Kiteboarding & Wing Foiling Lessons in Lyle, WA: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions students ask most before their first lesson with SA Kitesurf Adventures in the Columbia River Gorge.
How much do lessons cost?
A single 2.5-hour lesson is $350 (Discovery, Next Level Rider, Let’s Go Strapless, and the wing foiling lessons), plus 7.5% Washington sales tax. Kiteboarding packages: Let’s Ride (5 hours) is $700, Get Independent (7.5 hours) is $1,000 and saves $50, and Confident Rider (12.5 hours) is $1,675 and saves $75. Wing foiling courses are $1,000 for 3 lessons (7.5 hours) and $1,675 for 5 lessons (12.5 hours). Current prices and availability are always shown on our booking page.
Where do you teach in the Gorge?
Our shop is at 34 State Street in Lyle, Washington, near the Klickitat Bridge and between the Klickitat and Columbia Rivers. Lyle is 15 minutes east of Hood River, 1.5 hours from Portland, Oregon, and about 4 hours from Seattle.
When is the Gorge season?
Our Gorge season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. We operate 7 days a week when it’s windy.
Why choose Lyle instead of Hood River?
Lyle has a large shallow sandbar and steadier, less gusty winds, which makes it safer and faster for beginners to progress. It’s also away from the crowds in Hood River, where training often has to be done in deeper water. We take you to the sandbar by boat, so you can practice in waist-deep water.
Who can kiteboard or wing foil?
You should be at least 12 years old, and you are never too old. The only physical requirement is the ability to swim. Strength, flexibility, and endurance help you progress more quickly but are not prerequisites. We match the kite or wing to your size and the wind conditions.
Do you provide equipment?
Yes. All gear is provided, along with two-way radio communication and boat support on every lesson. If you have your own wetsuit, please bring it. If not, we will provide one at no extra cost.
What should I bring?
Your own wetsuit if you have one, water shoes if you own them, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water. If you cross the bridge from Hood River to White Salmon, carry cash for the toll, which is $3.50 each way.
How long does it take to learn?
That depends on you. On average it takes about 6 hours to stand up on the board and ride a short distance when learning to kiteboard, and we recommend 12.5 hours to build confidence, ensure safety, and become fully independent. Short on time? We can combine two lessons into one day for faster progression.
What is the difference between private, semi-private, and group lessons?
For kiteboarding, private lessons are one student, one instructor, and one kite. If you add a buddy, you share one kite. A Discovery lesson can have up to three people: adding a buddy is $150 for one buddy or $275 for two, and the add-on is higher for longer lessons (shown on our booking page). For wing foiling, a semi-private lesson is $300 per rider and each rider gets their own equipment. If you add a buddy to a private wing or parawing lesson, the two of you share one set of equipment, and the add-on is $150 for one buddy or $275 for two. Hydrofoil Discovery can be taken by one or two people for the same $350.
What if there isn’t enough wind?
In the Gorge we typically need around 15kt+ to kite or wing foil, so look for higher wind periods in the day when you book. If you schedule a lesson on a day with no wind, we will reschedule for the next best available time, with no penalty. For wing foiling, we can also get you foiling with a tow-behind session if the wind doesn’t show up.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel 24 hours or more before your lesson, you will be rescheduled without penalty. If you cancel less than 24 hours but more than 4 hours before, there is an $80 cancellation fee and we will re-book your lesson. If you cancel 4 hours or less before, the entire price of the lesson is charged. Unused lessons are honored for 1 year from the purchase date.
Can I rent equipment?
Yes. Kiteboarding gear rental and wing foiling gear rental are each $180 with a 2-hour minimum. Kiteboarding rental includes one LEI kite, a bar, a safety leash, and a pump, a twintip or directional surfboard, a harness, and a wetsuit. Wing foiling rental includes a wing board and leash, hydrofoil set, inflatable wing and leash, pump, wetsuit, float vest, booties, and helmet. Wing foiling rental equipment is used at your own risk.
Can I give a lesson as a gift?
Yes. Gift certificates are $350 and cover a 2.5-hour Discovery kiteboarding or wing foiling lesson. Choose a placeholder date at checkout, and once we receive payment we will email you a printable gift certificate.
Why should I take kiteboarding lessons from an IKO-affiliated school?
IKO, the International Kiteboarding Organization, is the world’s largest kiteboard training organization. To become an IKO-affiliated center, schools must meet high standards for quality and safety, and IKO instructors teach a safe, progressive method that helps you reach your goals faster and with confidence. We do not recommend learning from friends or from schools without certified instructors. After your course you receive an IKO member card, which lets you rent equipment from any IKO-affiliated center in the world.
Do you teach anywhere else?
Yes. From October to May we teach at North Skyway Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida. See our Florida lesson FAQs for details.
How do I book a lesson?
Book online, call us at +1 833 879 5483, or email sakitesurf@gmail.com. After you book, we send a Google Calendar invite confirming your date, time, and where to meet. Our booking calendar doesn’t show our actual schedule for the season, so use it to choose your preferred start date.