The 6 steps to taking kitesurfing lessons
In my humble opinion…taking kitesurfing lessons will be one of the best decisions you make in your entire life.
Sure but why, is what some of you (who don’t know how EPIC kitesurfing is) may be thinking…
I suppose the best way to elaborate on my opinion, would be to guide you step-by-step through our schools’ actual lesson system.
Your experience can be broken up into 6 categories:
#1. Finding us on Google
Approximately 89% of our students find out about us via Google search!
Therefore it’s highly probable, that YOU were assisted by Google, when deciding to begin your kitesurfing journey. Who would’ve thought 20 years ago, that a machine would help kickoff such an awesome journey ahead!
#2. Deciding which kitesurfing package most excites you.
At Coastline, we have a variety of different lesson packages to choose from:
We are confident that at least one of these courses will facilitate your individual needs. However, if you do not find what you are looking for, do not hesitate to send your personal request to info@coastlinekitesurfing.com and Rosa or myself will be sure to contact you promptly, to discuss how we can cater for your specific needs!
#3. Making the booking.
When you submit your online booking, your information is automatically sent through via email, which is then received by Rosa.
She handles all the Coastline bookings with care, and plans your lessons in with reference to the dates you filled in on the booking form. It’s important to note that it’s not compulsory to complete a 2 day, 3 day or 4 day course consecutively.
(Sometimes it’s simply not possible)
We work with the wind and are able to teach lessons from 11 knots up to 35 knots.
Below i’ve added an example of an actual weekly forecast module, that Rosa or myself would use when planning in your kitesurfing lessons.
You’ll notice on the right I numbered 1, 2 & 3 In red. Let me explain what each section means.
#1. Is what we call, the constant wind speed. Any number from 11 – 35 means there is enough wind to do a lesson.
#2. Is what we call the wind gusts, think of wind gusts the same way you’d think of a heart monitor. Every spike in the reading, is the difference between the constant wind speed and the wind gusts. If the wind gusts number is far higher than the constant wind speeds number, this will then result in unstable winds. Less difference between the two numbers, means a smoother kitesurfing experience.
#3. Is quite self explanatory, the arrow suggests where the wind is coming from and where it is blowing to.
Now that you know how to understand forecast modules a little better, remember to keep in mind it’s never ideal to use just one forecast module. As the saying goes, “Never put all your eggs in 1 basket”
So that’s why we use around 5 forecast modules to predict the perfect days for your lessons to take place.
So all you have to do, is sit back relax and let Rosa or myself do the planning!
#4. Kitesurfing lesson day
This is the day you’ve all been waiting for!
Upon showing up at 11 Spray road, you’ll be met by the lovely Rosa or myself. All questions will be answered and once you are ready, you’ll be given a quick tour of our place. During this tour you’ll be shown where the changing areas, bathrooms, refresh station and chill areas are.
Once payment for your kitesurfing lessons has been made, you’ll be introduced to your designated instructor for the day.
He or she will take complete care of you from this point onwards.
You’ll be fitted with the following gear.
- Helmet
- Life Jacket
- Wetsuit
- Harness
If you’ve booked a group lesson, your instructor will fit the rest of the group with their gear. Once the whole group is ready and set, your instructor will make the necessary checks to determine which appropriate kite equipment to bring with to the beach.
Then the 3 minute walk to the beach begins. During this walk it is a great time to get to know the rest of the group! After all, you’re all about to embark on an EPIC new kitesurfing journey together.
#5. Practise, Practice and more Practice
Kitesurfing comfortably takes practice, just like any other activity!
Once you’ve completed your kitesurfing courses and received your IKO certification, Coastline offers AMAZING prices on new and secondhand equipment. All our students qualify for these discounts and are more than welcome to help themselves to our gear if they’d like to continue kitesurfing.
The gear we offer is the following:
- Kites
- Boards
- Harnesses
- Impact vests
- Wetsuits
- Helmets
- Hats
- Booties
The list goes on and on.
Once you have your own equipment, i’d reccommend practising at least twice a week to see maximum results. Once you’ve trained your muscle memory sufficiently, kitesurfing really becomes a breeze!
If at anytime you are uncertain about the conditions of the spots you are at, or have any uncertain feelings about practising alone, feel free to WhatsApp +27825500076 and ask us for advice!
(By the way, the guy in the picture is one of our past students, who is riding with perfect form within weeks after taking his kitesurfing lessons with us.)
#6. Coastline pool party
Okay, our pool parties are NOT this wild.
But every month’s end, Coastline hosts a chilled pool party that all our past students are invited too.
It’s the perfect place to meet like minded people who are interested in the same activity as you are. We offer braai (BBQ) facilities etc. All you need to bring is your own food and drinks. We will however have a self help bar where drinks can be bought.
Conclusion
All in all i hope this guide has given you a better idea on what to expect when booking your kitesurfing lessons with Coastline.
If you have any other questions regarding kitesurfing in Cape Town, then please share with me in the comments below.