Is kitesurfing difficult?
To learn kitesurfing, we need to spend at least twelve hours on it, spread over several days. Many people think that during the first lesson they will get a board and ride. This is what happens in windsurfing lessons. However, although kitesurfing is a simpler sport, its basics are more complex. Learning to kitesurf is not difficult, but it does require some patience. On the first lesson you will learn many new names and concepts that you have not dealt with before. Then you will learn how to connect all the pieces of equipment together, then you will move on to kite control and if you are not a paraglider this is something that cannot be compared to any other activity you do. Then you need to combine flying the kite with controlling the board. That is why kitesurfing is not difficult, but it has many stages that you need to slowly and thoroughly master and practice with your instructor.
Is kitesurfing dangerous?
Kitesurfing is an extreme sport that depends on the elements – wind and water. In addition, media from time to time report informations about accidents which happened during kitesurfing. That is why many people, before starting their adventure with kitesurfing, wonder if it is safe to practice it.
Training with an instructor
If you want to feel safe while kiteboarding, the most important thing is a course with a certified instructor who will guide you step by step through all steps of the training, including safety systems. If you have gone through all the stages of the course, but still do not feel ready to go out on the water without a supervisor, it is better to book another few hours of lessons, during which the instructor will dispel your doubts and repeat all the material with you.
Taking off and landing
95% of kitesurfing accidents happen when you launch your kite. If you are already an independent kitesurfer, remember to always ask another experienced kitesurfer for help, not a layman, this will reduce the risk of an accident. During the course, listen carefully to how your instructor explains to you how to launch your kite safely.
Equipment suitable for wind conditions
Another important issue is the appropriate selection of equipment to the wind conditions. A kite which is too large and unskilfully used in very strong winds can lead to dangerous situations. You should also remember and not be afraid of releasing the chicken loop and even the safety leash, it is worth practicing it several times during the course with the instructor, so that you won’t be afraid to do it in situations that require it.
Safety first and foremost
Another rule that makes kitesurfing a safe sport is to ‘cut your coat according to your cloth’, if you are a beginner kitesurfer and the wind is strong, very gusty or the waves are really high and experienced kitesurfers advise you not to even enter the water it’s better to listen to them. It’s always better to wait for easier conditions than to risk your health or life.
So as long as you follow the rules which you learned on the course, you remember about the right of the way on the spot, you take a responsible approach to the selection of equipment and remember that safety is more important than momentary pleasure, kitesurfing is a 100% safe sport.
Do you need to know how to swim to become a kitesurfer?
Kitesurfing is a water sport, so it is better to have swimming skills. Of course, in kitesurf shops you can buy special life jackets that can save your life or ride only on spots with shallow water, but for your own psychological comfort it is better to know how to swim.
How long does it take to learn kitesurfing?
The time needed to learn kitesurfing is very individual, it depends on the spot – on some spots learning is easier (for example when the water is flat and shallow), and in some a bit more difficult, the wind conditions, the experience of the student (or lack of it) with water sports, from his age.
On average, however, becoming an independent kitesurfer takes about fifteen to twenty hours. One lesson usually lasts from one to three hours, so if you want to become a kitesurfer during one trip, the vacation must be at least one week long.