How you can learn to kitesurf in 15 hours: avoid my mistakes!!

There's a lot of factors that go into learning to kitesurf, and as a result you never get a simple answer on how long it will take. Here's my timeline, along with my mistakes, and some simple tips that should get you up and riding faster than me. I just didn't know what I didn't know until I had gone through a lot of extra work! #kitesurfing #kiteboarding
Gear:
Links: kit.co/evbart
Camera - Panasonic GH5, Panasonic 100-300mm, GoPro 9, GoPro Max, DJI Mavic Air
Kites - Core Xlite 12m , Core Nexus 2 9m, Core XR4 15m, 12m, 9m, 7m, Sensor 3 Bar
Kiteboard - Core Fusion 138, Nobile Infinity Foil Splitboard, Slingshot Celero Surfboard
Foil - Slingshot Hoverglide with Space Skate , Infinity 76, Apollo 60 wings
Gear - Ion Booster Vest, NP Helmet, Patagonia 3/2 wetsuit, Solite Boots
0:00 - Intro
0:34 - Quick Take
1:17 - Lessons timeline
3:20 - Riding upwind
6:37 - Riding independently
9:23 - Jumping & tricks
11:08 - Conclusion
Music:
Little Pieces by Sebastian Pangal
Anytime by Walz
Finale and Out Muddin by Milano
Get Hit by Monako
Champion by Cosmonkey

[@JamesLamb]

I took my first lessons at age 59. Maybe because of lack of flexibility, but compounded by choppy water (and depth), the hardest/slowest part for me was getting my feet in the straps without losing control of the kite.

[@erbartlett]

I had the same problem when I took lessons, and I was 35. The seat harness they had me use definitely restricted movement and having the hook so low made it poke into my stomach when I had to put the board on my feet.

[@JamesLamb]

@@erbartlett interesting - I guess that's one of the challenges of providing training equipment. During lessons I had a waist harness and the hook was pressing into the bottom of my sternum! I bought a seat harness, but wore it for quite awhile before realizing I didn't need the straps behind my legs so tight. Wearing them looser not only made walking up the beach more comfortable, I think it also reduced day-after odd pains in lower back and pelvis. Having them tighter may have been transmitting the force in odd ways rather than letting the force shift to a better spot.

[@erbartlett]

@@JamesLamb I’ve had a love hate relationship with seat harnesses. I ride a waist harness now, but I’m always on the lookout for a comfortable seat harness

[@JEM0507]

same here and i am 22 :,) i started to improve my flexibility and hope that it gets easier in the next lesson

[@expert7383]

Start stretching everyday. This helped me with the same problem

[@SENIXCNTR]

I learned when i was 60Yrs old. now i am 67 and with over 100 sessions i have to agree to be consistent and practice.

[@erbartlett]

Any major tips you have that I should include in future videos? What part of learning was the hardest for you?

[@SENIXCNTR]

@@erbartlett i would say that be aware of your surroundings. tide with wind is tough. i like your video. thank you

[@patriciabuczkowska9627]

Thank you. Really helpful.

[@OCEANBOUND1]

A few months late here but better late than never! I honestly kinda cringed when I saw this title, I thought you were going in the direction of you can do it on your own without lessons. But I'm glad I watched, sweet video bud. Love your thoughts. Great job editing. High 5!

[@CaspersCuts]

Sweet video! As I learn I'm using Anki spaced repetition flash cards to revise whatever I've learned from Kiteboarding videos on KZbin like safety stuff. I would recommend it to help the learning to stick, especially for guys like me who have months between days out on the water due to other commitments.

[@jacquelineharlaar8522]

Good analysis, i started making progression after getting my new kites. Not willing to spend much money on Kites in the beginning slowed my progress. Oftentimes i was on the spot ready to go only to find out my struts were leaking or i wasn’t able to get the pumped up hard enough because the old valves just ages to close whilst loosing air.

[@stevefaulkner183]

Super helpful and organized! Thanks for collecting and sharing your journey

[@erbartlett]

Let me know if you have any ideas for future videos!

[@NN-ms3dv]

Very helpful. Thank you!!

[@artyfly100]

I think trainer kites are great, had a peter lynn impulse i played on the beach with long before i ever kitesurfed and going over to a big kite felt very intuitive.

[@adlbh]

Great video 👍 A lot of people were waiting for this one. Keep it up 🏄🤙

[@erbartlett]

Thanks!

