Finding the Right Kitesurfing School [Beginner Guide]
When I decided to take up kitesurfing, I was filled with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
Like many others who were just starting out, I felt overwhelmed by all the different options available when it came to choosing a school.
Should I go for private lessons or group lessons? Which school should I pick?
It’s important to consider both the pros and cons of taking either private or group lessons when selecting your kitesurfing school. Private lessons may be preferable if you want more personalized instruction and feedback from your instructor while attending group classes can give you an opportunity to make friends with people who share your interests in kitesurfing.
Ultimately, what matters most is that you choose the option that feels right for you so that you are much more likely to stick with it in the long run. Before making any decisions, though, it’s advised that you do some research on various schools first so as to find one which best suits your needs.
Learning how to kitesurf can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience; but without knowing what questions to ask about each school or instructor beforehand, things could quickly become very stressful indeed!
With this in mind, I’ve compiled a list of factors worth considering when looking for a good kitesurfing school:
Researching Kitesurfing Schools
Once you have identified a few schools that you are interested in, it is important to do your research. Online resources such as websites, social media pages, and forums can provide valuable information about the schools.
Additionally, reviews and recommendations from friends, family, and other kitesurfers can be invaluable.
Furthermore, it is important to ask questions about their experience in order to make an informed decision.
When researching online, be sure to check for any negative reviews or feedback from past students. Additionally, look for any awards or accolades that the school has received. This can help you narrow down your options in order to find the best school for your needs.
Narrow down your search
You can narrow down your search by looking for schools that teach kitesurfing near you. If you’re lucky, there might be a school right in your town.
If you don’t live near any schools, try searching for kiteboarding lessons online or asking around at local kite schools and surf shops to see if they know of any good instructors who regularly conduct classes.
You may even be able to find some on social media!
If you’re still having trouble finding anything nearby, consider traveling a bit farther away from home for lessons—but keep in mind that the extra travel time could make it harder to schedule lessons with multiple teachers (which I recommend doing).
Ask questions
Ask about the instructors
Are they friendly and helpful? Do they have a lot of experience teaching kitesurfing? Is there any particular instructor you should avoid? Kitesurfing is one of those sports that can be dangerous, so it’s important to ensure the people teaching it are qualified to do so safely.
It’s also a good idea to get an idea of what kind of person will be instructing you before you spend money on lessons or equipment.
Ask about the location and size of the group (if applicable)
If your school offers group lessons, ask if there are many students in each group and how large they tend to be, as well as how many groups there typically are at any given time. While smaller groups might mean more personalized instruction, larger ones could lead to greater camaraderie among fellow students—or just make it easier for everyone involved!
Ask about equipment used by teachers/instructors
Your school might provide all necessary gear for free or at a discounted rate; however, if not, learn what kind of items will be provided before paying upfront so that nothing catches you off guard later on down the road when using them out on open water where no refunds apply whatsoever!
Get a feel for the culture of the school
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What is the kite school’s philosophy?
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What’s their mission?
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How are they different from other kiteboarding schools?
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What attitude do they have towards safety?
The kite school’s philosophy is to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to safely and confidently enjoy kiteboarding. They believe that kiteboarding is a great way to stay active and have fun, and they are committed to helping their students progress in their kiting abilities.
A kite school is different from other kiteboarding schools because they emphasize safety above all else. They have a strong focus on safety procedures and equipment, and they make sure that their students are always following the proper safety protocol.
By asking the right questions, you can make sure you find an awesome kiteboarding school.
We know that finding a kitesurfing school can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the sport. But with my help, you’ll soon be boarding like a pro in no time!
To start your search for the right school, you’ll want to ask some questions:
● How long have the instructors been teaching?
This is an important question because it helps determine how much experience they have. The more experienced an instructor is at teaching kiteboarding, the better their instruction will be.
● What are safety protocols and procedures?
The best way to find out how safe a school is is by asking them about their track record of accidents and injuries over time—especially if they’ve had any recent problems.
● What is the quality and condition of the equipment?
