When starting out in kitesurfing, it’s normal to make mistakes: from using the wrong equipment to underestimating weather conditions. These errors can make learning more difficult than it needs to be and even discourage those who are just getting into this exciting activity.
The good news is that most of these mistakes are completely avoidable if you know what to look for and how to fix them. Recognizing the common challenges beginners face and learning how to avoid them can save you time, energy, and a few unnecessary falls.
Table of contents
1. Not taking lessons from a certified instructor
Mistake: Trying to learn without the guidance of a professional instructor or relying solely on online tutorials.
One of the most common mistakes among kitesurfing beginners is trying to learn on their own, without the help of a certified instructor. This might seem like a cheaper or more convenient option at first, but it actually increases risks significantly and makes learning more difficult. Kitesurfing is a sport that combines specific techniques, equipment control, and knowledge of weather conditions—elements that require structured, professional instruction. Here’s why this happens:
Underestimating the complexity of the sport
Kitesurfing may look simple from the outside, but mastering the kite, the board, and safety measures requires guided practice.
Trying to save money
Many people see lessons as an unnecessary expense and prefer to learn by watching online tutorials or with the help of friends.
Lack of access to local schools
In some areas, the lack of certified instructors leads beginners to try learning on their own.
Risks of not taking kitesurfing lessons
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- Higher risk of accidents: Without an instructor to guide you, it’s easier to lose control of the kite, which can lead to injuries to yourself and others in the area.
- Lack of safety knowledge: Learning on your own means you might not master essential aspects like using the quick-release system or properly assessing wind conditions.
- Slower progress: Without proper guidance, you’re likely to take longer to learn the basic techniques, which can be frustrating and discouraging.
How to avoid these risks
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- Invest in kitesurfing lessons with a certified instructor: A professional instructor will teach you in a structured way, tailored to your level, ensuring you progress safely and efficiently. Having an instructor also guarantees that you’ll learn the correct techniques from the start, avoiding bad habits that can be hard to fix later on.
- Look for a reputable kitesurfing school: Before signing up, research local kitesurfing schools and ensure they have certified instructors. These schools typically provide the right equipment and select safe practice areas for beginners.
- Start with group or private lessons: If you’re on a budget, consider group lessons, which are usually more affordable and provide a fun social experience. If you prefer personalized attention, private lessons are a great option.
- Keep learning with supervision: Even after completing your first lessons, continue practicing under an instructor’s supervision until you feel fully confident riding on your own.
2. Choosing unsuitable equipment
One of the most common mistakes when starting kitesurfing is using equipment that isn’t suited for beginners. This can include kites that are too large, advanced boards, or gear in poor condition. The result is often a frustrating and unsafe experience with a slower learning curve. Kitesurfing equipment isn’t one-size-fits-all; each component is designed to suit different conditions and skill levels, and it’s essential for beginners to understand these differences.
Using an oversized kite is a common mistake. These kites generate more power and are harder to control, especially in strong wind conditions. Beginners, who are still learning to handle the bar and regulate power, can easily be overwhelmed by the force of a kite that isn’t suited to their weight or skill level. Similarly, choosing a small board designed for advanced maneuvers can make it harder to maintain stability and balance—crucial aspects during the initial sessions.
How lack of technical knowledge affects you
This problem worsens when beginners try to save money by using borrowed or second-hand equipment without checking its condition or compatibility with their skill level. For example, a worn-out harness or a malfunctioning quick-release system can compromise the practitioner’s safety. Additionally, many beginners lack the technical knowledge needed to choose their equipment, relying on generic recommendations that don’t always suit their needs.
The importance of seeking expert advice
To avoid these situations, it’s essential for beginners to seek advice from instructors or experts. A certified instructor can not only recommend the ideal size and type of equipment but also ensure it’s in good condition. Testing different options at a kitesurfing school before buying is a smart strategy to get familiar with the equipment and determine what works best based on your weight, wind strength, and the conditions of your practice spot.
Benefits of using appropriate equipment
Using the right kitesurfing equipment not only makes learning easier but also reduces risks and boosts confidence. By choosing a stable, medium-sized kite, a larger, more buoyant board, and a comfortable, secure harness, beginners can focus on mastering basic techniques without worrying about technical issues. Similarly, investing in equipment in good condition, whether new or second-hand, ensures a safer and more durable experience.
If you want to learn more, check out our recommendations on kitesurfing equipment for beginners.
3. Not paying attention to weather conditions
A very common mistake among kitesurfing beginners is not paying enough attention to weather conditions before heading out on the water. This sport relies directly on the wind, and riding in unsuitable conditions can jeopardize the practitioner’s safety. Ignoring the wind forecast, failing to identify gusts, or underestimating sudden weather changes are factors that can make the practice more difficult and increase the risk of accidents.
Why do people continue to make this mistake
Lack of experience is one of the main reasons. Beginners often don’t know how to interpret the wind or weather and rely exclusively on weather apps, which may not accurately reflect the conditions at the location.
Another factor is a lack of understanding about the influence of wind direction. For example, offshore wind can be very dangerous for beginners, as it makes returning to shore difficult. Similarly, conditions with very strong or inconsistent wind can make the kite harder to control, increasing the chances of crashes.
