foil kites CAN sink.Next time you go kitesurfing, wear your helmet with pride and your buoyancy aid or impact vest confidently, and check that every piece of your equipment is in top condition. You protect yourself and set an example for others in the kitesurfing community.The kite will take you in the direction the wind is blowing. So you will always float back to shore, until we teach you how to control the kite. It is impossible to fly up and away. Kites are designed to pull the rider along the water, and to bring the rider back down shortly after jumping into the air.
Is kitesurfing physically hard?
Kitesurfing is a highly technical sport that requires coordination, balance, and agility, as well as some level of endurance. The majority of the physical effort in kitesurfing is not in brute strength but rather in controlling the kite and board. The time required for learning the basics of kitesurfing is approximately from 6 to 12 hours. In that light, you can learn to kitesurf in about two- three days’ time. Or at least, everything on a basic level can be taught within this time frame.It requires understanding the wind, knowing how to launch and land the kite safely, and being able to steer the kite in the desired direction. It can take some time to develop the muscle memory and reflexes needed to control the kite effectively.Technically speaking – YES, this is possible. Thousands of pioneers of this sport (including myself) taught ourselves to kitesurf. We did it because not much schooling was available back in the days and we had an enormously crazy drive to harness the power of the wind with the kite.Kiteboarding can be a great way to stay healthy, fit, and lose weight. Like all sports, kitesurfing is a physical activity in which you move your body, expend calories, and learn new movement patterns. Kiteboarding is a perfect complement to a healthy lifestyle because it’s only as intense as you want it to be.
How long does it take to learn to kitesurf?
Schools often teach lessons in two to three-hour blocks. Learning to kitesurf might take between 6 to 12 hours of lessons – but take this with a grain of salt. It often takes more than 12 hours and it rarely takes less than 6. Assess your physical fitness. It’s beneficial if you’ve previous experience in windsurfing, surfing, or any watersport in general. This experience could reduce your learning curve substantially. Roughly, you may need around 10 to 15 hours of lessons before you start to manage a bit on your own.We usually teach 2-3h in a day depending on weather conditions and personal fitness / preference of the student, so committing 5-6 days or longer to learning would be ideal and will set you up to a good start.
Can you self teach kitesurfing?
It is of course absolutely NOT advisable to try to teach yourself to kitesurf. The sport is simply much too complex and there is a lot to consider. Even if you are already an expert in other board sports, kitesurfing is all about kite and kite control and much less about board skills. At a beginner level in a kitesurf school, you can expect to learn the basics of kite control, body positioning, and board control. Lessons will typically start with an introduction to the equipment, including how to set up and launch the kite, as well as important safety procedures.Kitesurfing is a complex sport since it combines the natural elements of wind and water—not always perfectly steady and easy to predict—with kite flying and board skills. Each separate skill requires some practice until it becomes second nature and you gain confidence in your abilities.Lessons are helpful and fun. There is always something new to learn. Many people take ongoing intermediate and advanced lessons indefinitely. On average a kiteboarding package can range from $1600 to $3000.Because kitesurfing is a water-sport where we can go into deep water, you have to be able to swim. However, very few people are able to swim back from a reef that’s 1km out from the shore without problems even if they are in good shape. This is when a life-jacket is very useful.
Why is kitesurfing so expensive?
In addition to a kite and board, riders must also purchase a harness, control bar, lines, and safety gear, such as a helmet and buoyancy aid. High-quality equipment is essential for safety and performance, and the cost of these items can quickly add up. Kitesurfing can be a challenging sport to learn, especially for beginners. It requires mastering a variety of skills, including kite control, board control, and body positioning. However, with proper training, practice, and equipment, many people are able to learn and enjoy this exciting activity.A child’s ability to understand and respect the power of the kite can make a big difference in their safety and fun. In our experience in Tampa Bay, the average age of young students we see is around 14 years, but some kids might be ready earlier.Are There Kiteboarding Size Restrictions? Manufacturer specs and charts regarding kite size, wind range, and board size are normally based on a rider who weighs about 165 to 175lbs. Most manufacturers limit their gear to a maximum weight of 275lbs.Children with too thin a body shape will not be able to handle the sail and make enough opposition to practice. However, if your child weighs more than 30 kilos (around 8 years old), he or she will be able to have an exceptional experience and will have the chance to be one of the youngest kiters in the world.Conclusion. Regardless of how long it takes you to learn, don’t expect to be done with kiteboarding in one day. For the vast majority of students, it will take many hours of lessons to learn the basics of the sport. Schools often teach lessons in two to three-hour blocks.