One, it depends on you. The more effort you put in, and the more prepared you are, the less time it will take.
We’ve had students who are physically fit, used to the ocean, and very focused on learning. Some of them had already learned related sports like paragliding, windsurfing, or wakeboarding. They took the time to go through the lesson materials and Youtube videos we provide. They brought their questions to the Technical Sessions, and audited other students’ lessons. These students got through all the lesson points, and up and riding, in a few days. Shortly after that, they were more or less independent and riding around on their own.
At the other extreme, we’ve had students who don’t read up on the additional information or watch the videos we give them. They may skip the Technical Sessions, or don’t want to take the time to get involved at the Kite hut, or take the opportunities to audit the other students’ lessons. Perhaps they stayed out too late the night before- understandable, it’s their holiday. These people can still get through the material, but it will take longer because we need to take class time to go through the things we tried to give them in the “off-the-clock” time.
Two: it depends on the conditions where you learn. In a few kite school spots around the world, you can take lessons on a huge beach, with lots of space and few other people around. The water is flat and waist-deep, the wind perfect. In these places, it doesn’t take a lot of skill or technique for students to “get on the board.” So, they can start making their first riding attempts in less time.
But it’s a trade-off. In these locations, people don’t need to learn basic deep-water survival and navigation skills. They’re not used to anything but the easiest of conditions. They may not have had to learn how to get themselves out of a tight spot. So, they’re not prepared for most of the world’s kite spots. If they haven’t been taught how to take care of themselves in normal kiting conditions, it takes them time to go back and learn the basics, so they don’t get themselves (or others) in trouble. That’s why I recommend for people to learn in a deep water spot. It takes a bit more time at the beginning, but pays off later.
For some students, it’s their first experience being out in open water, exposed to wind and waves. Getting comfortable in that new environment is a part of the learning curve, so they take a bit more time. But we’re still able to help them get through the steps OK.
- which skills to introduce,
- in what order,
- how to develop each skill in the best way,
- which equipment to use (kite size, line length, board choice), and
- how to adapt to changing conditions and different students
And it’s tempting for an instructor to “babysit” their students, instead of teaching them to be independent and do things for themselves. All so that the students can get the board on their feet in a minimum amount of time.
Buried in the question “How long does it take?” lies another question: What does “being able to kitesurf” mean? At what point can you say that you know how to kitesurf? We have a few reference points along the way that we use to measure your progress:
- “Independent in the water.” You can take care of yourself and your equipment, in deep water. You can launch your kite safely and get out into the water by yourself. You can do a basic self-rescue. When the kite falls on the water, you can relaunch it. You can navigate around to where you need to be, with or without your board. You can recover your board when you lose it. And you are aware of your surroundings. It may take about 6-12 hours to get here.
- “Waterstart and riding practice.” It takes repeated tries to get up on the board and ride. You may be riding for short distances, but not yet controlling your direction. You may be riding until you crash, instead of coming to a controlled stop. And you’re still ending up downwind every time and having to walk back up the beach to start again. Depending on your board skills, you may be at this level for some hours or a few sessions. And, the better you have been prepared for this level, the less time you will spend here. You are working toward the next point:
- “Staying upwind (most of the time” This is a huge milestone in your kiting progress! It means the ability to control where you are going, and actually work your way upwind. You are probably on a beginner board, and in easy conditions. You might sometimes still end up downwind, and have to do that “Walk of Shame.” But it’s happening less and less as you get better. Your relaunch and board recovery skills are getting smoother and smoother. This may take some hours, or days, or weeks, depending on your board skills and your overall kite control.
- “Independent/Competent Rider.” Here you can control your riding in a variety of conditions, on a regular size board. You’ve been putting the hours in, “paying your dues” as we sometimes call it. You’ve experienced some difficult situations, but have gotten better at sorting yourself out and getting going again. It’s no problem for you to perform a self rescue and get back to the beach on your own, with your board, if you need to. You know how to select your kite size and adjust the tuning before launching. You can launch your kite every time without any surprises for you or your helper. You can navigate around other kiters (this means knowing the Right-of-Way rules!) You can get back to the beach where you started from each time, and land your kite without drama. And you can judge for yourself if the conditions are suitable to go out in the first place.
It’s fun to watch experienced kiters jumping high, doing tricks, and riding the waves. Remember, many of these people have been kiting for years. Don’t worry, just put the time in and you will get there!