It’s important for students not only to learn how to fly on a board but also how to use all that equipment safely and competently. If something goes wrong with gear during instruction or practice rides (which does happen), instructors need ample supplies of spare parts so there aren’t delays or stoppages in learning time due to faulty gear issues such as broken lines or cracked fins.
Take a look at the video of the school
When you’re visiting a kitesurfing school, take some time to check out the videos. Do they have videos of previous students and instructors? This can give you a good idea of their teaching style and whether or not the school is a good fit for you.
Some kiteboarding schools may show off their equipment in an attempt to attract customers. The quality of the equipment can vary, so it is important to inspect it carefully before making a decision. If possible, try to find clips of the location where your lessons will be held. This will give you a better idea of what to expect.
Another key thing to consider here is how much time you have on your hands. If you’re short on time and need to learn fast, then taking group lessons may be the best choice for you. However, if money isn’t an issue or if your schedule allows for it, then it might be worth investing in some individualized training so that your instructor can focus solely on helping you become a great kitesurfer!
Look at the kitesurfing gear of the school
The equipment that a kitesurfing school uses can tell you a lot about what type of lesson experience it offers. Look for kitesurfing schools that have the latest gear, including harnesses and helmets, and make sure they’re always kept in good condition.
Organizational skills are important for any instructor at a school. The way they organize their students; schedules and skills development is key to helping them progress quickly (and safely).
As an instructor myself, I’ve found that the best schools are ones where instructors communicate with each other regularly so they know how their students are doing and can work together if there’s ever an issue with one or more of them.
Make sure they are IKO certified
When looking for a kitesurfing school, it is important to make sure that they are certified by the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO).
IKO certification indicates that the school meets all safety standards and has expert instructors who have been properly trained.
Additionally, you can be sure that any equipment used at an IKO-certified school is of high quality and safe to use. The best way to find an IKO-certified kitesurfing school is to check out the list provided on their website.
Doing so will give you a comprehensive overview of all certified schools in your area and allow you to compare them based on factors such as location, prices, available dates, and reviews from past students.
Take a look at the equipment they are using (and make sure it’s new)
Before signing up for a kitesurfing school, you should take the time to inspect their equipment.
Make sure that all of the gear is new and in excellent condition – with no signs of wear or damage.
The kite should be spotless and free from any rips or fraying. If there are any boards, they must not have any dents or scratches on them, and if there are stickers from previous schools, make sure these are removed so as not to become a distraction when learning.
Finally, check that the wetsuits aren’t torn, smelly, or discolored – anything else could affect your comfort while out on the water!
Ask about other things besides just the price when choosing a kitesurfing school
When selecting a kitesurfing school, it’s essential to consider more than just the price. There are other aspects you should look for when picking out a kite school. Here are some questions to ask them:
How long have they been in business?
Establishing that a kite school has been around for extended periods of time is important as this shows their experience and proficiency in the field. It also indicates that they likely boast an admirable reputation.
Do I need to purchase my own kitesurfing equipment before lessons commence?
Prior to beginning your classes, you must learn about the different types of gear available or what is supplied by the school itself. Numerous varieties of kites come with separate sets of controls – understanding how to set up and control them effectively is paramount before flying can start.
Are they accredited by internationally recognized organizations such as IKO or PASA (Professional Association of Kitesurfers)?
When researching potential schools, make sure you enquire about certifications from globally accepted certification agencies like IKO or PASA (Professional Association of Kitesurfers). This guarantees instructors are trained accordingly and equipped with proper qualifications so as to teach kiting safely and efficiently.
Furthermore, inquire into how long they have been operating and if extra services like rentals, lessons across all skill levels, insurance coverage, etc., are offered too.
Finally, be certain to read testimonials from past students so you can gain an accurate perception of the quality of their service provides.
Making the Final Decision
Once you have done your research, it is time to make your final decision. Consider the pros and cons of each school, including the cost of the lessons as well as the location of the school. Additionally, take into account your own goals and expectations for kitesurfing in order to make the best decision for yourself. Attend an open house or lesson if possible in order to get a better feel for what each school has to offer.
Finally, be sure to trust your gut when making your final decision. After all, it is important that you feel comfortable and confident when learning how to kitesurf.