Kitesurf Lesson Mistakes & Tips For Avoiding Them

During kitesurf lessons there are many instinctive mistakes and misunderstandings that can slow you down. We explain the most common issues to help you make the most of lessons, including:
00:00 Not letting go of the bar
01:37 Trainer kite habits
02:09 Basic piloting mistakes
03:27 Over steering a kite
04:58 Steering delay misunderstanding
06:08 Creating drag with low air flow
08:13 Bodydrag without piloting skills
09:13 Waterstart without piloting skills
10:17 Relying on the board to stop
11:16 Long run on your strong side
12:15 Low kite when new to riding
13:31 Kite launch issues
14:22 The cost of skipping lessons
14:54 Kite handling mistakes
For more kite tutorials in order access this playlist:
• Kitesurf lessons in or...

[@kitesurfcollege]

For more kite tutorials in order access this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL41dAinz_9ZeaG5FJ_XU8vyBAE_HL_Cgl

[@jumpleadsx2]

Oh but the glory run is pure joy!

[@kitesurfcollege]

People do love it. Sorry to be a party pooper.

[@alanjm1234]

It takes me about 30 metres to get in control! But I do generally do runs on my weaker side first, so getting back is OK.

[@davideballabio1709]

I learned more with this video than with hours of expensive lessons... sometimes teachers are very good kiters but not so good at teaching!

[@yehyaamin9421]

Best kite channel by far thank you a lot been always there ❤

[@kitesurfcollege]

Thanks so much

[@Adam-ds5lq]

Some great advice in this video. Thanks. As a complete beginner with only 2 days with the instructor, I am still learning. Watestarts practices in 20+mph wind scared the shit out of me, to be honest. What I found really helpful was the practice session on 10mph wind. Kite couldn't really drag me that much and I was able to concentrate on the water start technical, instead of thinking how bad my fall going to be.

[@jeromeserre]

Oh, man! I wish this video existed when I learned to kite: I made all the mistakes in it and more... That would have saved me hours of lessons. So true the Glory Run: I wasted hours of lessons because I was so proud of being able (or so I thought) to navigate. This one is a must watch for all beginners. And this channel is the best for kite lessons, from beginners to highly advanced (megaloops and more). Thanks for producing such high quality content!

[@kitesurfcollege]

Cheers Jérôme.

[@ytrottier100]

I think you have the best and simplest approach to learning. Your videos showing the bar movement as your do the manoeuvre is absolutely amazing. I'm learning the surfboard now, you still my go to videos to learn anything. Keep up the good work.

[@kitesurfcollege]

Cheers Yves, I appreciate that

[@johnrobinson5506]

One of the best videos I have ever seen Guys 🤙💢💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@andytaylor3590]

Brilliant channel! Even though i've finished lessons it's still great to re-watch these videos.

[@MrDubaux3]

I could watch your videos over and over and still learn from them, excellent content thank you.

[@markusbroyles1884]

OK ! Folks ~ this guy is the very BEST instructor on You TUBE !! This is the first video on your list, so many little gems and tips ~ every one a lifesaver ~ Kiteboarding is very dangerous unless you have a very competent instructor from the very beginning. Broken ribs, friction burns from dragging leg and faceplant scars on the elbows attest to my long slow death defying learning curve, First things first ! The first thing is LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION !!! Shallow sand only clean land locked lagoons and clear of air turbulence (gust) making obstacles upwind are super important. Get a seat harness, have miles of room and no people downwind... Always have enough wind but not too much and never go alone in your first few years of this sport ~ The last thing he says about kiteboarding getting kicked out of the area is clearly a very high concern ~ DON'T BE THE ACCIDENT WE ALL FEAR RUINING THE SPORT FOR THE REST OF US !! Many harsh stories of broken bones and death ~ Aloha !

[@sergeishakhov5193]

Among other reasons, I thank you for your videos for perfect pronunciation!

[@oneistar6661]

Spot on man! I'm dry "kitesurfer" for the last 3 years training kite control, power zones and launches mostly with 3 and 6m2 training kites. Yesterday I did my first up and side wind bodydrags and suddenly It just clicked, I'm ready for the board, I feel comfortable. I'm experienced pilot, snowboarder and windsurfer for last 20 years, I already know the wing geometry behavior, wind control and board feel/control, but particularities of kitesurfing explained in this video are just amazing. I can imagine myself going trough all this mistakes in the future if I haven't watched this video. Thank you, cheers.

