If you’ve ever watched someone kitesurfing and thought, That looks incredible, but I’d probably end up face-first in the water, you’re not alone. Kitesurfing has a bit of a reputation for being tricky to learn, but is it really that hard for beginners? Let’s break it down.
The Short Answer: It’s a Learning Curve, But You’ve Got This!
Kitesurfing isn’t something you master in an afternoon. It takes time to get comfortable with the kite, balance on the board, and bring it all together smoothly. But here’s the thing, once you grasp the basics, it becomes second nature.
Before you read on, if you're wondering how to get into kitesurfing, check out our blog here.
Think of it like learning to drive. At first, there’s a lot to think about—steering, mirrors, gears, and making sure you don’t stall in front of an impatient queue at the lights. But after some practice, it all clicks. Kitesurfing is the same. The first few sessions might feel like a lot to take in, but stick with it, and soon you’ll be riding with confidence.
Can women kitesurf? Absolutely! Read Justine’s and Rachael’s experiences learning how to kitesurf.
What Makes Kitesurfing Challenging?
Alright, we won’t sugarcoat it...kitesurfing has a few things to get used to:
The Kite – Controlling the kite is key. It’s not just about flying it; you need to understand how to harness its power and direct it properly. But once you get a feel for it, you’ll realise the kite does most of the work for you.
The Board – Unlike surfing, where you wait for waves, in kitesurfing, you generate your own momentum. Standing up and staying balanced on the board takes a bit of practice, but that’s part of the fun.
The Wind – Your best friend and sometimes your biggest challenge. Too little wind, and you won’t get going. Too much, and things can get lively. Learning to read the conditions is a game-changer.
Become confident on the water, book your kitesurfing lesson now.
What Makes Kitesurfing Easier?
The good news: you don’t need superhuman strength or extreme fitness to kitesurf. Here’s what helps:
Lessons from a Pro – Learning how to kitesurf with an instructor makes all the difference. They’ll teach you how to control the kite safely, avoid common mistakes and get you riding faster than if you tried to figure it out alone.
What to expect in your first kiteboarding lesson?
A Bit of Coordination – If you’ve done board sports like snowboarding, wakeboarding, or even just cycling, you might pick it up quicker. If not, no worries—it’s all about practice.
A Willingness to Get Stuck In – You will fall in the water. You will have a few wobbles. But if you embrace the learning process, you’ll improve faster and enjoy every step of the way.
Book your first kitesurfing lesson now.
How Long Does It Take to Learn How to Kitesurf?
Most people need around 3-5 lessons to get the hang of it and start riding. From there, it’s about practice. Some progress quickly, others take a bit longer. But trust us, the moment you ride your first few metres, you’ll be hooked.
Final Verdict: Challenging? A Bit. Worth It? Absolutely.
So, is kitesurfing hard for beginners? It has a learning curve, sure, but it’s one of the most rewarding sports you’ll ever try. And you don’t have to go it alone. Northern Kites offers beginner-friendly lessons to get you up and riding in no time.
Give it a go…worst case, you get a refreshing dip in the sea. Best case? You find your new favourite sport!
Learn to Kitesurf with our friendly and helpful BKSA Certified Instructors at Wallasey Beach, Wirral. Book your kitesurfing lesson now! Not feeling confident? Give us a call or text now.
