Learn to Kitesurf

The Brisbane Kitesurfing scene has never been so popular and with the fun-filled days that kitesurfing affords we are not surprised. Learn to kitesurf with Surf Connect for an unforgettable experience and to gain skills for life!Kitesurfing Lessons

 

A kiteboarder harnesses the power of the wind with a large controllable power kite to be propelled across the water on a kiteboard similar to a wakeboard or a small surfboard - with or without footstraps or bindings.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need much strength to kitesurf, as you are hooked into a harness at all times. Many young children kitesurf all the time with no problems whatsoever. Our youngest kitesurfing prodigy was merely 7 when he started!

 

Kitesurfing Lessons Brisbane

Just like paragliding or flying, the learning process is quite hands on but also theoretical. It normally takes around 6-8 hours of one-on-one tuition before you become competent enough to take your own kite out on the water to improve your skills independently.

Most people take two-hour lessons at a time. In the first two hours, you will be in the water flying a full-size kite. You will be introduced to all the basic skills - from safety, trainer kite, set up, onto flying the big kite, and doing downwind body dragging.

Once you are capable of body dragging downwind and upwind without crashing the kite, as well as learning relaunching and self-rescue, it’s time to get you on the board.

The initial two hours will cost $250, then you get 10% discount for every subsequent every two-hour lesson. Once you’ve been trained you will need some kitesurfing equipment. Luckily, we can help! At the end of your lessons, you can claim back the costs of your first 4 lessons as discount when purchasing our equipment sets from our kitesurfing shop.

Kiteboarding for Beginners

The following is our typical lesson format, lesson one will typically cover all of he Level 1 skills, Lesson 2 the Level 2 skills and Lesson 3 the Level 3 Skills.

Level 1A
  • SEA (Spot, Environment, Activity) assessment
  • Hold, carry, and secure a kite on land
  • Kite setup

 Level 1B

  • Safety systems use
  • Pre-flight check
  • Launch and land as an assistant

 Level 1C

  • First piloting and explore the wind window's edge
  • Let go of the bar
  • Twist and untwist the lines

 Level 1D

  • Fly one-handed
  • Trim introduction
  • Walk while flying the kite
  • Launch and land as a pilot
  • Wind window theory

 Level 1E

  • Inflight quick release activation
  • Self-land
  • Equipment packing

 Level 2F

  • Enter and exit the water while controlling the kite
  • Water relaunch

 Level 2G

  • Body-drag with 2 hands, kite stable
  • Body-drag with power stroke

 Level 2H

  • Body-drag upwind
  • Body-drag with the board
  • Self-rescue and pack down introduction

 Level 2I

  • ROW (Right Of Way) rules introduction
  • Steady-pull
  • Waterstart
  • Controlled stop

 Level 3J

  • Control of speed by edging

 Level 3K

  • Ride upwind

 Level 3L

  • Sliding transition

 Level 3M

  • Ride toeside
  • Jibe

 Level 3N

  • Self-launch
  • Self-rescue and pack down in deep water

Similar to driving, some people pick it up fairly quick, some need a few more lessons to have good confidence and control. Based on your performance during these lessons, your instructor will advise you whether or not you are ready to purchase our own equipment and go on your own, or if you still need some further instruction.

Why learn with Surf Connect?

We are the only accredited school in Brisbane affiliated to the Australian Wind & Kiteboarding Association (AWKA) and the International Kiteboarding Organisation (IKO). At the end of each and every lesson, your instructor will issue you with an evaluation/certification card of your learning. Learning from an Accredited School will ensure everything you need to learn has been competently achieved. Kiteboarding is an extreme sport with very high risk, so learning with us will ensure everything you need to learn for kitesurfing is of the highest standards.

All Surf Connect's instructors are fully qualified first aiders as well as bluecard holders to work with children under 18. We also have a $20m Public Liability cover to cover you in case you get hurt or hurt someone else or damage other people’s property during the lessons. To teach in Brisbane, we are required to have $20m Public Liability and Professional Indemnity cover, each instructor must be fully qualified, accreditation to governing bodies, and permits from local Councils, State Government, Marine Parks as well as Maritime Safety Authority.

Many shops/individuals teach without qualifications, insurance or permits. If you get injured during a lesson, you will not be covered, let alone you are learning in an unstructured or governed program. Is your life worth that risk just to save a few dollars? It is very simple to check, just ask the instructor to see his certificate of qualifications and insurance to teach before you book a lesson.