TIPS

Is kiteboarding dangerous?
As with any action sport kiteboarding has its risks. With proper lessons from an Authorized Learn to Ride Center you will learn how to minimize these risks and to kite safely.

Isn’t kiteboarding really expensive?
No more so than any other active sport of our day. Equipment is quite reasonably priced for its quality and, as a beginner, you will likely only need 1 kite to start for your first season. Grow your equipment quiver slowly over time and remember, once you own the equipment there are no lift lines or lift tickets, no boats or boat gas to have to deal with!

I think my local water front is ideal for kiting, how can I tell?
You want a beach free of obstructions, over hanging trees or power lines and quiet enough that you can safely launch and land your kite without risking the safety of yourself or others on the beach. Wind conditions should be side to side onshore and should be between 12 to 25 knots. Gusty conditions can be dangerous so look for a location with consistent winds.

Do I have to know how to sail or windsurf in order to kiteboard?
No, a sailing or windsurfing background will not hurt but it is not necessary. In fact, any background in other board sports will be an asset but even a pure beginner can pick the sport up quickly and easily with lessons from an authorized Learn to Ride Center.

What can I expect when I take lessons?
Authorized Learn to Ride Center instructors have all been taught how to teach kiteboarding by either PASA or IKO, meaning they have a structured plan to take you from a beginner to a comfortable kiteboarder. Initially you will spend time learning about the equipment, how to set it up and how it relates to your kite environment. Next you will be taught how to fly a kite safely and the various effects the wind has on it in different positions. Once comfortable with the kite you will progress to the water without a board. This is an important step as it will teach you to become comfortable with the power in the kite before trying to master the power with a board and it will also teach you valuable skills used in getting back to your board should you become separated from it as you kite. Once fully comfortable in the water with a large kite the instructor will give you a board to ride and will work with you to learn to stay upwind and not loose distance downwind when you are riding. Once staying upwind your learning has progressed far enough to allow you to work on acquiring skills outside of the structured learning environment if you wish. You may elect at this time to continue taking lessons though as the learning is far from over!

Why should I consider traveling to an authorized Learn to Ride Center as opposed to trying to learn here at home?
If you are lucky enough to have a certified school in your home town, take lessons there! If not, consider rewarding yourself with a vacation to one of our Authorized Learn to Ride Center locations. Not only are these Ride Centers located in some of the nicest areas of North America they offer certified lessons in some of the nicest kite locations available. Learning to ride can be a frustrating experience if you are not doing it in a beginner friendly environment. Many locations are excellent for kiting once you can kite but intimidating and frustrating if you can’t. Ocean Rodeo Authorized Learn to Ride Centers are all based in beginner friendly areas with excellent staff and support to get you up and riding quickly!