Beginner kitesurfing, step by step
Follow the lessons in order. Each one has a short read, simulator missions and a beach drill to do with your instructor. Your progress is saved in this browser.
On the beach
Wind, the wind window, flying a kite, the safety systems, launching and landing — all before you get wet.
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Lesson 1
Wind & spot check
Which winds are safe, how strong is too strong, and what to look for on the beach before you rig.
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Lesson 2
The wind window
Where the kite can fly, where it pulls hardest, and the one place it rests: 12 o’clock.
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Lesson 3
Kite control
Steering with small pulls, keeping the kite high, and your first power strokes.
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Lesson 4
Bar, depower & safety systems
Sheeting in and out, and the three steps when there is too much power: bar out, quick release, leash.
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Lesson 5
Launch & land with an assistant
Why kites go up and come down at the edge of the window, the hand signals, and how to work with an assistant.
In the water
Body dragging downwind and upwind, getting your board back, self-rescue and your first water starts.
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Lesson 6
Body drag downwind
Let the kite pull you through the water: kite steady for a slow drag, power strokes to go somewhere.
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Lesson 7
Upwind body drag & board recovery
Roll on your side so your body works as a keel, and drag across and upwind to get your board back.
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Lesson 8
Self-rescue & water relaunch
Relaunch a kite that dropped in the water — and know when to stop trying and rescue yourself.
- Soon
Water start
Board on your feet, kite at 12, one smooth power stroke — and up.
- Putting the board on in the water
- The power stroke that pulls you up
- Riding the first metres and stopping safely
On the board
Riding in both directions, controlling speed, staying upwind and sharing the water safely.
- Soon
Riding & speed control
Ride in both directions, control speed with your edge, and stop when you want to.
- Edging to control speed
- Riding consistently in both directions
- Stopping and changing direction
- Soon
Riding upwind
Stop the walk of shame: ride upwind and come back to where you started.
- Kite position and edging for upwind riding
- Transitions without losing ground
- Soon
Right of way & self-launch
Share the water safely, and launch and land on your own when there’s no one to help.
- Right-of-way rules with other riders
- Self-launch and self-land: when and how
- Planning a session on your own