All of our lessons are conducted in accordance with the current IKO standards.
The IKO (International Kiteboarding Organisation) regulates and monitors certified instructors worldwide, so you know you're getting the best instruction available!
You don't need to have any previous kite flying or water sports experience to take lessons with us. All you need is to be reasonably fit and be able to swim. We supply all the equipment you'll need during your lessons, including safety gear, or we can teach you on your own gear if you prefer.
All you need to bring is a hat, a rashie, sunglasses, sunscreen, some water and your sense of humour!
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We do our lessons at Elliott Heads whenever possible. It's a fantastic spot with loads of room and perfect conditions for learning. If the wind isn't suitable at Elliott Heads, we can go to a spot at Burnett Heads if necessary. |
The ideal wind strength for learning is from around 10-12 knots minimum to around 18 knots maximum. Any less than the minimum and it becomes difficult to keep the kite in the air. For safety reasons, we don't teach in winds above 20 knots.
At Elliott Heads, the best wind direction is South Easterly or Easterly.
At Burnett Heads, the best wind direction is Northerly or North Easterly.
This is a brief outline of how we structure our lessons.
(approx. 2 hours)
Our discovery lesson will take you all the way from the basics of setting up the gear, and understanding the wind by flying a small trainer kite, to body dragging in the water with a full size kitesurfing kite.
This session is usually around 2 hours and will take you to IKO level 1.
More info...
(approx. 2 hours)
Next step is the intermediate lesson, where you'll consolidate everything you learned in your beginner lessons and finish up with getting up on the board for your first ride! This session is usually around 2 hours and will take you to IKO level 2.
More info...
(2 hours minimum)
The final step is the independent lesson, where you'll learn to ride upwind, perform turns and jumps and fine tune your kite flying and board control skills. This session will be at least 2 hours, but will depend a great deal on your progress in both the Discovery and Intermediate sessions. Because people learn at different rates, you may need longer to complete this lesson. The skills taught in this session will take you to IKO level 3.
More info...
Because we use established IKO methods and an IKO certified instructor in our lessons, you know you're in safe and experienced hands. Some shops teach with non-certified instructors, which means no regulation, no insurance and big risks! It also means you won't receive an official IKO Kiteboarder Card after your lesson is finished.
So, for the best learning experience available, take your lessons with Kitesurf Obsession!
