Top 10 kitesurfing tips every beginner should know

Kitesurfing is an exhilarating sport that combines wind, water, and adrenaline. Whether you are just starting or considering taking lessons, having the right knowledge can make a huge difference in your progress and overall experience. At Surfers Island, the only certified surf and kitesurf school in the south of Fuerteventura, we specialize in teaching beginners how to master the sport safely and efficiently. To help you get started, here are the top 10 kitesurfing tips every beginner should know before hitting the water.

1.) Choose the right kitesurfing school

Before you even touch a kite, it‘s crucial to learn from certified instructors at a professional kitesurf school like Surfers Island. A structured lesson plan will help you progress faster while ensuring your safety. Our expert instructors will guide you through wind theory, safety procedures, and hands-on training so you can build confidence on the water.

2.) Start with the right equipment

Using the right gear can make or break your kitesurfing experience. Beginners should start with:
✅ A larger board (such as a “door” board) for better stability.
✅ A kite size/type well suited for the wind conditions at hand.
✅ A seat harness, which provides more support and keeps the spreader bar away from your ribcage.

At Surfers Island, we provide high-quality, beginner-friendly equipment to ensure you learn in the safest and most effective way.

3.) Understand wind conditions

Wind reliability is a key factor in kitesurfing. As a beginner, you should look for kitesurfing spots with realiable wind to ensure you can make the most during your vacations. Our spot at Sotavento Lagoon in Fuerteventura offers incredibly reliable wind conditions for beginners, with steady trade winds and safe learning areas.

4.) Master kite control on the beach first

Before jumping into the water, you need to learn how to control the kite. Practice on the beach with a suitable kite to get a feel for the wind window, and how to steer effectively. At Surfers Island, we make sure all beginners are comfortable with kite control before moving on to water exercises. The better your kite control is, the easier further steps will be for you.

5.) Learn proper body dragging techniques

Body dragging is an essential skill that allows you to retrieve your board if you fall off and move from A to B without riding, if you need to. You’ll learn how to:

✔️ Body drag upwind to get back to your board.
✔️ Body drag downwind to move efficiently in the water.
✔️ Use your kite to navigate without your board.
✔️Bodydrag with board. This is esential for getting through a shore break or making
it back to land when unable to ride. These skills are crucial for your safety and progression.

6.) Practice water starts before riding

Once you have solid kite control, it’s time for water starts. This involves positioning your board, controlling the kite‘s power, and standing up at the right moment. Our step-by-step guidance at Surfers Island will ensure you develop the correct technique from the beginning.

7.) Learn how to stop before you start riding

Once you succeed with your first water starts, before making the first longer rides, it‘s crucial to focus on making a controlled stop. Being able to stop effectively is fundamental for your safety. Early on, you may have the tendency to pull the bar, which can cause you to accelerate. Not knowing how to stop properly increases the risk for both yourself and others around you.

8.) Respect the right of way and safety rules

In all water sports disciplines, it is essential to respect the right-of-way rules to ensure safe and enjoyable sessions for all water users.

9.) Be patient and enjoy the process

Kitesurfing has a learning curve, and it’s normal to fail multiple times before getting the hang of it. Progress at your own pace and don’t get frustrated. With professional guidance and persistence, you’ll soon be gliding effortlessly across the water.

10.) Choose the right kiteschool to learn

The location where you learn plays a massive role in your success. You need:

• Flat, shallow water for easy practice.
• Reliable winds without dangerous gusts.
• Plenty of space to maneuver safely.

At Surfers Island, we teach in Sotavento Lagoon, one of the best beginner-friendly
kitesurfing spots in Fuerteventura. With perfect wind conditions and safe waters, it‘s the ideal place to start your kitesurfing journey.

Are you ready to start your kitesurfing adventure? Book your lesson today with Surfers Island and experience the thrill of kitesurfing in Fuerteventura!