Short answer: Yes. Kiteboarding is a safe sport to learn when you take lessons from qualified instructors in the right conditions. At SA Kitesurf Adventures, every lesson is taught by experienced instructors with radio coaching, a jet ski (Florida) or boat (Columbia River Gorge) on the water with you, and all the gear you need. Kiteboarding lessons follow International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) standards, and safety systems are the first thing you learn.
Like any wind and water sport, kiteboarding (also called kitesurfing) has real risks, mostly from learning without proper instruction, learning with the wrong gear, or riding in the wrong conditions. Good lessons are designed to remove those risks from day one. Here’s how we keep beginners safe.
How we keep your lessons safe
IKO-certified kiteboarding instruction
Our kiteboarding lessons are certified by the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO), the world’s largest kiteboard training organization. Our instructors have thousands of hours of teaching, and we’ve been running lessons since 2015.
Safety systems come first
In your very first lesson, you learn to set up the kite and master the safety release systems before anything else. You’ll practice launching, landing, and controlling the kite so you understand how to depower it whenever you need to.
Radio coaching on every lesson
Once you’re on the water, your instructor talks you through every move by two-way radio. You get instant feedback and guidance, even when you’re a distance away.
A jet ski or boat on the water with you
Every lesson includes water support: a jet ski at North Skyway Beach in Florida and a boat in Lyle, Washington. Your instructor can reach you quickly, bring you back upwind, and help with your board.
Shallow, beginner-friendly spots
Both of our locations were chosen for learning. North Skyway Beach in St. Petersburg is a great spot for beginners to learn in shallow conditions, and our sandbar in Lyle lets you practice in waist-deep water with steadier, less gusty winds than many Gorge spots. Being able to stand up makes the early stages much safer and less tiring.
The right gear, sized for you
All the gear is included, from kites and boards to harnesses, flotation vests, and wetsuits. We choose equipment to suit your size, weight, and the day’s conditions.
Skills to ride safely on your own
As you progress, we teach the skills independent riders need, including riding upwind and retrieving your board in deep water, so you’re ready to ride safely after your lessons.
Who can learn?
You should be at least 12 years old and able to swim. You’re never too old, and people of all shapes and sizes learn to kiteboard. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, call or text us at +1 833 879 5483.
Is wing foiling safe?
Wing foiling lessons follow the same approach: radio coaching, jet ski or boat support, and all the gear. Many beginners start with a hydrofoil lesson towed behind the jet ski or boat, so they can get comfortable riding the foil before adding the wing. Not sure which sport to choose? Compare kiteboarding and wing foiling.
Common questions about kiteboarding safety
Is kiteboarding dangerous for beginners?
Kiteboarding is much safer when you learn with a qualified instructor. Most accidents happen to people teaching themselves, learning from a friend who isn’t a certified instructor, or learning with the wrong gear in the wrong conditions. Lessons teach you the safety systems, wind awareness, and kite control you need from the start.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You need to be able to swim. You’ll also wear a flotation vest, and our spots let you stand in shallow water while you learn.
How many lessons before I can ride safely on my own?
On average it takes about 6 hours to stand up on the board and ride a short distance, and we recommend about 12.5 hours to ride independently. Read more about how long it takes to learn to kiteboard.
What happens if there’s no wind?
We teach 7 days a week when it’s windy. If your lesson day has no wind, we’ll reschedule you for the next best available time with no penalty.