Beginners Page
Where do you start?
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So, you're really interested in the sport of kiteboarding, but you have lots of questions and aren't quite sure where to start. This page is designed to give you an idea of which steps to take so that you will be kiteboarding in no time. At the bottom of the page, you will also find answers to common misconceptions about kiting. The best place to start is with a trainer kite! Here's why:
- Trainer Kites are designed to be flown on land and crashed over and over again while you're learning. They're made with incredible durability to withstand this force but due to this design, they cannot be used in the water (they would get wet and soggy and would not relaunch). It's a much better idea to put some wear and tear on a $150 kite rather than a $1500 kite.
- You will master the skill of flying a kite using a control bar system. This process is something that you can practice on your own without paying for instruction.
- Trainer Kites do not require much wind, so while you're waiting for stronger winds to go kiteboarding, you can be practicing with your trainer kite almost daily.
- By mastering the trainer kite, you will be able to progress much further with your water lessons. We can spend more time teaching you safety techniques and working to get you up and riding, instead of teaching you how to fly the kites. Don't forget that kiteboarding is roughly 75% kite flying.
- We recommend 10-20 hours of practice with your trainer kite before taking your water lesson. This will not only make you proficient at flying the kite, but you will have a much better understanding of the "wind window" and how to generate power with the kite.
Shop Beginner Kiteboarders:
Sensei Trainer Kite
2m or 3m Foil Trainer Kite:
$134.95
Shop Beginner Kiteboarders:
Best Trainer Kite
2m or 3m Foil Trainer Kite Kit: $179.99
Shop Beginner Kiteboarders:
All In One Kiteboarding Lesson
4 Hour Comprehensive Water-Based Course: $349.00
What to practice with your trainer kite
**NOTE: Make sure when you are at the park with your kite that you have a large buffer zone around you. You want at least two line lengths on all sides and be sure to stay away from other people, power lines, or any hazardous objects.
We made a video to teach you how to set the trainer kite up properly, how to fly the kite, and the skills to practice that will prepare you for kiteboarding in the water or on the snow. Just click on the video below.
Skills to master with your trainer kite
Learn How To Kiteboard: Kiteboarding Lessons
Watch Kiteboarding Instructional Videos: Motion Boardshop Video Gallery
Find The Products You Need To Start Kiteboaring: Shop Kiteboarding Gear & Accessories
Common misconceptions about kiteboarding:
- It takes a lot of upper body and arm strength-Actually since we use a harness, the majority of the force is targeted at our core.
- You have to be very athletic-not true at all, all shapes and sizes can kiteboard!
- It’s very tiring like wakeboarding-The harness makes it so you can easily stay out on the water for hours without feeling fatigued.
- It’s dangerous-With proper instruction and current gear it can actually be very safe.
- You need a drysuit to be out in the Puget Sound-A 4mm or 5mm thick wetsuit will keep you plenty warm since we spend more time on top of the water instead of being submerged.
- It’s expensive-By going with a package deal you can get into all the equipment you need for around $1500, or you can start out with used gear for much less. If you take good care of your equipment it can easily last you 4 years.
- You can use a wakeboard to ride on-Actually, the boards that we use are very kiteboard specific. Wakeboards have much more rocker to the deck making it difficult to pick up board speed with the kite. You end up slogging in the water.
- You need a lot of wind to get out-We can actually get out in riding in just 12mph, much less wind than you need to windsurf.