[@anthonyg148]

Simple - really good information - thanks Anthony ;-)

[@truthhurts3896]

My tip is learning on a big kite like a 15m or 12m with small bar setting, big kites move slower so you won't mess up as much, once you ready to water start make sure you are well powered makes it much easier and you will be able to stay up wind just park and ride , flat water makes it easy to get board on your feet let the kite pull you onto board , I find jumping in waves makes it easier as it gives you something to time your jumps off

[@erbartlett]

Yeah, big kites or slow turning 5 strut kites I think help a lot for learning. I hated light wind when i was starting because I could do everything when I was powered :)

[@gabrielgarcez7771]

Sick video Evan!! Love the content!

[@erbartlett]

Thanks bud!! You still on Long Island?! Would be fun to team up for a video!

[@rubyherring]

Evan, that was a fantastically made and super motivating video! I really like your data-focused systematic approach. I'm currently taking lessons and there's one thing where I disagree: 2:50 - consistent wind spot. We've been having real bad wind - gusty and aggressive on one day and barely enough to launch on others. But I felt like this is actually the best way to learn to control the kite - I have an instructor right there who can help me overcome these difficult conditions with hands-on tips. If I learn to control the kite in difficult conditions, I'll be able to control it in good conditions any time. But if I learn it in good conditions - what will I do in bad conditions when there's no instructor around? Just some thoughts I have after a couple talks I had yesterday on the beach with others.

[@bodurango]

Great informative video. Thanks. My kiteboarding journey has been much slower than yours . . . for many reasons that I won't get into. Friends of mine have tried to get into kiteboarding and given up. It can be an expensive sport. It is also frustrating at times. You are at the mercy of the wind . . . which can be fickle. But the beauty of the sport keeps me motivated. I love playing in, and with, nature. I am resigned to being the "world's slowest progressing kiteboarder". Yesterday my kite inverted and in the ensuing chaos I lost my board. But I am not giving up. It really is about the journey for me. And I am confident the journey will be worth it. My best advice for getting into kiteboarding: find a good kiteboarder friend with a jetski who can watch over you and get you back home.

[@TomKitesurf-Passion]

Perfect video i can´t remember the count of people they ask me: "how long it takes to learn it" 😂 Most time i tell them: "if you have time & wind in 1 day" but normal like me 1-2 years on splittet sessions with dumb gear & conditions.

[@erbartlett]

Haha, this seems to be a trend. Some people it takes a session or two and other people it takes years because of conditions and gear. My goal was just to make this more clear for new riders so that no one gets demotivated and quits to early!

[@adlbh]

I agree.... Same happened to me 🤣

[@slappyosis]

There are two huge things that can either drastically reduce the time it takes to learn or drastically reduce the cost and increase the opportunities to learn that I would like to add: 1. Shallow water! It makes such a difference to the physical aspects of learning to kite when you can stand up at any time which means more endurance, better focus, more enjoyable experience. 2. Flysurfer Peak 4 (and maybe the new Hybrid they have coming out). This kite is simple amazing for learning to kite for a few reasons: 2a. It's super safe. You can be flying this kite safely independently after an hour on land intro course. It generates almost no lift and is pretty much impossible to jump with. It also has a very big top end so if you are overpowered it's still manageable and the kite will let you know it's overpowered by all the flapping. 2b. It flies in light winds amazingly well. With LEI kites you have to know what you are doing to fly them in light winds but the Peak 4 flies like a normal kite in only 8 knots. This makes it so you can learn to kite in safer conditions when then winds are 8-12 knots and it gives you way more opportunity to get out and learn because if it's sunny out near the ocean you'll usually get a 8-12 knot sea breeze. 2c. It's a real 4 line depower kite that you can fly and crash on land without destroying it. 2d. If you pair up with another person for relaunching this kite works very well in shallow water. Often the great shallow water spots will only have light winds so learning in them can be difficult, but not with the Peak 4. On top of that the fact that it completely stops once it hits the water is another big safety plus. 2e. It's super well suited to teaching kids. A 100 lbs kid can fully ride down wind in 10 knots of wind and if they loop the kite 8 knots of wind. I have taught both kids and 175 lbs adults on this kite in 7-12 knots and it really does accelerate the learning process. It's also very affordable and has great re-sale value as they are really fun kites to hydrofoil with.

[@erbartlett]

Yeah, shallow water can't be over stated... it makes a huge difference. For the Peak 4, would that work for heavier riders? Do the flight characteristics carry over to LEI kites? Super interesting recommendation for new riders... It's definitely caught my attention for foiling, would love get my hands on one.

