How long it takes to learn kitesurf?

How long does it take to learn to kitesurf? This is a question that many people ask themselves when learning to kitesurf. According to my experience as an iko instructor, one of many things I learned is that you should never assume how fast or slow a student can learn this sport. The important thing is not whether he learns sooner or later, it is that he learns well and as safely as possible. Once, I taught a 10-year-old boy who in his second class was already getting up on the board and taking his first lengths. On the other hand, I had a student who came from windsurfing with a lot of navigation skills and his third class and he still hadn’t mastered waterstart. As you can see, we can never know how a student will evolve in our school. Regardless of how long it takes you to learn, don’t be fooled by those slogans of learning kitesurfing in one day, you can’t learn kitesurfing in one day. For the vast majority of students, it will take many hours of classes to learn the basics of this wonderful sport. Official schools often teach in blocks of two to three hours per class. Learning to kitesurf as a beginner level, I mean to waterstart and ride some metres to both sides, it can take between 6 and 12 hours of classes.

Come to Sri Lanka to learn kitesurfing with us!

Why does it take time to learn to kitesurf?

At first, controlling the kite, the board and the body is a bit of a difficult task. Once you try it, you will see how fun and addictive this sport is, but learning it can take some time and a lot of effort. Kitesurfing requires cognitive and physical processes such as hand and eye coordination, reaction time, balance, muscle memory and some strength, just to name a few of these processes and not all of them. You will want to take your time to work on these skills in the hands of a QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR to practice this sport in a very SAFE way and that your learning is faster but as always we claim above all the safety of the student is paramount. But in general, one of the main reasons learning kitesurfing takes time is because you need to develop coordination and timing in addition to all the skills we have named. Flying a kite is an unforgettable and exciting experience but it requires left to right handling of a kite while simultaneously pulling or releasing on the control bar to obtain the correct angle of the kite for your push. In addition to all this, getting up in the water with the board, a maneuver called waterstart, requires that you control the kite, have the necessary balance with the board on and maintain the correct position of your body, all this that seems so extended we have to do it in a single coordinated movement.

A Guide to the Time it Takes to Learn to Kite

Apart from the thoroughly mind-soothing experience that kitesurfing brings along, it makes for one of the most effective sports for toning the body. In addition to that, it is regarded as good for enhancing coordination and improving focus.

With so many benefits, Kitesurfing becomes synonymous with an all-encompassing sport for your next trip. However, to leverage all these mind-boggling benefits, one must know how to kitesurf.

Numerous people, who inquire about the learning curve in kiteboarding have a common question—”How long does it take to learn to kitesurf?”

Roughly, how much time you need to learn to kitesurf?

Note this adverb “Roughly” because it is of utmost importance. Why? Well, because as I have remarked before, there’s no concrete length for the learning time. While some instructors incline towards a 6- to 12-hour class, others object by saying that it depends on the individual seeking training.

Even though both the aforementioned opinions differ a lot, they cannot be overlooked, for they arise from the vast experience that instructors have. But, a kind of generalized assumption can be made about the number of lessons that an individual usually requires to learn kitesurfing.

For that reason, we have segregated the time required to learn into categories or levels.

The Beginner Level

 At starting, kitesurfing might seem overwhelming; however, with time, it becomes a little less challenging. The beginner level constitutes learning about the equipment, safety concerns, body dragging and theory behind surfing in a certain weather condition. After being able to control de kite, to recover the board in deep water and launch&land the kite by yourself, you are probably ready to ride your first meters.

The time required for learning the basics of kitesurfing is approximately from 6 to 12 hours.

In that light, you can learn to kitesurf in about two- three days’ time. Or at least, everything on a basic level can be taught within this time frame.

Important: The number of lessons needed to learn to kitesurf might vary from individual to individual. Some learn within a day, whereas others find it difficult to firm their grasp. However, in the end, almost everyone manages to enjoy. 

The Intermediate Level

Once you’re done with the basics, it’s time for you to go kitesurfing on a regular basis. However, without the instructor around, some people might find it a bit unmanageable, and that’s alright because practice makes a man perfect.

