Kitesurfing is a complex but rewarding sport. There really is nothing like it. It involves a combination of several sport skills, including surfing, wakeboarding and kite flying.
Below are some common questions we hear a lot, listed with answers to give you the general basics of what it takes to get into kitesurfing.
Q: What is kitesurfing?
A: Kitesurfing is similar to wakeboarding or surfing, but with more freedom. You can use a directional board, much like a surfboard, or a bi-directional kite board similar to a wakeboard to surf in the open water, without any power generating devices. You use a “traction” kite to generate the pull needed to pull you over land, snow, or water and hold your edge. Kitesurfing allows you to surf in, over, and out of waves, to boost huge air (5-10 meters or more) of the water pulling tricks and go upwind, much like windsurfing, all while using a kite
Q: How much does it cost to start kitesurfing?
A: You can get started by investing anywhere from 800 to 3000 euro, depending on the quality and newness of gear you choose. A kite, board, harness, bar and lines are all that’s truly needed (and wind), but you may require a life-vest, wetsuit, booties, gloves, hood, a couple kites for varying conditions, etc. There are entry-level packages available, and now that the sport is getting more popular, kite surfers are starting to sell their used gear on-line for less than new equipment.
Q: How much do lessons cost?
A: Lessons can run anywhere from 50 euro, to several hundred euros to get you started in kitesurfing. A lesson is highly recommended due to the power of these kites.
Q: Is kitesurfing easy to learn?
A: If you have prior experience in surfing, kite flying, windsurfing or wakeboarding, the learning curve will be shorter, but anyone can learn provided they have the patience and willingness to learn. Being comfortable in the water will certainly help. With good instruction, the learning curve is accelerated. Without good instruction, or no instruction at all, kitesurfing can be quite dangerous and time-consuming. It is recommended that all beginners receive some sort of training
Q: Why should I take lessons?
A: First of, you will cut your learning curve down considerably and instructor will help get your there faster. Secondly, you can learn about equipment and products before buying anything. Thirdly, an instructor, or school, will probably give you a discount on equipment, or include free lessons for you if you buy your equipment through them. And most important so you have a positive experience, and not get frustrated, or injured, by trying to teach yourself
Q: Can I learn from a website, magazine, or friend?
A: Leaning from a website and magazine, or other printed source is certainly possible. However, an instructor is a much better source of information than a website. An instructor can watch and recognize immediately what you are doing correctly, and incorrectly, and make the proper appropriations for you in gear setup, if needed. A friend is a more valuable source, of course, but your friend will probably rather be on the water, than instructing you. A friend will not have as much experience as an instructor, either.
Q: What physical condition should I be in?
A: As manufacturers continually improve their products, its easier and easier to learn the sport of kitesurfing. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as well as knowing how to swim
Q: I have wake boarded, water-skied or snowboarded before, will these skills help shorten my learning curve?
A: Yes it will. These board sports all offer similar skill sets
Q: Should I join a kitesurfing school or station?
A: If there’s one in your area, you will meet others that can share ideas, tips and information to help you learn. You will be able to watch others on the water and get a better idea of your level, and where you should be going next in your skills. You will learn where others go, their hangouts, safety information, updates from email messages or club discussion groups. You’ll also get valuable connections to certain manufacturers through others that have met people. There are many advantages to joining a kitesurfing group.
Q: When is the ideal time to kitesurf in Wadi Lahami?
A: Kitesurfing season in Egypt begins around late February / beginning of March and ends in late October / early November, so any time during these months.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: If you are an advanced kitesurfer, it is advised to bring your own equipment unless you feel it’s too much of a hassle to carry with you, in which case you can request for rental gear in the Booking Form and we will arrange that for you. If you are a beginner, all you need to bring is some sunscreen and a smile.