Can I Kiteboard Without Lessons?

This question is surprisingly, to me, asked by a lot of people that are interested in getting
into kiteboarding. While I would never want to discourage someone from kiteboarding
there are a number of reasons why you should take the time and spend the money to do at
least the minimum level of training.

Use the Right Equipment

The best way to learn quickly is to have equipment that is right for you and the conditions.
There are great beginner level sets that are not expensive and are designed to make starting
and controlling as simple as possible. Using expensive specialist kites and boards that are
designed for jumping or speed make learning difficult and spending thousands of dollars on
top line equipment can mean making a mistake on buying something you won’t use once
you are more into kiteboarding.

Get Lessons

While there are some great videos and online teaching aids, there is no substitute for having
an expert helping you in the early stages. You will not only learn much faster you will be
much safer. Training on the safety aspects of kiteboarding can save you from damaging
equipment and even injuring yourself. The reason that instructors go over and over the
procedures to, for instance, disconnect the harness quick release or to quickly dump the
kite is because in an emergency they will quickly get you out of a potentially dangerous
situation.

Selecting Equipment

An instructor that is working with you one on one can help you select the right equipment.
This not only goes for a training rig but for wet suits, safety gear and higher level equipment
that will suit you and the conditions you will kiteboard in.