[@slappyosis]

@@erbartlett It flies exactly like an LEI until it's overpowered, then it flies like a flappy LEI that sits deep in the window. For heavier riders it would still work for teaching kite skills, body dragging and water starts, but you probably couldn't get rides. Here is a video of me teaching a 175 lbs student who had some experience flying 2 line trainers before this session, wind was 8 knots max: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHuxo3mViJ6onbs

[@erbartlett]

@@slappyosis very cool, maybe when my 20 month old is ready to start learning i can get one of these and use it for foiling and teaching her :)

[@comment8767]

@@erbartlett She's not ready now?

[@comment8767]

Flysurfer Speed or Soul also let beginner go upwind much sooner .... but they will consume a lot of time for untangling bridles ...

[@ItsNotFate]

Dude your videos and tips are top notch. I’m going to get into kitesurfing hopefully next summer since I’ve spent an arm and a leg on camping and backpacking gear. I already started doing a couple of jumps for sky diving. My goal is to conquer land, air, and sea!

[@erbartlett]

haha, you're doing it all. ill warn you, kiting is addictive! make sure to find a good school for lessons, and got a place that has consistent wind... if you get 4-5 days in a row of lessons, you'll be off to the races

[@ItsNotFate]

@@erbartlett thanks man. I’m fortunate to live in San Francisco. So I have plenty of wind opportunities. This is why I’m so stoked man, thank you. I might begin vlogging the whole journey. I appreciate you so much!

[@simontube00]

Thanks for the nice video, really helpful - the only thing I'd add is the choice of board can be important, especially in light wind. Using a 160cm (something like the Slingshot Glide) made a big difference for me, it's more forgiving when learning to water start and take first rides

[@erbartlett]

Yeah, great tip. A board can make a huge difference in getting more range out of a kite. I got a larger directional at one point and rode that in lighter winds and it was super fun

[@jrescpa]

Nice video. It's definitely an investment in time and money for the lessons but it's a great feeling to be finally independent after 20 lessons and two summers.

[@erbartlett]

All of them with an instructor? Any particular tips that really helped you or that you wish you knew up front?

[@jrescpa]

@@erbartlett I had good instructors but in a 2 hour lesson a good portion of the time was spent chasing my board and walking back up the beach.

[@stephenbarron8543]

I got myself a 4-line trainer kite after flying larger kites in strong winds. This was still on land while just practicing with the kites. I found it very helpful. After just a couple hours with a 2.5m kite, going back to the bigger kites just made so much more sense, especially the power/de-power aspect of the bar. I enjoyed your video a lot. Your experience matched mine quite closely, with exception of your remarks about a trainer kite.

[@stephpilot]

Even with just a 2 line training kite helped me get a feel for where the kite is and control it without having to look at the kite constantly

[@Andrewcaban1844]

Great tips man! I have only 15hours and going upwind in one direction but the other. still learning though

[@erbartlett]

Congrats! Where are you riding? Just remember time on the water is what matters most. If you get more hours on the water , you’ll learn so much faster

[@oliverlennard]

A day in waves 🌊

[@pivot90000]

Great video, got some insight about this sport, I´m thinking of take some lessons 2024 as a total newbie. I´m 61, do you have some special advice for oldies? Cheers!

[@abelvannieuwenhove2620]

16, just had my first kitesurf lesson a week ago. I can't wait to get into my next one, however my kiteschool doesn't give lessons on set points. They rather look at what the wind provides and call you up 2 days beforehand if they see the wind is good. I hope I can at least get one more lesson before next school year.

[@erbartlett]

Yeah, most schools only confirm a lesson when there’s wind in the forecast. It makes it hard to plan in advance unless you are in a spot that has very regular wind

[@timothybodart4892]

Nice video. I have a couple of questions: Do you have a list of spots in the NY area? What kite are you using for the foiling? Do you use your XR on the surfboard without straps as well?

[@erbartlett]

Re:kite spots a quick google will turn up the most accessible spots, Tobay bay being the best in my opinion during winter for beginners. Gilgo is good for more advanced riders that want waves. For foiling, I'm using a Core Xlite 12m and a Core Nexus 2 9m , and occasionally an XR 7m. I learned to foil and to ride strapless on XR kites. XR kites don't drift as well, or handle light wind as well, but its definitely doable to get up and riding. Something like the Nexus is more versatile in those conditions, but something dedicated like a single strut foil kite is going to be noticeably better for foiling (it drifts really well, and flies well in light winds around 10mph). Hope that helps! Give me more context about your situation and I can give more tailored suggestions

[@Jochumvideos]

Cool video!

