What will I learn?
 

A standard beginner’s course is broken down into three core elements:
 

1. Flying a kite on land: launching, landing and kite control

2. Flying a kite in the water: body dragging, control and re-launching

3. Getting up and riding on a board

Within these elements, you will also learn about:

• Assessing an area for safe kiting conditions

• Understanding the wind direction, strength and gusts

• Understanding tides, currents and hazards

• Choosing the right equipment for the conditions

• Setting-up, tuning and packing down your equipment

• Safety procedures and what to do in an emergency

• Board-starts (getting up on the board)

• Continuous riding and speed control

• How to stay upwind

• Rules and rights of way on the water

How many lessons do you need before you’re up and riding?
 

“Most people need around 10-12 hours, or a course of three lessons to get up and riding along. Some need more – or if a student has prior board-riding experience [like wakeboarding or windsurfing], plus the right one-to-one coaching, they could potentially be independent in a single day,” says Luke.
 

If a student has prior board-riding experience, plus the right one-to-one coaching, they could potentially be independent in a single dayLuke Denny
 

“By the end of a course, you should have the knowledge and full skill set to make independent decisions and practise safely. This includes being able to assess each location and have a full grasp of weather, wind, tides and their impact, as well as knowing how to stay safe in all conditions.”
 

How do you know when you’re ready to stop having lessons?
 

”First of all, it's essential that you’re signed off by a qualified instructor,” says Jones. “They can give you a card stating that you have reached the suitable level (level 3 for IKO) to be independent and able to rent. Secondly, even if you have been signed off by an instructor, you must feel ready yourself, and it's always best to start with lessons whenever you feel unsure or go to a new kitesurf location.”
 

Denny agrees: “The ultimate decision is between the student and instructor – and you should only kitesurf independently when you feel 100 percent ready.” If not, book some more coaching, supervision or do a refresher course.
 

What are the main challenges you’ll face as a beginner?
 

Building your confidence and trusting your equipment is the first hurdle for many. Being strapped to a kite can feel scary at first, but a good instructor will help you relax and show you just how safe modern kiting equipment is, provided you use it right. Some people take a long time simply building up the confidence to get started: “The biggest challenge for some is actually taking the plunge to sign up for their first lesson!” says Jones.
 

Beginners often get to grips with kite-flying and body-dragging through the water pretty quickly, but controlling the kite in all conditions, getting up on the board and staying upwind usually takes more time, patience and practice.
 

Denny points to another stumbling block: “Accepting that the wind strength and wind directions can change from what’s forecast is a challenge for some. Some people struggle with this level of uncertainty so we always highlight it at the booking stage.”
 

What kit should you buy as a beginner?
 

There’s no need to buy anything straight away, as any good instructor will provide equipment. “You’ll have a better idea about what to buy once you’ve completed the course – the location you plan to kite in, for example, will make a difference to the kite size you need,” Jones advises. 
 

“And you may outgrow some of your entry-level equipment if you buy too soon.” Beginners often learn with a seat harness, a larger board and a floatation aid. Later on, you’ll probably want to change to a waist harness, smaller board and lower-profile impact vest. “But there’s always the option to part-exchange or sell your equipment when you've outgrown it.”
 

Many kites, on the other hand, are suitable for all levels. The most common designs have an inflatable leading edge and a bridle to attach your lines to. At a beginner level, you don’t need to worry too much about specialist designs, as modern ‘everyday’ kites usually come in standard ‘bow’ or ‘delta’ shapes (both are good for beginners). Other kite types include C-kites (lots of power and lift); hybrids (a cross between a C-kite and bow-kite); and foil kites (used for hydrofoil kitesurfing).
 

When you are ready to buy, use your instructor to help you choose the kite and kit that’s best for you. If you can’t afford a range of different kite-sizes, you may need to hire occasionally if the wind is too strong or too light for your own kite(s).
 

Kitesurf kit is lightweight and easy to transport – if you don’t have a car, you could catch a bus, taxi or carry your kit to the beach.
 

Beginner kit list:
 

• Kite – the size you’ll need depends on the wind strength

• Bar and lines – the right size/length to match the kite

• Board – beginners often start on larger sizes

• A seat or waist harness – seat harnesses are easier to learn on

• Safety leash and safety knife

• Floatation vest – kitesurfing vests have a gap for your bar

• Helmet – one that’s specifically designed for kitesurfing

• Wetsuit – if learning in cold-water destinations

Is it ok to buy second-hand gear?
 

Buying an older board is fine but newer is better for kites, bars and lines. Jones explains: “New equipment is always evolving, especially the kites. Equipment gets better every year. If possible, go for the latest and newest equipment you can afford, and buy from a shop or person you trust.”
 

If you have one pot of gold allocated, then the majority of that should go on the best kite and bar possibleLuke Denny <
 

“There are often excellent deals to be had on the previous season's kit – still new and with full warranty, this is a wise way to go,” adds Denny. “If you have one pot of gold allocated, then the majority of that should go on the best kite and bar possible.”
 

Do you need a license to kitesurf independently?
 

Generally speaking, you don’t need a licence but third party liability insurance is recommended, in case you injure another person or crash into their boat, car or expensive kitesurf kit!
 

Some spots do require a local permit, so you should always checking before launching somewhere new.
 

Are there any beginner-friendly clubs you can join?
 

According to Denny: “If you’ve learned on your local beach, then ask your instructor – they may be able to introduce you to other like-minded newbies they’ve taught.” Alternatively, search online for local clubs, even if you’re not based on the coast there may be groups that organise events and social activities, as well as lift shares to kitesurf spots.
 

Finally, any tips for that first lesson?
 

“Try to relax and feel the wind and kite with sensitivity, not brute strength,” says Jones. “Being tense, gripping and rushing will block that intuitive feeling and progression.” Patience is important, too: “Learning to kitesurf is broken into steps – each one is an important part of the progression process, and has to be practised.”
 

Luke Denny qualified with both the IKO and BKSA. He runs Kitesurfkings kitesurf school in the UK and organises international training camps across the globe.
 

Kirsty Jones is a fully qualified kitesurf, windsurf, surf and yoga coach, and a full-time professional kitesurfer. She offers kite workshops, retreats and one-to-one coaching in various locations worldwide.
 

This article originally appeared at Red Bull Online.
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