[@user-eo4ds4se5n]

So much usefull Information. Even instructors often doesnt give good feedback. Thanks for your effort. ✌🏻

[@juanignaciopenalva8033]

Thank you for all your work! It’s always useful to review this kind of lessons, even for experienced kiters.

[@JochenBilderbeek]

Interesting to watch after more than 10 years kitesurfing. Still see a lot of these errors during lessons. Terrifying examples at the end during launch, gives me the kreeps to see....indeed the most dangerous moment of the session. Still amazed how many people launch a kite in the direction of the shore /obstacles and not the water.

[@nicolasboudet9302]

After some good lessons my wife wanted to show me her progress😎! I thought she will do some little runs from the beach but started a very long « glory run » 🤗 I immediately realized that she did loose so much from the wind that she will never come back even to the end of our long beach, but far away…On top of this the start direction was her best side… I let you imagine the end of the story🥺

[@stephensinnhuber8401]

Another amazing video. I'm an instructor and have been teaching for a while and I've seen all these in my lesson! I also picked up some tips to share with students and will share this with them. Thanks Alex. Just great! Keep them coming.

[@andyb1404]

Thanks so much to this dude for crashing dozens of times to make us smarter 😮

[@troywalt4834]

This video is a gift thanks you, this may have saved from so many mistakes, some kitesurf instructors wont even bother explaining this so i am glad this video can make us learn for free

[@auklin7079]

glad to see you are unaffected by the unrest in SA at the moment

[@daversj]

Your videos are fantastic. I must confess i have sent these to many kite students to watch before their lessons.

[@rufuscasey2989]

Wow these are easily the best videos out there, thank you good sir! I love the ones that you have the bar graphics too, that really helps me understand what’s going on. Thanks so much!

[@philipniles6068]

Couldn't agree more about practicing the launching

[@alanjm1234]

Great channel! I really appreciate the way you just get straight to the point, no BS at all.

[@Mr89Falcon]

Outstanding video! Thank you!

[@ecokao]

Great lesson! Thanks a lot!

[@stuckonplay]

awesome tutorial! Thank you

[@1N2345]

Oh wow it's a fresh new video! Cool stuff. Yours are some of the best info available! I watched a lot of your videos, and started this year after 2 lessons. Still working on the water starts

[@davec6016]

i had one and only one lesson when i started. It was 3 hours long and I crashed the kite several times. I remember that at least twice, i crashed it so hard I knocked the air out of it and we had to walk it in to pump it back up. My instructor was a good kiter and nice guy, but didn't offer much in the teaching department. I didn't get hurt with him, but didn't learn much either. At 250 dollars it was definitely going to be a one time thing. Kiting proficiency takes experience/time. The best thing lessons can teach you is how to build that experience without seriously injuring yourself, others or your equipment. My lesson didn't help much in that department as the very next kiting experience was with my small girlfriend helping me launch, things went awry and I let it bounce downwind where it then caught wind and dragged me over a sidewalk. Luckily, only peeled off a decent amount of skin, but still is the worst injury I've had in 7 years of kiting. Instruction with a mediocre instructor is still better than no instructor at all, but i don't see them as an absolute necessity. Unless you are in a serious deficit of common sense and/or coordination, i don't see it being inexcusable to pour over KZbin videos, practice with a trainer kite and ask the locals to learn the sport. That said, I've seen some beginners out there doing ridiculous things that I'm am sure they would not do if they spent the proper amount of time YouTubing videos such as this one...

[@outdoormaniac8760]

Great tutorial video and I think the only one I have seen having the student covering their release during launch! IMO thats one of the fundamental tricks to all round safety. Recommended!!! Thankyou.

[@AircondGypsy]

Thanks for a great presentation! I'm totally new to these concepts and your explanations are really on point.

[@vinifons]

Very nice. Will help a lot with my students! Thank you!

[@flaviosanguigni8783]

Very interesting , I saw myself and many instructors that I paid..uselessly...but also sometimes you need to make mistakes to understand!! Thank you

[@robinmburrows281]

What a fantastic video - top tips. Compulsory viewing!

[@FloridaManFotoz]

Such a good video!! Thank you so much! You really answered a lot of questions I have been thinking about while researching during training kite practice.

[@CroLarus]

Eye opener, as I progress, by again watching it, first it woos mystery, than I understand something, and now I can "feel" what you are showing us. I hate when I stall the kite, will pay more attention what is (unconsciously) happening with bar when I hold only upper line in hand!

[@EugeneK88freeride]

Good teaching! Wish you all the best's on your way🤙

[@MrAnthism]

Good Job mate! TY!

