Beginner Kitesurf

Kitesurfing is performed using a large usually inflatable kite flying out on 22m lines. This kite is used to create the power for the rider to plane over the water surface most commonly on a twin tip (similar to a wakeboard) but also on a kite surfboard or 'directional board'.

Kitesurfing is the best option for boosting big jumps with the kite able to generate lft like a wing and tthis cna be a hugely rewarding discipline

Conditions

Kitesurfing requires a few things to be able to operate safely and effectively as a beginner. Any kite school will have these conditions availble or ways to get around problems (e.g. using a powerboat to take you out to the wind line):

1. A large open area to setup, launch and land your kite
2. Cross onshore conditions ensuring that if anything goes wrong you are pushed back into land
3. Fairly flat water without large breaking waves
4. Shallow water - not essential but the initial learning phase is much quicker when learning in a spot that you can stand up in.

Learning curve

Getting on the water

Kitesurfing has the trickiest intial learaning curve with lessions being essential and it often taking several hours of water time before the rider is able to stand up on the board with the kite engaged.

The key for kitesurfing is learning kite control. If you have experience flying any steerable (2+ line) kite this massively helps with kitesurfing progression

Riding independently

Once you can ride upwind comfortably 

Advanced riding

Kitesurfing has the trickiest intial learaning curve with lessions being essential and it often taking several hours of water time before the rider is able to stand up on the board with the kite engaged, however beyond beginner stage progression is much faster.

The key for kitesurfing is learning kite control. If you have experience flying any steerable (2+ line) kite this massively helps with kitesurfing progression

Fitness level

As a beginner kitesuring can be exhausting. Controlling the power of the kite while dragging through the water makes people tense up and tire out quickly. 

However, once riding in the harness with the right gear for the conditions the energy demand on the body is very low and the sport becomes cruisy. Working on tricks and big airs will start working out the muscles again though!

Riding Styles

The chart below should give some indication of how the sport fits the various riding styles as your skill level progresses. Note that this information is subjective and should only be taken as such, with the right gear, skill and conditions all sports can be fun for almost all riding styles.

Safety

Kitesurfing is the sport with the highest chance to do serious injury to yourself. With highly technical gear requiring to be setup the correct way and lots of power that can easily pull you off your feet if incorrectly managed.

It is essential to have lessons from a licensed instructor to ensure that you are learning the right way. This will ensure your safety and speed your progression