Kitesurfing is widely becoming one of the most popular extreme sport activities in the world. Brought on by windsurfers wanting more transportable equipment to enable them to travel the world. Kitesurfing brings you, adrenalin, excitement, freedom and enables you to join the ever growing community to bring you into the kitesurf lifestyle!
So why not learn today and become apart of this amazing sport!
Why take lessons?
Kitesurfing is one of those sports where when you get a first taste of it then you will never go back! Imagine yourself freely gliding across the water using nothing but kitesurfing the power of wind! Due to the small board size and kites that pack away small it makes it a lot more transportable and less hassle compared to other extreme sports.
Never be the one of the beach thats pointing at the kiters saying wow that looks cool! You'll be the one out there where people are saying wow he/she looks like there having fun!
Taking lessons is a must to get into the sport. Kitesurfing can be extremely dangerous if you have no knowledge of the sport. Most accidents happen to people who don't take lessons.
How long does it take to learn?
Typically kitesurfing can be learnt in 6 - 8 hours. This all depends on the abillity and background you have. Some people may take longer and others a lot shorter. In 6 hours people can usually get onto there first water starts and get the first feel of the power of the kite with a board.
What is the best way to learn?
A lot of schools have different ways of teaching and different structures. The best way to learn is by private 1 on 1 lessons. This enables you to have an instructor the whole time teaching you. Other way which is just as effective is 2-1 instruction with 2 students per instructor. This works as a buddy structure where you learn off each others mistakes, this can be just as effective as 1 on 1 lessons.
A school which teaches in this way is Hooked-on who give private 1 on 1 lessons at a great price.
Many schools teach in large groups with limited equipment. For example schools can teach with 4 students, 1 kite and 1 instructor so you are effectily only flying the kite for a ¼ of the time. Although you will learn off others mistakes you will get fustrated due to the lack kitesurfing of time with the kite.
Is kitesurfing dangerous?
By lots of people kitesurfing may seem dangerous. With such questions like "what happens if I crash the kite out at sea?" and "is it going to just blow me away?". Kitesurfing is not dangerous atall if learn and taught properly. Various safety systems on the kites prevent accidents as well as power control when the kite is in the air from the bar.
When kitesurfing started 15years or so ago then it was a dangerous sport as we did not have such safety systems, but as technology has improved and designs have changed kitesurfing is now an extremely safe sport.
Where can you learn?
You can learn to kitesurf in various places around the world. Kitesurfing is becoming so popular that almost everywhere you go with wind then you will find a school.
For UK residents learning to kitesurf in the UK is the best way to start. Why not make the most of our amazing beaches and great learning conditions! You will also save a lot of money on flights and accommodation. Lessons abroad can in some cases work out more expensive due to 'tourist' prices and also various places will teach in large groups which give you less time with the kite and therefore less value for your money. Kitesurfing lessons in south wales is really good and offers some amazing conditions.
What experience do I need to have?
Quick answer..No experience is needed. Kitesurf lessons can be tailor made to suit your ability and experience. Whether you have never flown a kite before or if you have never set foot on a board.
How much does it cost?
Kitesurfing lessons can vary in prices from £40 up to £2000 depending on the course. In the UK Hooked-on kitesurfing offers great deals on intensive kitesurfing courses 1 on 1 courses.
How old do you have to be?
The joy of kitesurfing is that anyone can do it. From 7 to 80 the course can be suited to you! Due to the range of equipment used kites of different sizes are used depending on students weight and ability.