Kitesurfing is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. Ever since Raphaël Salles combined a small windsurfing board and a wing to successfully glide along waves, the sport has never looked back. Loved for its sense of adventure, accessibility, and versatility, kitesurfing’s popularity has exploded in recent years, particularly among younger riders, with over 1.5 million people now involved in the sport around the world. Kitesurfing has also earned recognition as an Olympic event, cementing its place as serious discipline with a bright future.
One of the best places to learn the sport is Tarifa, whose terrific beaches make it a world-class kitesurfing destination. With good preparation you can learn the water sport faster, stay safe, and enjoy your first session.
Why Preparing Matters
It’s always a good idea to do your kitesurfing preparation before officially beginning your lessons. This includes scoping out the best kitesurfing schools in your locality, and getting in touch with them to find out what packages they offer, the cost of kitesurfing lessons, and what gear you need to bring with you when you enrol. While you’re at it, you can also check the weather forecast for suitable wind speeds. If you don’t know how to do that yet, have a look at this article: https://www.tarifamax.com/en/blog/wind-predictions-how-to-read-kite-surfing-forecasts/
With the right guidance, kitesurfing is can be easier than it looks; what’s more, you don’t have to be extra fit to master the sport.
Plan Your for Your Lessons
Choose a Reputable Kite School: Look for a reputable kite school with certified instructors, and find out what kind of reviews they have, including their safety record. It helps if the centers are internationally certified, like IKO https://www.ikointl.com, VDWS or FAV.
Know Your Instructor: See what information you can glean regarding their instructors whether that’s from the school’s website, or by meeting face to face. If possible, inquire about the instructor’s experience and qualifications.
Explain Your Goals: What would you like to focus on during your kitesurfing lessons? Whether it’s about kite control, water starts, or simply gaining confidence in the water, be sure to discuss your goals and expectations with your instructor before the lesson.
Open up on Any Concerns: If you have any concerns or questions, from safety and equipment, to the learning process, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor.
Prepare Physically for Kitesurfing
While kitesurfing isn’t an over strenuous sport, it’s advisable to gain some level of fitness before engaging in the sport. Now would be a good time to take up an activity like swimming or yoga to help build your body awareness.
Cross-Train with Similar Board Sports
If you want to enhance your kitesurfing skills, try cross-training with similar board sports like wakeboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and windsurfing. These training tools not only improve your board control, they work on your balance and core strength, as well as aerial awareness.
- Wakeboarding: teaches you how to shift your weight and intentions to the board, both critical elements in kitesurfing.
- Skateboarding: helps develop balance, footwork, and muscle memory
- Snowboarding: hones your core skills of board control, balance, and edging for better muscle memory and coordination.
Cross-training ultimately leads to better performance and progression in the water, taking your self-confidence to a new level.
Watch Videos — But Take Real Lessons
Using online video resources is a great way to visualize techniques and reinforce lessons, helping you solidify what you’ve been taught by your instructor. Watching videos helps you revisit techniques and concepts at your own pace, while helping you understand the “why” and “how” of mastering kitesurfing. It helps you speed up your progression and practise safer riding. Watching kitesurfers execute special moves, creates a hunger to succeed and helps you visualize your own progress.
That being said, videos are no substitute for real instruction and practical lessons from a pro. Kitesurfing involves powerful equipment and unpredictable weather conditions and comes with many inherent dangers and complexities. For beginners, self-instruction can lead to ineffective learning and, at the very worst, serious injuries.
With professional instruction in Tarifa, you can acquire basic kitesurfing concepts in reasonable time. A qualified instructor will also provide timely feedback and help you avoid common mistakes, all along ensuring you learn in a safe environment that simulates real surfing conditions.
What to Pack for Your Kitesurfing Lesson
Don’t buy a kite or board before taking lessons, however tempting it may be. A good instructor should be able to provide you with the right gear suited to your skill level and body size. Once you’ve had a few lessons, you’ll have a better idea of the kind of equipment you need. There are some items you can invest in, though.
You essential checklist should include:
- Sunglasses with band
- Reef-friendly sunblock
- Wetsuit (depending on season)
- Poncho / Windbreaker
- Hoodie / Jacket for colder spots
At Tarifa Max Kite School we include all the gear in the lessons, so you don’t have to bring anything except sunblock, sunglasses, beachwear, and a poncho, if you want to. No need to bring wetsuits, or jackets, as we provide them.
Why Tarifa is the Perfect Place to Learn
Tarifa’s consistent winds, wide sandy beaches, and friendly kitesurfing community make it one of the best destinations in the world to learn kitesurfing. The conditions are especially suitable for beginners, offering plenty of space and professional schools where you can enrol for quality lessons.
If you’re thinking about taking up kitesurfing, Tarifa Max Kite surfing school is the perfect place to start. Our experienced instructors will give you all the guidance you need – no prior experience needed.
Tarifa Max Is Passionate About Helping Beginners!
Discover the thrill of kitesurfing in a safe, supportive, and fun environment offered by our kite school.
Book a lesson today, and discover why our kitesurfing packages are a hit with new riders.