Kiterboarding Learning Curve: skills progression & timelines

Kiteboarding is just one of many kite sports. And, it's all about the "feel!"
A discipline of power kiting, there are several "vehicle" types you can ride with a kite (i.e. kiteboards for water, surf boards, ground boards, skate boards, buggies, snow boards, water skis, snow skis, office chairs or simply your feet). In power kiting, you’re becoming the pilot of a single wing will pull and lift you. When you break it down, kite sports require 80% kite control & 20% vehicle balance. But first, before towing your self around on a board, you must learn the basics: how to control your kite.

We like to compare learning kiteboarding to driving. It’s critical you learn how to drive the “go-cart” before taking out the “Race Car” for a spin down the highway. For example, when driving, you’re eyes are focused on the road, letting your hands and feet control the steering wheel and engine without looking at them. The same holds true in power kiting ... it’s critical your focus is on the environment around you, not on the kite or control bar.

Kite control must become second nature.
This is why, regardless of athletic background, your first step must focus on becoming proficient in flying power kites. This means mastering basic control till you are doing vehicle simulation exercises blind (doing them with your eyes closed...see learning the zen of kiting).

To get started, purchase a small lower powered kite sized to your body weight and athletic background (for help, seethe trainer kite myth). Then, take a lesson with a certified instructor such as air's kite zen class. You'll learn how to "step on the gas and hit the brakes." Take the simulation exercises learned in your lesson, and practice them until you can do them blind. Your goal is to have complete kite control, even when your under water after a crash.  Be prepared to put in a minimum of 15-25 flight hours.

You can train anywhere there's a breeze. Having access to the beach is awesome, but not required.  Many people living away from the coast often train in soccer fields and public parks.

You are going to crash. A lot. Safety gives you Crash Control Confidence!
Once you're extremely comfortable with power kite control, you're then ready to learn the core basics in kite management and safety. This critical knowledge is second only to kite control. And honestly, you can't have one without the other.

Want to minimize injury risk and learn faster?  Then make safety you main focus. When you crash, you'll likely get your sinuses power washed by the Atlantic. Knowing how to keep your crash from becoming an accident is crucial. It will give you the confidence to learn faster and accept the fact that it is OK to fall over. And, it will drastically reduce risking injury to yourself, others, and even your gear.

Control + Safety = Time to Balance the Board!
With your homework out of the way and your kite skills in place, you're ready for an "Board Balance" class (i.e., kiteboarding, snow kiting, kite ground boarding, etc.). If you've mastered kite and crash control, you'll have a 90% success rate. This means you'll be able to get up and ride short distances after this third and final lesson.

Ready to ride!
Once you've been schooled and have practiced the homework, then it's time to get gear and get riding. When moving beyond lessons, we highly encourage you consider these two facts:

• 1- Be wary of the hype Kiteboarding manufacturers often market their kites, boards, harness, & safety systems as the "best thing ever!" You'll often hear you only need one kite for any condition. We highly suggest researching what's best for you with you local shop and by chatting with seasoned kiters. In this sport everyone has an opinion, but there's usually one path that is right for you.

• 2- Smiles are more important than dollars As with most things in life, go in with budget mind and you'll sacrifice quality, performance, and safety. We strongly feel it's better to have more smiles than frowns. While the intial expense in kiteboarding may seem high, be very careful in how you allocate your budget (see  it tends to be much cheaper than other sports over time (seeHow much kiteboarding costs: What You Should Expect to Pay).

Want to learn more? Like any sport, safety comes first. Power kites, their lines and control equipment must be used responsibly. Taking lessons from a certified / insured kiteboarding school will get you riding quickly & safely. Contact air's creditable kiteboarding school to help guide you through the learning curve. In the meantime, see our kiter's progression chart (below) to help show what skills and timelines you can expect during training. realistic

Kiteboarding Learning Steps
Following the steps below will keep your frustrations low and your stoke high!

• 1 - talk to kiters & the local shop Talk to others and get a really solid understanding. Local kiters and your shop will let you in on the latest learning techniques and gear.

• 2 - get basic training Get a trainer kite and study power kite theories and control techniques. Power kiting is 80% kite flying. Guidance is key to reducing your risk levels by 10X.

• 3 - master kite zen How can you learn if you don't do your homework? Take your power kite basic training and dedicate 5 - 10 hours a week until you're flying blind.

• 4 - take a safety course The second highest cause of injury deals with proper gear set up, safety, and crash control. This part is boring...but a little patience and focus will keep frustration, and pain, levels down.

• 5 - learn board balance Now that your kite control is second nature and you've dispelled any gear confusion and safety issues, combine it with correct body / board position and learn how to water start and sustain the ride.

• 6 - exercise your core & increase flexibility While kiting is physically a low impact sport, exercising your core (shoulders to hips) and working on your mind and balance with yoga, will keep you tuned for the next windy day.

• 7 - don't believe the hype, get the right gear 1- Every kite company exaggerates, talk to your shop and seasoned kiters for the best recommendations. 2 - You get what you pay for. Spend a little more and you'll greatly increase performance, safety & quality and have WAY MORE SMILES!

Which kiteboarder level are you?
0 - New Kiter You are totally new to kitesports (power and sport). You are currently training with smaller power kites along with a kite control class and/or DVD.

1 - Novice Flyer You just learned the ropes and can properly set up and launch with assistance. You’re body dragging with control and are now working on smooth starts & riding skills. This is where most students are after their first "on-the-board" lesson.

2 - Intermediate Pilot You’re up and riding, though may be stopping during direction changes. Staying upwind is not your goal as you’re probably focused on keeping your kite stabilized in the air, and out of the water.

3 - Advanced Rider Making basic turns and riding in both directions is comfortable. You’re staying upwind more and are experimenting with different power techniques. “Water launch fear” is behind you as you might be trying your first jumps.

4 - Progressive Kiteboarder Staying upwind is second nature. You’re actively jumping, landing and working on specific tricks. Your kite rarely crashes and have mastered basic techniques. You are now addicted and have become an avid wind chaser.

Kiteboarding Skills Progression & Timeline
The skills listed below are just a summary. This chart is meant as a reference guide only, and not a training manual. Each skill listed includes many very detailed and critical compents each kiter level must master.