It’s crucial to be cautious at sea
Check the weather forecast before each session. Apps like Windguru or Windy are useful tools for checking wind speed, direction, and consistency, but it’s important to complement this information by directly observing the surroundings. Looking at the water’s surface, flags, or trees can provide visual clues about the wind’s strength and direction.
Learning to interpret these signs is a key skill that should be practiced from the start. Additionally, consulting with an instructor or experienced kitesurfers in the area can be invaluable, as they know the specific characteristics of the spot and can warn you about potential risks.
4. Ignoring safety measures
Common mistake: Not practicing the activation of the quick-release system, not wearing a helmet or vest, or failing to check the lines before each session.
Kitesurfing is an exciting sport, but like any extreme water activity, it involves certain risks. A common mistake among beginners is underestimating the importance of safety measures, whether due to impatience, lack of knowledge, or wanting to “save time.” However, neglecting safety not only increases the risk of accidents but can also make the experience less enjoyable and more stressful. Here’s why this happens:
Lack of knowledge
Many beginners are unfamiliar with the safety equipment and don’t know how to use it properly.
Anxious to start
With the excitement to get in the water, it’s easy to skip important steps like checking the lines or practicing emergency maneuvers.
Not respecting the risks
Some beginners believe that “nothing can go wrong,” which leads them to downplay the importance of precautions.
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- Avoidable accidents: Not wearing a helmet or vest can increase the risk of injury in case of a fall or collision with the kite or board.
- Loss of kite control: If you don’t know how to activate the quick-release system, you could be dragged by the wind in an emergency situation.
- Equipment damage: Worn or poorly adjusted lines can break during the session, leaving the kite out of control.
Our tips to avoid these risks
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- Get familiar with the safety equipment: Before getting in the water, take time to understand each component of your equipment, especially the quick-release system and the safety leash.
Practice on land how to release the kite in case of an emergency. Knowing how to do it quickly and effectively can make all the difference in critical situations. - Always wear protective gear:
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- Helmet: Protects your head from impacts with the board, the kite, or the water at high speed.
- Life-jacket: Helps keep you afloat and protects your torso from potential impacts. It’s especially useful for beginners, who may spend a lot of time in the water.
- Wetsuit: In addition to providing thermal insulation, neoprene can protect you from scratches and cuts.
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- Check your equipment before every session: Inspect the kite lines to ensure they are free of knots, cuts, or wear; ensure that the control bar and quick-release system are functioning properly; make sure the harness is properly adjusted and free of worn or damaged parts.
- Choose a safe spot to practice: Practice on open beaches with few obstacles, away from rocks, piers, or swimmers. Make sure the wind conditions are suitable for beginners, avoiding strong gusts or tricky directions (such as offshore wind).
- Follow the instructor’s guidance: During your first sessions, follow your instructor’s instructions to the letter. They understand the risks and know how to avoid them. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions about handling the equipment or responding to a specific situation.
- Get familiar with the safety equipment: Before getting in the water, take time to understand each component of your equipment, especially the quick-release system and the safety leash.
5. Poor posture and technique on the board
One of the most common mistakes when learning kitesurfing is adopting an incorrect posture on the board. Maintaining balance and riding with control largely depends on how you distribute your weight and position your body. Beginners often lean too far forward, constantly look at their feet, or keep their muscles tense, which makes riding more difficult and increases the likelihood of falling.
Why is it so hard to stand up whilst kitesurfing?
Lack of confidence on the board is one of the main causes. Many beginners, worried about falling, tend to look down or adopt a stiff position, which prevents them from moving smoothly. Additionally, beginners often focus so much on controlling the kite that they neglect their posture on the board. This imbalance between kite and body is natural at first but needs to be corrected to make progress.
Another factor is a lack of coordination. At the beginning, it’s common for the kite movements and board posture to be out of sync, resulting in erratic riding. This is part of the learning process, but working on posture from the start can help minimize these issues.
Consequences of bad posture
Riding with incorrect posture can cause you to lose balance frequently, leading to frustration and slower progress. Additionally, a stiff or forward-leaning position creates unnecessary tension in the muscles, especially in the legs and back, causing fatigue quickly. Finally, poor posture makes it harder to maneuver the board, limiting your ability to change direction or stay on course.
How to improve posture on the board?
The first step to correcting this mistake is to adopt a relaxed and balanced position. Keep your knees slightly bent to absorb the water’s movements and help with balance. Your back should be straight, avoiding leaning forward, and your torso should be relaxed to allow for greater mobility. Looking at the horizon instead of your feet is key to maintaining stability and anticipating movements.
Another important aspect is weight distribution. Most of your weight should rest on the back edge of the board, making it easier to control and preventing the board from sinking into the water. Letting the kite do the heavy lifting is essential; instead of trying to propel yourself with physical force, use the kite’s power to move forward.
Practicing on land is an excellent way to improve your posture before getting in the water. Simulating the correct position with a board and practicing the basic kite movements helps develop muscle memory and build confidence in your balance.
The teacher’s role in correcting your technique
Having an instructor during your first sessions is crucial for receiving feedback on your posture. A good instructor can identify specific mistakes and offer practical tips to correct them. Additionally, practicing in a supervised environment reduces the pressure of learning on your own and gives you the confidence that you’re progressing correctly.
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