KITE SCHOOL - OUR KITEBOARDING LESSON STRUCTURE
LESSON INTRODUCTION & STRUCTURE
Kiteboarding is a sport that has a relatively steep learning curve. With professional instruction you can learn safely and progress quickly.
The power generated by a full size kite allows the high speeds and big air that make the sport so exciting. This factor without professional instruction can make the sport intimidating and dangerous.
Safety is the number one priority, and controlling the kite’s power is the key to Kiteboarding safety.We have hundreds of people out on the water Kiteboarding confidently and safely, after completing our instruction program. Our equipment is designed for instruction and safe, easy progression.
The rate and ease of learning varies from person to person. Our instruction program may vary from 4 to 8 hours of instruction and 2 to 8 hours of practice to achieve independence.
Many people bring skills from other sports which aids and accelerates the learning process. Progression is related to the individuals sporting skills, fitness and agility and age.
Instruction Sessions 1, 2 and 3 are are all dedicated to kite flying and kite handling skills. Instruction time frames: S1: 1hour. S2: 1-2 hours. S3: 1-2 hours. Once completed we recommend you have minimum one and up to three one hour practice sessions.
You can rent our school equipment, purchase your own equipment or use your equipment if it is suitable. This will enable you to become very confident and independent with your kite control, both in the water and on land.
Instruction Session 4 is focused on getting you on a board and riding. Instruction time frames: S4: 1-4 hours. These instruction sessions are so much easier and productive, if you have done the prior practice time with the kite ( S2 & S3 ). The aim is to have you progress each session until you are riding short runs with confidence and can be left to practice independently.
Where ever possible we are there to assist you with your progress.Instruction Session 1 is land based. Instruction Sessions 2, 3 and 4 are in the water.
All Sessions are minimum 60 minutes and maximum 180 minutes duration. We provide all equipment; kites, boards, harness, safety helmet, flotation/impact vest. Also a wetsuit at no extra cost.
BEGINNER INSTRUCTION
SESSION ONE / Introduction to Kiteboarding - On Land
SAFETY
- Understanding wind direction.
- The kite flying zone and wind window.
- Your safety.
- Safety of others.
- Safety of your equipment.
EQUIPMENT
- Kite and line setup.
- Bar function and safety leash.
- Two line trainer kite / Four line power kite explanation.
LAUNCHING
- Carrying a kite.
- Securing a kite.
- Launching safely with assistance.
KITE CONTROL
- Flying the kite to neutral position.
- Flying the kite from right to left on the edge of the wind window.
- Flying and positioning the kite at the clock hours.
- Flying figure eights on the edge of the wind window.
- Understanding the power zone.
- Flying the kite by feel.
LANDING
- Flying and control of the kite at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock (edge of the wind window).
- Landing safely with assistance.
SESSION TWO / Go Hook In
IN THE WATER
- Harness fitting and function.
- Bar and power loop function.
- Power loop release / Safety leash release.
- Flying the kite hooked into the harness.
- Flying the kite by feel.
KITE CONTROL ONE HANDED
- Flying the kite one handed.
- Flying and positioning the kite at the clock hours one handed.
- One handed flying the kite at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock and walking upwind.
WATER LAUNCHING
- Understanding the process.
- Positioning the kite for launching.
- Controlling kite and line tension.
- Water launching left and right.
SESSION THREE / Get wet - in the water
BODY DRAGGING
- Flying the kite one handed.
- Body dragging across the wind direction (@ 90 degrees) to the left and right.
- Body dragging up wind, to the left and right.
POWER FLYING
- Body dragging downwind with the kite in the power zone going left and going right.
- Kite control for steady power and pull downwind.
- Power flying downwind experiencing full power going left and going right
WATER
- Walking the kite upwind.
- Launching.
- Water launching practice to the left and to the right.
SESSION FOUR / Go ride - in the water
TECHNIQUES
- Technique for getting into foot straps.
- Understanding board riding angles, feet and leg position (board and harness provided).
- One handed kite flying and getting into foot straps in water.
- Controlling kite and board position in water
EDGING THE BOARD
Flying the kite semi powered to the left and edging the board. Same to the right.
Walking the kite and board upwind.
Power flying the kite to the left and edging hard with the board. Same to the right.
Walking the kite and board upwind.
WATER START
- Flying the kite through one power stroke (down and up) to the left and getting up on the board. Same to the right.
- Practise in both directions heading downwind.
- Walking the kite and board upwind.
- Water starting and power flying a short distance.
- Practice in both directions
BOARD & KITE CONTROL
- Edging the board across the wind and maintaining kite power.
- Practice in both directions longer distances.
INTERMEDIATE INSTRUCTION
ADVANCE YOUR SKILLS / Intermediate Level
SELF-LAUNCHING
- Safety and understanding ideal self launching locations.
- Setting up the kite for self launching on grass or beach.
- Self launching from the left and right edges of the wind window.
SELF-RESCUE
- Bar, lines, kite and you; self rescue.
SELF-LANDING
- Safety and understanding ideal self landing locations.
- Self landing practice.
TECHNIQUES AND TRICKS
- 180 degree turns.
- Upwind riding technique.
- Light wind riding technique.
- Strong wind riding technique.
- Getting air (jumping).
- Forward spins (rotations).
- Back spins (rotations).
- Toe side riding.
- Kite loop / down loop turns.
ADVANCED INSTRUCTION
ADVANCE YOUR SKILLS / Advanced Level
TECHNIQUES & TRICKS
- Big airs (jumping high).
- Forward spins – singles, doubles.
- Back Spins – singles, doubles.
- Forward rolls – singles, doubles.
- Back rolls – singles, doubles.
- Riding blind (backwards toe side).
- Unhooked riding.
- Loading up for pop.
- Raileys.
- Unhooked front or back rolls.
- S Bends.
- Handle pass moves.
The moves possible when Kiteboarding are almost limitless. New exciting moves with new names are being mastered by riders around the world. We have covered some of the more common moves in our intermediate and advanced sessions. Once you master these, you will be well set to progress and try your skills at those moves that inspire you.