How to Get Started Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is one of the most exciting sports you can take part in. You might be wondering: how do you get started? Where can you learn, and where can you participate?
Read our getting-started guide to help get you going on the water!
To find a lesson provider, visit our kiteboarding school page.
Online Learning Course
If you are looking to further your skills and knowledge, either before or after your kiting lesson, take our online learning course here. To complete the course, you must be a member of Kiteboarding Australia.
The course is online, self-paced and delivered on the OpenLearning platform, where students complete activities and share their work with peers in a highly engaging learning community. The best bit? You're guaranteed to become part of a supportive kiteboarding community and might even find some local friends to go kiting with.
Kiteboarding Australia's online training consolidates what you've learnt on the beach and from various web sources, and fills in the gaps. It will help you take the next step as a kiteboarder.
What is kitesurfing?
Kitesurfing uses the power of the wind to propel you across the water with a kite and board. It can take place on flat water, waves, choppy water and anything in between — wind and water are the key ingredients.
Once you're up and riding, you can progress to jumping, racing, foiling, wave riding, freestyle tricks and downwinders.
Do I need pre-existing skills to go kitesurfing?
Beginners often have no board, watersport or kite-flying background — the sport is completely open to people with no experience. If you have basic swimming skills to keep you afloat, this sport is for you.
Kitesurfing is sometimes perceived to be only for strong people. This is a misconception: the full power of the kite is not felt through your arms, but rather spread through your torso via a harness. A basic level of fitness is recommended to help with safe progression, but the sport can be pursued by people of all ages and abilities.
Do you need lessons, and where can you get them?
Yes. Lessons are an integral part of learning to kitesurf, and the most important reason is safety. Kitesurfing is not without risks; learning to control your equipment and make smart decisions is extremely important. You can check out our accredited kitesurfing schools on our website.
Kiteboarding Australia schools operate under safety guidelines for conducting lessons, so you can be assured of a great experience when learning with accredited instructors and schools.
What kit do you need for lessons?
Kitesurfing schools should provide the kit for lessons, including kites, boards and safety equipment. You may need to bring a wetsuit or appropriate swimwear, water, a hat and sunscreen — but it's best to check with your school before your lesson.
What kit should you buy as a beginner?
It's perfectly okay to purchase kite equipment after your lessons, and equally okay to purchase it beforehand so you can learn on your own gear. It's a good idea to talk to your instructor or local retailer to find out which kit works best for you and the locations you'll be kiting at. We recommend purchasing locally to make sure you get the best advice and don't pay twice.
What you'll need:
- 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
- Seat or waist harness – seat harnesses are easier to learn on
- Safety leash and safety knife
- Flotation vest – kitesurfing vests have a gap for your bar
- Helmet – one specifically designed for kitesurfing
- Wetsuit – if learning in cold-water locations
Do you need a licence or insurance to kitesurf independently?
In most places you don't need a licence; however, third-party liability insurance is strongly recommended in case you injure another person or crash into their boat, car or expensive kitesurf kit! Kiteboarding Australia membership includes public liability insurance.
Certain locations within Australia do require a local permit, so always check before launching somewhere new.