Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I take a kiteboarding lesson?
Even though kiteboarding lessons may seem expensive, there are many reasons why everyone should take a lesson. The most important reason is keeping yourself and others around you from becoming injured. Not only do you risk injuring yourself, you risk damaging a brand new kite that can cost any where from $800 to $1500. Why damage your equipment when you can use ours? Furthermore, a single repair on a leading edge bladder can cost a min of $150 dollars plus the aggravation of having to install it. Finally, if kiteboarding is to remain a sport in South Florida, we can’t have incidents on the beach. Cities around the U.S. are closing beaches and enforcing fines, lets try to keep our beaches safe and preserve a sport that is still in its infancy.
What should I bring to a lesson?
The only thing you need to bring with you is your willingness to learn an exciting new sport. Other than that a
couple of other things you might want are a swimsuit, rash guard or tee shirt, sunscreen, water, and
inexpensive sunglasses.
Do I need to have strong arms to kiteboard?
No. In kiteboarding we use a waist or seat harness that distributes the pull of the kite throughout your body.
Do I have to be in great shape to kite board?
No. Being in good shape will help but people of all shapes and sizes can enjoy the thrill of kiteboarding.
However being able to swim and being comfortable in the water is mandatory. Please advise your instructor if
you have allergies to stings.
How long will it take to start riding?
The average person can get up and riding in 6 hours to a few days. Learning to stay upwind can take
anywhere from a few weeks to 1 month.
Where are the lessons taught?
East Coast Kiteboarding is Florida’s only mobile kiteboarding school. All kiteboarding lessons are taught on
wide sandy South Florida beaches. We have teaching locations in Miami, Ft Lauderdale and West Palm
Beach. We now provide kiteboarding lessons in Crandon Park, Miami!
What Equipment do I need to start kiteboarding, after taking lessons?
The four things you need to kite board are a kite (including bar and lines) pump, harness and board. Some
other safety items to consider are a helmet and an impactvest, which provides flotation and protection.
What type of kite should I buy?
Each kiteboarder you talk to will have a different opinions on what kites work best. That said, there are some basics though that every one should know. Kiteboarding kites have evolved over the past 5 years substantially, from ram air kites to two line inflatable kites and now to four line inflatable kites. Many companies market their kites into three different categories, beginner, intermediate, and advanced kiteboarding kites.
Beginner kiteboarding kites tend to be much wider in relation to there length which is referred to as low aspect ratio kites, these kites tend to be very stable in the air and re-launch easier because of their shape. However, the wider the kite or the lower aspect ratio, the less up wind performance you have and the lower your jumps will be. I do not recommend purchasing a low aspect ratio kite as you will grow out of it very fast.
Intermediate kites are often referred to as moderate aspect ratio kites, these kites are narrower in relation to their length and tend to jump higher and go up wind more efficiently. They also are very stable when in the air and re-launch very well, for these reasons many beginners’ purchase mid aspect ratio kites with plans to grow into them.
Advanced kites are usually high aspect ratio kites and therefore have a much longer and narrower profile; because of this they go up wind very well and jump extremely high. However the kite’s stability and water re-launch ability is compromised when the kite becomes to narrow in relation to it’s length (i.e. high aspect ratio). Many kiteboarding companies have realized that too narrow of a kite actually works as a disadvantage, and since then have been making kites that are a mix between high and moderate aspect ratio kites. For a review of the newest kites on the market go to our kiteboarding articles page.
What size kite should I buy?
Your first kite should be between 10 and 14 meters, depending upon your weight. For riders under 150 pound, I recommend a 10 or 12 meter kite as a first kite. And for riders 150 pounds and greater, I recommend a 12 or 14 meter kite. These kites can be ridden in 12-17 knots as a beginner, which is an ideal wind range for learning to kiteboard. As you become more experienced, you will be able to ride these kite sizes in 20 knots with a small board.
Can we buy kiteboarding gear from you?
Yes. We now sell kiteboarding gear though our online shop. We stock closeout kitesurfing kites from North Kiteboarding and Best Kiteboarding. While we are based out of Miami and Ft Lauderdale we do ship worldwide. Furthermore, anyone who takes a kiteboarding lesson or camp will receive a discount on kiteboarding gear through East Coast Kiteboarding.