Learn Kitesurfing
To give you an idea what to expect and how much time to calculate for your Kitesurfing lessons here is a summary about learning steps and corresponding lessons. The given time lines are representing an average learning progress. If you need more or less time to learn always depends on your personal fitness, previous experiences from other sports and the type of coaching you choose.
Beginner
EXPERIENCE:
None or very little kite experience.
LEARNING STEPS Level 1 & 2
Level 1:
Basic kite control on the beach; equipment setup, safety instructions, understanding and using the quick release systems, starting, landing, kite relaunch, flying and controlling a small kite on the beach.
Level 2:
Basic kite control in the water; kite water relaunch, body drag, kite/ board coordination, board recovery, water start basics - trying to get on the board and riding your first meters .
COURSES:
TASTER SESSION 2-3h
Dip into Kitesurfing with the first 2-3 hours of a regular beginner course with general instructions and beach fly (Level 1).
BASIC BEGINNER COURSE 6 h
Here you learn the basics of Kitesurfing: a safe & independent kite handling on the beach and in the water, body drags (kite traction practice) in all directions and trying to dominate Kite & Board together to get up on the board to slide your first meters (Level 2-3).
FULL BEGINNER COURSE 10 h
Get a profound introduction into Kitesurfing and really learn to dominate kite & board safely and independently on the beach and in the water including riding your first min. 50 Meters (Level3).
COACHING recommendation:
private or semi-private lessons;
Kite taster session also possible as group lesson.
Intermediate
EXPERIENCE:
Safe kite control on the beach and in the water, body drags downwind and upwind.
LEARNING STEPS Level 3 & 4
Level 3:
Kite & board coordination, water start & first mininmum 50 meters riding.
Level 4:
Riding into both directions, board steering, keeping upwind, transitions (changing direction).
COURSES:
REFRESHER COURSE 2-4 h
If you have already done some beginner lessons but did not Kite in a while we go through the basics refreshing your skills to then efficiently work on the following steps.
ADVANCED LESSONS (level 3-4)
At intermediate level the lessons are tailored around your requirements and skills so there are no time standards anymore. You simply take as many lessons as you want to achieve your personal goal.
COACHING recommendation:
Private or semi-private lessons.
Advanced
EXPERIENCE:
Safe kite handling, controlled riding into both directions.
LEARNING STEPS Level 5 & 6 & 7
Level 5:
Riding upwind to archive the official level to rent kite equipment.
Level 6:
Basic tricks: transitions, jibes, riding switch, basic jumps etc..
Level 7:
freestyle tricks: grabs, rotations, raileys etc..
COURSES:
ADVANCED LESSONS (Level 4-5)
The ultimate goal for Kite starters is to learn riding upwind and getting the theoretical and practical experience to rent kite equipment. Advanced lessons are tailored around your requirements and skills and will provide you with all necessary knowledge to become a fully independent and responsible Kitesurfer. Again here are no time limits so you simply take as many lessons as necessary to achieve your personal goal.
FREESTYLE / WAVE LESSONS (Level 6-7)
When mastering upwind riding you can start with freestyle tricks and maneuvers or wave kiting. This level is trained in individual private lessons
and ideally combined with a kitesurfing rental package to provide you with enough time to practice between the lessons.
COACHING recommendation:
private lessons
VDWS THEORY & KITEBOARDING LICENCE
Additionally to your water sessions you can get your VDWS Kiteboarding Licence consisting in a theory lesson and your official Kiteboarding Licence which enables you to rent kite equipment worldwide. The 1 hour theory lesson contains all important information regarding safety, codes of conduct, techniques and rules in kitesurfing every responsible kite surfer should know. It comes with a detailed and well illustrated work & style book you can refer to anytime
reflecting the contents of your lessons.
If you're still not sure what lessons to take, don't hesitate to contact me. I will provide further information or arrange individual proposals for you on request. Just email or call me;).