❓ FAQ – Kiteloop-Kiteschool

1. How fast can you learn kitesurfing?

This is very individual and also depends on the conditions at the kite spot. Constant strong wind and calm water are beneficial to facilitate progress. Most people need 6–9 hours to learn all the necessary steps until they can safely ride the first few meters on the board. Athletes or those with experience in water or wind sports often learn a bit faster. Pilots and paragliders also tend to get even a bit faster. Ideally, 2–3 consecutive training days are best to progress as efficiently as possible.

It’s also an advantage to start without any expectations. Open-minded learners usually absorb new input better than those with preconceived notions. When expectations and reality differ, the student is often surprised, and expectations first need to be revised—a process that requires very little time and effort.

Example: A student thinks steering the kite (without any prior experience) must be child’s play, as it looks so easy. When flying the kite for the first time, however, it constantly crashes, and controlling the kite suddenly seems difficult and complicated. This can cause frustration or annoyance at first, but it’s only temporary until they “get the hang of it.” Nevertheless, the student goes through a brief phase of frustration, which can reduce learning capacity and slow down progress.

Side note on progress: The teaching methodology of the kite school should not be underestimated. Important skills must be mastered before moving on to the next steps. For example, it’s of little use to ride a few meters on the board if you haven’t practiced enough on steps like launching and landing the kite as a pilot, entering and exiting the water independently, or walking while flying the kite one-handed while carrying the board in the other hand. This is often seen at schools that want to get students on the board as quickly as possible, neglecting earlier steps. You can recognize this when the instructor holds or secures the student by the harness (to prevent them from being pulled away by the kite) — a sign that the student lacks sufficient independent control.

At KLKS, we place great importance on creating independent and safe kitesurfers. We do our best to teach complete theory and practice in the beginner’s course.

2. Is kitesurfing dangerous?

Kitesurfing is very safe if you know, respect, and follow the rules. It only becomes dangerous if safety principles are not taught or are ignored.

🔐 Kitesurfing safety principles:

• Learn and respect right-of-way rules

• Be familiar with the three safety systems

• Never touch a tensioned line – acute injury risk, lines can cut

• Never use a board leash – increases risk of board rebound injuries

• Never enter a learner’s drop zone – the kite may crash uncontrollably

• No experiments on land – the water is much safer

• Always pay attention to other beach users and kiters

• Never blindly rely on others’ correct behavior – just like in road traffic

• Know your limits – don’t overestimate yourself

• Equipment maintenance – especially the bar including quick release and lines must be in perfect condition

🛡️ The three safety systems in kitesurfing (in order):

1. Let go of the bar → the kite immediately loses power and falls in a controlled way

2. Activate the quick release (on the chicken loop) → the kite is depowered and held only by a single safety line

3. Activate the quick release on the safety leash → complete separation of kite and bar from the pilot (only in absolute emergencies)

3. What do I need to bring as a student?

• Lycra

• Women: leggings or knee-length leggings are comfortable for the seat harness

• Sunscreen (waterproof, ideally zinc-based)

• Sunglasses with a strap

• Towel

• Water & snacks

→ Necessary kite equipment and safety kit are always provided.

4. What do I need as a renter (rental)?

• Lycra

• Experience: independent launching (with helper), landing (with helper), relaunch, bodydrag, upwind riding, board recovery, and right-of-way rules are mandatory

We provide kite, bar, and board suited to the wind conditions and your preferences.
Helmet and impact vest are usually not included in rentals.
You ride at your own responsibility – no lesson is included, but we will of course help if needed.

5. What’s important for the kite shuttle?

• Be on time – you’ll get the departure time via WhatsApp

• Have everything packed (kite, bar, board, harness, etc.)

• Bring sun protection, water, and snacks

• For downwinders: a waterproof phone case is useful

• Participation in the briefing is recommended, especially for your first downwinder

6. Am I automatically insured?

No. Lessons are at your own risk. Accident and liability insurance are the responsibility of the participants.
You sign a waiver before starting, according to IKO standard.
We recommend an accident insurance policy that covers kitesurfing, especially for longer trips or intensive kite sessions.

7. What counts as lesson time?

Travel to the spot does not count as lesson time.
The clock starts with the SEA analysis (Spot, Environment, Activity) and the joint preparation of kites and bars.
The lesson ends when the kite and bar are properly packed away.