Kitesurfing 101:

Getting Started on the Water

When I arrived at my first kitesurfing lesson, I thought I could just grab the kite and go. Spoiler: the kite had other plans. I spent the first hour being dragged across the sand and the next five hours perfecting what felt like a never-ending series of wipeouts.

What to Expect on Your First Lesson:

Safety first: Learn how to read the wind, check your equipment, and signal your instructor.

Mindset: Falling is part of the learning curve. Laugh at mistakes, they’re inevitable.

Body Position: Keep your knees slightly bent and your core engaged. This helps you stay upright when the kite pulls.

Practice on land first: Most schools will have a short on-land session to control the kite before hitting the water.

Tip: Even small sessions can be exhausting. Make sure you’re hydrated and wearing a comfortable wetsuit.