The temptation to leap into this sport is strong, especially when a friend offers to be your guide. But there are compelling reasons to opt for professional kite surfing lessons instead.
Here’s why you should think twice before accepting kite surfing lessons from a friend:
1. Safety First in kite surfing lessons
The foremost concern with kite surfing is safety. Professional kite instructors are certified by recognized kiteboarding organizations, like IKO or FAV. They’re also trained in safety procedures and emergency response. They understand the dynamics of the wind, so they can instruct you on how to react in unpredictable situations. Friends, no matter how well-intentioned, may not possess the same level of training or awareness of safety protocols. This increases the risk of accidents.
In addition, kite schools have adapted beginners kite gear, like shorter lines and smaller kite sizes. You should never learn with the same equipment your friend is using to ride himself, it will be way too much power to handle on the first day.
At Tarifa Max Kitesurfing school, we are giving kite lessons since 1998. We were the first school in Tarifa to teach kitesurfing, you can rest assured that you are in the most experienced hands in Tarifa.
2. Kite surfing lessons have a structured Learning Path
Kite surfing is more complex than it appears, requiring mastery over several skills such as kite control, body dragging, water starts, and riding. Professional instructors follow a structured curriculum that gradually builds these skills in a logical sequence. This ensures a solid foundation for your kite lessons. Learning from a friend might skip crucial steps, often resulting in gaps in knowledge and technique. Or it can introduce bad habits that can be hard to unlearn later.
When you’re booking a kite lesson with Tarifa Max Kitesurfing school, you can be sure that we are following the international IKO methodologies, blended with our 25 years experience.
For example, here’s how your first beginner kite lesson will look like:
3. Equipment and Insurance
Professional kite surfing schools provide the latest equipment and gear, which is essential for both safety and learning. At Tarifa Max Kitesurfing School, we renew our kites and bars on a yearly basis, making sure you always have access to the best material.
Kite schools also carry insurance that covers both instructors and students during lessons. When learning from a friend, you may not have access to suitable equipment, and in the event of an accident, the financial implications could be significant. Either for yourself, or to a third party. Here in Tarifa, Spain, schools are legally bound to have accidents and civil responsibility insurance, which is included in the price of your kite lesson.
4. Personalized Feedback
A certified instructor is trained to offer constructive feedback. He/she tailors to each student’s learning style and progression. They can identify and correct errors in technique that might not be apparent to a friend. This personalized approach accelerates learning and helps students become competent kite surfers more quickly.
Our certified instructors are skilled at identifying and refining your kite surfing technique, offering personalized feedback that is essential for rapid improvement. This level of detailed, constructive criticism is difficult to obtain from friends who may not have the teaching experience or the eye for technical detail that the instructors at Tarifa Max Kitesurfing school possess.
5. The Psychological Aspect in kite surfing lessons
Learning from a friend can sometimes strain the relationship, especially if the learning process becomes frustrating for either party. A professional instructor, on the other hand, maintains a neutral stance that encourages a positive and supportive learning environment. This detachment also makes it easier for the student to accept feedback and instruction without feeling embarrassed or defensive.
Learning a new sport can be stressful. At Tarifa Max, we maintain a professional yet friendly boundary, ensuring that your learning experience is not only effective but also enjoyable, free from the personal dynamics that can complicate instruction.
6. Opportunity for Certification
Finally, taking kite lessons from a certified instructor often leads to the opportunity to earn kite surfing certifications. These certifications can be valuable for renting equipment or kite surfing in different locations around the world, as they provide proof of your skills and knowledge. Learning from a friend won’t offer this advantage.
Tarifa Max offers IKO level certification upon completion of our courses. These certifications are your passport to kite surfing worldwide, offering proof of your abilities and commitment to safety. This is an advantage that informal learning simply cannot offer.
Conclusion
While the temptation to save money or time by learning kite surfing from a friend is understandable, the risks and downsides far outweigh the benefits. Investing in professional kite lessons ensures a safe, structured, and enjoyable learning experience. At Tarifa Max Kitesurfing School, our certified instructors are passionate about kite surfing and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals safely and efficiently. Start your kite surfing journey on the right foot by choosing professional instruction over informal lessons.
Your kite surfing success story begins with a solid foundation, and we’re here to provide it.
Ready to book your kite lesson in Tarifa with us? Email us at info@tarifamax.com or call/WhatsApp at +34 696 55 82 27.