Preparing for My First-Time Kitesurfing: What I Wish I Knew
I’ll be brutally honest — my preparation for kitesurfing was terrible. Looking back, I laugh at how little I actually did to get myself ready, but in the moment, it was not funny at all. If you’ve ever thought about trying kitesurfing, let me save you some mistakes: prepare your body, prepare your mind, and take it seriously. Kitesurfing is not just a vacation activity; it’s an intense sport that requires stamina, balance, and a decent level of fitness.
But let’s rewind to the beginning…
Why Kitesurfing?
I’ve always been open to new adventures. From hiking to trying random water sports on holiday, I love the thrill of doing something for the first time. So when kitesurfing popped into my mind, it felt like the perfect “next challenge.”
The truth, though? I wasn’t in shape. At just 158 cm tall and weighing around 79 kg, I felt heavy, sluggish, and tired most of the time. I was, in every sense, not ready for a sport that demanded energy, balance, and stamina. But my adventurous spirit didn’t care. I wanted the thrill of it.
Choosing Where to Go
My first plan was to try kitesurfing in Prasonisi, Greece. The photos online looked magical — the meeting point of two seas, turquoise waters, colorful kites in the sky. It felt like the ultimate kitesurfing dream.
But luckily, I have a friend who’s been kitesurfing for 7 years. When I told him about my plan, he shook his head and said, “No way. Prasonisi is not for beginners.”
Here’s why:
The waves are big.
The wind is strong.
The water is deep.
And let’s not forget — I’m a terrible swimmer. Like, really terrible. I can hardly swim, so the thought of being thrown into deep, choppy water with just a kite for comfort was a disaster waiting to happen.
Instead, he recommended Hamata, Egypt. A hidden gem for beginner kitesurfers, Hamata offers:
Shallow, crystal-clear waters where you can stand if you fall.
Steady, manageable wind that’s forgiving for newbies.
Professional schools with experienced instructors.
That advice probably saved me from hating kitesurfing before I even began.
Signing Up for Lessons
I booked a trip to Hamata, enrolled in a kitesurfing school, and signed up for a 7-day course. There were 5 of us students in total, sharing one instructor. The lessons could have been individual, but group lessons made sense — they’re more affordable, and honestly, learning alongside others who are struggling with the same mistakes felt comforting.
Everything was set: airplane tickets, accommodation, lessons, gear. It was happening.
The only problem? I had just one week to prepare myself physically. And I wasted most of it.
How Much It Cost Me
I booked my lessons at Kite Village Hamata. They offered a beginner group course (up to 6 people), which included:
12 hours of lessons
Beginner level training
Price: €537
I went for the group lessons instead of private because it felt more affordable, and honestly, being in a group was fun — you share the nerves, the laughs, and the little wins together.
For accommodation, I stayed at the Kite Village Hamata Hotel, which is conveniently right next to the school. Everything was booked as a package — flights, hotel, and lessons — which made planning easier.
💡 Tip: If it’s your first time, group lessons are a good starting point. Private lessons cost more, but you progress faster if you want more one-on-one attention.
How I Didn’t Prepare
If you’re thinking about trying kitesurfing, let me stop you right here: don’t be like me.
I thought, “Well, I have an instructor, I’ll just learn everything there.” I watched maybe two YouTube videos, did one day of practice with a tiny kite on land in Poland (more for fun than training), and that was it.
Big mistake.
If I could go back, here’s what I would have done:
Cardio training → to build stamina for hours in the water.
Core exercises → planks, sit-ups, yoga — anything to help with balance.
Swimming practice → even basic confidence in the water would have made me feel safer.
Instead, I showed up in Hamata already tired, heavy, and unfit. And when your body is working against you, learning something new becomes ten times harder.
The Shopping List What I Packed
One thing I did do right was my shopping trip. I went to Decathlon and grabbed some essentials that made the week more comfortable. Here’s my list:
SPF long-sleeve swimsuit – the Hamata sun is unforgiving.
Long leggings – protect against cuts and bruises if you get dragged across the sand.
Polarized sunglasses with a strap – cut water glare, protect your eyes, and won’t fly away. (Tip: don’t bring your most expensive pair, saltwater scratches everything.)
Sandals and beach clothes – practical for moving between lessons and relaxing.
50+ SPF sunscreen – don’t underestimate the African sun, even with dark skin.
Hat – wide-brim or cap for extra sun protection.
Poncho towel (changing robe) – game-changer! Easy to throw on, dries fast, and lets you change comfortably on the beach.
What You Don’t Need to Buy
If it’s your first time, don’t spend thousands on gear. The kitesurfing school usually provides:
Impact vest
Harness
Board
Kite
You also don’t need a wetsuit in Hamata. The water is warm year-round, around 23–28°C (73–82°F), so a light rash guard or swimsuit is enough.
Lessons Learned (Before the Lessons Even Began)
By the time we landed in Hamata, I had excitement buzzing through me, but also a nagging doubt in the back of my mind: “Am I really ready for this?”
Physically, no. Mentally, barely. But emotionally? Yes. I wanted the adventure, and sometimes that’s enough to push you forward.
What I learned before even stepping into the water was this: kitesurfing isn’t something you casually “try.” It’s a sport that demands respect. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to prepare your body and mind.
My Advice for First-Timers
If you’re preparing for your first kitesurfing trip, here’s my brutally honest advice:
Start training early – Build stamina and core strength at least a month before.
Practice with a small kite on land – It will help you understand the basics of control.
Learn to swim (or get more confident in water) – Even shallow water can be intimidating if you’re not comfortable.
Pack the right gear – Protect your skin, your body, and your comfort.
Choose your location wisely – Don’t jump straight into advanced spots like Prasonisi. Start somewhere beginner-friendly, like Hamata.
Final Thoughts
My first-time kitesurfing journey was far from perfect. I was underprepared, out of shape, and honestly scared at times. But I also discovered something incredible — the thrill of controlling the wind, the power of the kite, and the beauty of learning a new sport step by step.
If I can do it, anyone can. Just do yourself a favor and prepare better than I did. Your body (and your instructor!) will thank you. 😉
✅ First-Time Kitesurfing Checklist
Fitness Prep
🏋️♀️ Core workouts (planks, crunches, stability).
🏃 Cardio (cycling, running, HIIT).
🧘 Flexibility & balance (yoga, stretches).
🪁 Practice with a small trainer kite on land.
🎥 Watch beginner tutorials (safety, kite setup, body dragging).
Packing Essentials
👕 SPF long-sleeve swimsuit or rash guard.
👖 Long leggings (for sun & sand protection).
🕶️ Polarized sunglasses with strap (avoid glare + won’t fly off).
🧴 50+ SPF sunscreen (essential even for dark skin).
👒 Hat (cap or wide-brim).
🩴 Sandals + comfy beach clothes.
🏖️ Poncho towel/changing robe (quick dry + easy cover-up).
What You Don’t Need (First-Timer Edition)
❌ Expensive gear (school provides kite, board, harness, vest).
❌ Wetsuit (Hamata water is warm: 23–28°C).