[@yenerakdag2300]

Very very good advices. 👍

[@didoview]

Outstanding content and production, as always!

[@kitesurfcollege]

Thanks so much Dietmar

[@asieslacosaa]

very very very clear and usefull!!, thank you so much!!

[@user-yy4tf1qx6o]

great video!! thanks alot

[@joaopaulolopes8224]

Excelent as usual!

[@diar427]

This is the voice i always listen when i ride

[@Tatranski_tatos]

Thanks so much, just in one video you give a lot of help for...

[@phill1304]

Amazing videos! Thank you good sir!

[@kitesurfcollege]

Cheers Phil

[@kennethlee6184]

thank you & subscribed !

[@trixter2604]

Thanks so much , this lesson is perfect for my level of inexperience !

[@paul-akers]

You are the best teacher this is an amazing channel I use your videos almost every day to learn and improve thank you for being so thoughtful with deep insight I was really going on regarding Kitesurfing you’re amazing!!!!

[@toysoldierlp1998]

Love the video 👏🏽

[@GoodVibes_4You]

Love it .. Thanks so much for sharing this .. A lot to learn from this ..

[@sandroalves8433]

It's all I need. Natal - Brazil. The Best place to learn

[@NVR_Forfeit]

Great Video! I've been watching Kite surfers in Hawaii and wanted to know a bit more about it!

[@tamu111981]

This is AWESOME!!

[@luca8121]

Very very nice video!

[@foxAH64X]

Well this video is great, thanks!

[@l108613]

great help

[@benwearne542]

thanks for such a good video!

[@kitesurfcollege]

Cheers Ben

[@theedge4198]

thanks buddy !!!

[@danzbeard]

Starting my journey next week in the DR. Thank you for this!

[@kitesurfcollege]

it's an amazing journey, good luck

[@danzbeard]

@@kitesurfcollege Thank you!

[@andrewramirez9119]

parking a kite at 45 degrees while riding is oxymoronic a bit ,dont you think?, plus I heard lower and upper steering lines , isnt it 2 steering lines and 2 brake lines?, just confusing terminology, still the best site for free lessons, love it and thank you

[@Paiadakine]

I am currently taking lessons and many of these tips are very useful. I have not progressed to the point for some of the other tips.

[@sandroalves8433]

Usefull lessons

[@AMisimovic]

Great kite channel by far. Tnx for all great videos 👏

[@kitesurfcollege]

Much appreciated!

[@billjacobs8035]

Thanks 👍

[@AP-fl1ln]

Thank you soo much, It really helped me in reality 🙏Vielen dank=thank you very much

[@dongaetano3687]

Very well done. At a very fit 72, I'd be interested in some lessons on the small size, safest type of kite.

[@edwassermann8368]

excellent

[@herbertjordan6573]

Good video

[@aarontaylor6028]

Great video 👌

[@kitesurfcollege]

Thank you Aaron

[@alexandersavin1538]

Yes, two mistakes I do! I'll watch this video again before my next training on water

[@jumpleadsx2]

I'll see your two and raise with a full house. I do nearly all these! Going out on the water tomorrow.

[@elmedanokiteclub3996]

Best one!!!

[@DarrenG]

This is a great video. Soo much content in one video! Thank you very much :)

[@kitesurfcollege]

Thanks Darren

[@padayonkitecenterboracay7184]

Heyy man I really like your advice and the ideas thank you very much It help a lot✋✌️ best regards from boracay

[@mikeRobinsonCharlton]

Thankyou 😊👌

[@kitesurfcollege]

You're welcome Mike

[@karinliran]

halo from israel this is awesome.. thanks!!!

[@AP-fl1ln]

Thank you

[@kitesurfcollege]

You're welcome

[@ronniet906]

Hey, You've just made a documentory about me. I've made all those mistakes when learning :-)

[@gsg6662]

Super Erklärung

[@redman2751]

I’m a self taught Kiter. I’ve taught myself tons of other sports. This sport is by far the hardest to grasp though. I also had 1 mistake that could have ended badly. I got lucky. However overall I learned with very little issue. Mind you though I took an entire winter learning to kite. Trainer kite first. Then bought a small kite to practice. Had a 6m kite in 14mph winds and I weigh 200lbs. Then bought a 12m kite and practiced just moving the kite, then sliding on the hard packed sand only using the pull of the kite, then body drags in the water, then just practicing standing on the board, then finally riding. Once I was riding then I started practicing a bit more advanced techniques. I learned over winter because I could be the only one on the beach trying to learn so if something went wrong most likely all I’d do is hurt myself or damage my equipment. The mistake I made was that I forgot my safety leash. I decided to practice anyway. I was only flying the kite but it was my 12m kite. I had it overhead resting and didn’t notice my donkey dick had come loose, so only the hoop was on my harness. I played around having the kite pull my upwards a couple times and pulled the hoop off the harness, this powered up the kite fully and I knew I couldn’t release the kite using the safety since my leash was not attached, I had to control the kite and ride it out. Luckily I did this but it did rattle me quite a bit. I now make sure I have everything, if i don’t I don’t ride.