[@erbartlett]

Thanks! Got any ideas or topics I should make a video about?

[@Jochumvideos]

@@erbartlett kite reviews and definitely spot reviews.

[@larsdamm3992]

these are all very good advises! apart from the one where you assume I have friends or moore ppl ride where i live :P honbestly thou, it is over 500km to my nearest "local" surf spot. any tips for us training compleetly solo? I´ve just started and havent even been in the water yet, apart from some body draging.

[@erbartlett]

where are you? how many lessons have you had?

[@maumex]

hi! what would be a nice beginner kite in your opinion? I am thinking on a 12m all-around and once I had that dominated maybe a 9m. Thanks!

[@artyfly100]

Duotone rebel/evo, naish pivot/ride, best kahoona, harlem go. Lots of options, usually its 4 line delta or bow kites.

[@stokakrishna]

Depends on your body weight And the spot you will be mostly kiting at

[@dakel7]

I'm 130lb, wind speed is around 12-15mph. What size kite do I look for in a beginner?

[@fujin09]

Anyone na idea if Tarifa is a good place both for beginners and intermediate and advanced kiters? Heading there soon for my first classes, bar a few i took more than a decado ago in Antigua Barbuda, when budget didnt let me to get further than a intial attempt to waterstart unfortunately.

[@erbartlett]

Ive never been but I know it’s great for advanced riders. As long as beginners go with a good school, it’s should be a good place to lead

[@solarmagister]

Tarifa in one of the worst places to learn to kitesurf. Strong and gusty wind, choppy water, overcrowded as fuck, offshore wind most of the time.... you get all the ingredients to experience a slow progression

[@vicbauwens]

Supervised training sessions must be made mandatory. Kitesurfing is a bit unfair in the sense that beginners are most at risk of (causing) serious harm

[@erbartlett]

I think supervised sessions are a really important option for new riders, but I realize it can get super expensive fast. Around here lessons are over $500 and supervised riding might be $400… so it’s a bit less but still expensive…

[@fujin09]

@@erbartlett 500 for how many hours? I'm looking at 60 euros an hour in spain later this month

[@Andrewcaban1844]

Why did you go with Core instead of like Airush?

[@erbartlett]

I initially bought slingshot kites because they were the cheapest. I didn’t know anything about kite types and flying characteristics when I started. I slowly realize that those slingshot kites from 2015 didn’t have a great wind range and didn’t ride upwind all that easily. My hands and arms were killing me and every session felt super laborious. One day my buddy handed me his Core XR kite and it felt completely different, everything felt way easier. I immediately switched and bought Core XRs. This is not to say I think everyone should buy Core kites, because different brands make very similar kites these days. I’ve never tried Airrush, but I do think beginner riders should consider buying a user friendly high aspect 5 strut kite because it makes learning easier. Hope that helps

[@salamdrik]

how many boards lost ?

[@erbartlett]

Ive never fully lost a board, but I’ve definitely had to walk a half mile or more downwind to get one :)

[@Xtreeze]

Not sure why but I'm finding it really difficult to understand your timeline charts. Really good video otherwise though, very helpful!

[@erbartlett]

Yeah, those where tricky. Which one? The top row is the hours for that phase ( lessons , riding upwind, etc) the bottom row is the total cumulative hours I’ve spent learning to kite, it’s just adding them together.

[@Xtreeze]

@@erbartlett I found all of them confusing, like the numbers didn't add upp when I put them together lol

[@erbartlett]

@@Xtreeze so for this one imgur.com/a/K7lmtQv it’s just 11 hours for lessons, then an additional 6 for riding upwind ( which equals 17 hours total so far), then an additional 6 to get comfortable rising independently at beginner spots ( which brings the total up to 23). The Orange at the bottom is an example timeline for someone learning faster than me and not making the mistakes I made

[@canarispottt]

NEVER LEARN BY YOUR SELF IF YOU DONT WANT TO DIE...tats my tip

[@AndrewPattullo]

Your video fails to say you need to learn to fly a kite first 🤔 15hrs i

[@erbartlett]

That’s the first phase, the taking lessons!

[@ridewithandrei]

100$ for a pick-up. stingy

[@erbartlett]

I can say it put pressure on me to stay upwind :)