How Long Does It Take To Learn Kitesurfing?
This is REALLY the most frequently asked question about kitesurfing! Seriously, “how expensive?” and “how long does it take to learn?” is what everybody wants to know. So, let me shed some light on the matter.
Teaching this beautiful sport since 2007 and I’ve seen different progressions in my students over the years. You may have no prior experience in kitesurfing, but what other related experience do you have? Have you ever done surfing? How about skateboarding? Snowboarding, perhaps? Skiing? Ice skating? Bicycling? You see, kitesurfing is all about keeping a balance, so, if your body is trained one way or another to maintain a balance then you have a leg up and are likely to progress faster. Even experience with yoga helps a lot. Especially those advanced postures that are difficult to balance out. Let me ask you this: how long can you stand on one leg? And how about with your eyes closed? 3–5 seconds or 3–5 minutes? During your ride, you will be balancing three main variables: the pull of the gravity, the freely gliding board and wind chop, and the pull of the kite, which can be very temperamental. So, you see, your ability to balance is essential. The good news about the balance is that it is trainable, and if you do not feel particularly strong in your vestibular system, know that you can train it, just invest some time in it and practice.
Teaching this beautiful sport since 2007 and I’ve seen different progressions in my students over the years. You may have no prior experience in kitesurfing, but what other related experience do you have? Have you ever done surfing? How about skateboarding? Snowboarding, perhaps? Skiing? Ice skating? Bicycling? You see, kitesurfing is all about keeping a balance, so, if your body is trained one way or another to maintain a balance then you have a leg up and are likely to progress faster. Even experience with yoga helps a lot. Especially those advanced postures that are difficult to balance out. Let me ask you this: how long can you stand on one leg? And how about with your eyes closed? 3–5 seconds or 3–5 minutes? During your ride, you will be balancing three main variables: the pull of the gravity, the freely gliding board and wind chop, and the pull of the kite, which can be very temperamental. So, you see, your ability to balance is essential. The good news about the balance is that it is trainable, and if you do not feel particularly strong in your vestibular system, know that you can train it, just invest some time in it and practice.
Handy Much?
Another aspect of kitesurfing is related to steering the kite with your hands. Usually, handy people, people who drive a car with ease, or are in control of their hands otherwise do pick up kitesurfing pretty quickly. So, if you are more of a theoretical and philosophical type – you may need additional time and effort to start enjoying this sport. This aspect is also trainable and the best way to prepare yourself in this department is to fly what’s called a “trainer kite”, it’s a smaller version of a real kitesurfing kite, usually with fewer controls to make your life easier. If you spend several days or weeks performing different stunts with a trainer kite you will be way ahead of the game during your sessions with an instructor and with the real gear. This step is the time consuming one and it has to do with your neuroplasticity. You will be building new neuro-paths in your brain and develop new muscle memory in your hands and this process takes time. Just like you can’t become stronger overnight, you can’t build your motor skills in one session.
Know The Wind-Wing Theory
And the last important part of preparation is understanding the theory of the wind and knowing a bit of aerodynamics and basic concept of the wing. There will be many controls on your control bar on the real kite, this is why we even call it a “flight deck” in our Kitesurfing Academy. Understanding those controls is key to enjoying this beautiful sport. It is a good idea to invest some time in learning about theses controls on the control bar.
The Answer:
Now, back to your question, if you’ve done your homework and have a lot of relevant experience with zero kitesurfing experience you still can start riding on your first day of training. Yes, I have seen a few students who did that on day one. Just a few. There are people on the other side of this spectrum who spend many days with a coach, practicing, trying it time and time again, and start riding much-much later. I know, this is a very vague answer, so, let me say this: most kitesurfing students need about three to four sessions with a kitesurfing instructor to start riding downwind. And they do practice on their own between those supervised sessions.
Beware!
I want you to understand this. Kitesurfing is one of the most complex sports out there. In fact, it’s two sports in one, if you think about it. Also, it’s a very powerful sport, and the approach “let me just try it” usually ends up with bruises and blemishes if not worse. You need patience, my friend. Would you “TRY” to fly a plane without proper training? I hope not. Patience, my friend, you’ll need lots of it before and during your learning process. I’ve seen many students getting frustrated and quitting rather quickly. And remember, you will be dealing with Mother Nature here and it is usually whimsy as far as I know it, so, double your patience, please. Kitesurfing is too beautiful to miss it. Get out there, have fun, and be safe!
See you on the water!
Best!