The intermediate level is all about revising the concepts and surfing without any aid from the instructor. At that point, you can ride well to both sides and make a controlled stop without going downwind . Also, you are able to land & launch the kite by yourself. Definitely, you start to feel more confident and independent.

The time required for becoming an independent kitesurfer is approximately  from 25 to 50 hours

Important: After learning the basics, it doesn’t matter if you’re experienced with kitesurfing or not. Just be determined and ensure good control over medium distance rides. 

The Progressive Level

If you’re here, you are seriously into this sport, and that’s excellent. This is a stage where you can swiftly progress as a kite surfer. You can keep upwind and turn seamlessly. At this stage, you are probably able to ride toeside and to jibe downind. 

Time required for becoming a progressor – Approximately 50 -100hours.

Important: Your interest in kitesurfing can do wonders to your body and mental peace. After all, it’s an enthralling experience. However, you’ll have to schedule your time for regular lessons.

The Skilful Level

It’s time to be competent at kitesurfing and do all those tricks and jump that you usually envision yourself doing. Yes! That can definitely become a reality. You are able to make your first jumps and controlled kite loops, congratulations!

Time required for becoming skilful at kitesurfing – At least 100 hours.

The seamless rotations, understanding of the weather, toe side carves, etc are all linked to professional level kitesurfing.

 Important: In case you’re viewing kitesurfing as an opportunity besides the usual tourist visit, you must give it your all. Riding consistently is the only way to become better at.

Do location  conditions influence in the time to learn kiteboarding?

Did you know that in Sri Lanka we have the best conditions to kitesurf? Discover our spot

Normally flat-water and shallow spots are the most friendly locations to learn kiteboarding. When we talk about learning to kitesurf, this is probably the most important factor to take in mind. Obviously, learning in deep water with huge waves takes more time than learning in calm waters. That´s why when we want to answer the question about how long it takes to master kite skills, firstly we should check the spot conditions and secondly the weather conditions.

In Kalpitiya we have one of the best spots in the world to learn in flat and shallow water, that is the reason why many people choose our school to learn. Kitesurfing is not a cheap sport to learn, so better you choose a friendly kite spot where you can learn faster than in difficult conditions.

Now let´s talk about the weather…

Do weather conditions influence the learning curve in kiteboarding?

Absolutely! Kitesurfing is closely associated with the wind conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to keep track of the same to ensure a profound surfing session. Here’s what you need to know about weather conditions:

The Wind: Wind is central to kitesurfing. When there’s no wind, it isn’t easy to kitesurf. The scenario is the same during too strong winds.

How is wind essential to learning?

Low wind makes way for learning the technicalities behind kitesurfing. Likewise, a strong wind can facilitate a better understanding of how to control the kite’s power.

We at Margarita Village ensure that you surf in the most appropriate wind conditions to provide you with the best learning experience. So this is something that you don’t need to worry about.

The Clouds: Clouds have a big say in the learning curve of kiteboarding. This is because they provide an insight into the forthcoming weather conditions. And for that reason, knowledge of the orientation of clouds can be highly beneficial to kiteboarding endeavours.

For instance, Cirrus (a cloud formation) suggests that there can be a decrease in the temperature. Similarly, Nimbus can be a good indicator of precipitation and lightning.

Favourably, the instructors at Margarita kite school have excellent knowledge about the determination of weather. In short, if you’re here, you’re always in the safe hands.

Thus, we can say that weather conditions affect kitesurfing sessions. In case the weather’s cruel, your sessions might take longer than usual to complete.

In a nutshell

Kitesurfing can be a wonderful experience if led by competent instructors and carried out with patience and determination. The instructors must ensure that you learn swiftly and excellently during your kiteboarding journey. But at the same time, they must also take care of the fact that learning aligns with the suitability and comfortability of the learner.

Also, now that you’re aware of the time it requires to learn to kitesurf, you can always schedule your trip accordingly.