[@ciri2849]

My gramps tought me how to windsurf and kite too (on a 4 liner that is with 13 y/o xD, because learning from a familiar person suits me better and i can remember that the first time i tried to handle a kite alone a fucking gust hit me so hard that i went like 2 meters into the air and my gramps held me on my feet and we were both dragged couple meters lmao And that only because i begged him to let me try to fly the kite alone xD horrifying experience back then

[@Keeblly]

@@ciri2849 So learing from a familiar person did not suit you better..

[@auklin7079]

An idea for another video is how to best rescue other people. Both other kiteboarders and normal swimmers. At our local spot, we've saved a handful of swimmers who got swept out to sea by the river.

[@jojebia1648]

Grate video.! What's the spot mate??? :)

[@trexinvert]

Great video, but only problem is the wind is strong and consistent. Let's some some turbulent and gusty conditions during training.

[@paoladaris9239]

Another amazing video from you! Not a kitesurf related question, just a curiosity. Where are you from? And where are these nice spots?

[@picklefish74]

I've been wanting to learn how to kite surf, because I used to surf when I lived in FL, but now I live in Illinos ad would like to find something related to do at the lake.

[@moealmighty5700]

Just watched this and realized that I have a terrible instructor.

[@benjamina.941]

Huge fan of your videos! Clear and concise. Could I ask you where do you teach Kitesurf in January 2023? Best regards. Ben

[@kitesurfcollege]

Hi Ben, I'm not currently instructing as I'm still busy working on kite and wing tutorials. Also the local area where I live has very dangerous kiting conditions and is not suitable for lessons. When I next move I will hopefully find a spot where I can start running a kite school again. I might organize a couple of training camp/clinics at suitable spots in South Africa soon.

[@U-Thought]

🇯🇲 I'm very interested in this kind of sports, just waiting for the time and money to start

[@MrDubaux3]

Love the acting

[@Isaiahch35vs8]

Super

[@kitesurfcollege]

Thanks

[@Consul99]

Gotta appreciate the man crashing 500 times to show us what not to do

[@mgsolf3421]

The picture in the thumbnail us me every time I try to lean

[@FrancoOlivieri]

nice video! please stress the importance of not attaching the chicken loop, but only the leash, before you have checked the lines and moved to the good position

[@julestube3799]

Most important tip of the video : take lessons from a professional. I can’t count how many times I had to rescue people in serious situation. Lessons will always be cheaper than hospital bills and will make you progress very fast. Nice rides my friends !

[@M9Diry]

Unless you live in the UK where healthcare is paid for by our taxes ;)

[@julestube3799]

@@M9Diry Sure, you can count on healthcare taxes when you end up in wheelchair 😅

[@TheLucas2696]

I really want to learn how to kitesurf, but I live in the Midwest and noone offers lessons anywhere near me

[@sumzero9368]

hi! is kite harmfull for knees?

[@Jay-gf7mg]

Hi loving the videos and thank you .. do you you actually teach professionally at a school or perhaps your own school or you very much based on online teaching ? Do you ever run kite camps ?? Cheers

[@kitesurfcollege]

Cheers Jay, thanks for the feedback. I taught (in person that is) for about a decade, but have moved to making videos full time as I can help more people that way. I might start instructing again at some point in the next few years, or maybe doing camps, as it's definitely more fun that video creation.

[@Jay-gf7mg]

@@kitesurfcollege well if you ever do run any camps shout out as I know 2 guys including myself who jump in at the opportunity to join you .. you tutorials are invaluable and although not riding yet .. ( stuck in a grind at the water start stage ) ..all you video content is a great source of referencing and going back to in hand with taking lessons … much appreciated and never taken for granted!!!👍👍

[@redmarty0109]

can you please provide the models of the DUOTONE bars you are using in this video?

[@kitesurfcollege]

Sure, that's the 2021 click bar, size medium.

[@Vladimir_pobeda]

Все ясно и понятно