Every rider progresses differently. If you pick it up quickly, we won’t hold you back, and if you need more time, we won’t push you. Here’s what a typical path looks like with our IKO-certified instructors.
On average it takes about 6 hours to stand up and ride a short distance. We recommend 12.5 hours to ride confidently and independently.
Lesson 1: Kite Setup, Safety and Kite Control
You’ll rig an inflatable kite from scratch, learn the safety release systems, and practice launching, landing, and controlling the kite. This is our Discovery lesson (2.5 hours).
Lesson 2: Body Dragging
You’ll use the power of the kite to pull yourself through the water, a key skill for getting back to your board.
Lesson 3: Your First Water Starts
The board goes on your feet and you attempt your first water starts. Most people ride in one direction at this stage and aren’t yet ready to go out on their own.
After About 12 Hours: Riding Independently
You should be riding in both directions and fully understand safety and self-rescue techniques. Our Confident Rider package (12.5 hours) also covers riding upwind, building speed and edge control, and retrieving your board in deep water.
Short on Time?
We can combine two lessons into one day to fast-track you to the board.
Your IKO Card
When you finish your course you’ll receive an IKO member card, which lets you rent equipment from any IKO-affiliated center in the world.
Ready to start? Lessons run at North Skyway Beach in St. Petersburg, FL from October to May, and in Lyle, WA from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
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