How to get started is the question I get asked most commonly, so I thought I would write it down in a simple to understand form.

Firstly, if you are dead keen to learn how to kitesurf, you can begin straight away with a lesson in Kiteboarding.  These are our "one-on-one" Premium lessons.  These lessons are, for the most part, like hiring a private coach.  The instructor works with you personally with your own school supplied, latest model, set of equipment.  You will be taught according to your ability.  In other words, if you have had some former experience or knowledge, that is taken into account, you will be tested on your knowledge, and advanced accordingly.  This allows every student to advance at maximum comfortable pace and not be held back by a second student who may have challenges.

All one on one Premium Lessons are 2.5 hours in duration and have all the equipment you will need supplied with the exception of a wetsuit.  It usually takes three lessons of 2.5 hours each to learn most of what you need to become an independent learner able to ride amongst other riders at the spot after their lessons.

Freeride bliss

After some experimentation with longer duration lessons and going back to 2 hours, we have decided to split the difference and try 2.5 hrs as some customers found the additional 1/2 hour a "bit of a stretch" and many were on the verge of breakthrough and wanted an extra half hour.   Often, students would just jet to the board basics and then have to stop due to time out.  We hope lessons are better formatted for better learning this year.

We want you to become independent, safe and confident enough to make correct judgements on weather and location, to be able to handle a range of conditions and to be confident in the flying without the need to rely on others, we focus more on making you able to handle any situation on your own so you can self learn the remaining parts of the lesson in safety with skill and good decisions.  Our students are the best prepared beginners in Perth.  

Check out our options for learning :-

Single Lessons - 1 on 1 - 2.5 hrs

Full Course - 1 on 1 - 7.5 hrs

Advanced Lessons - 1 on 1 - 3hrs

Our Teaching Location

Upwind Beach

The beach is wide and offers plenty of beach space upwind and downwind with no dangerous obstacles making it perfect for safe lessons. The sand is clean and soft and there is no surf which makes for nice safe protected water. We believe it is the ultimate learning beach in Perth.

What you need to supply

What you need to supply is a towel and a dry change of clothes if your lesson involves water time (Lessons 1 & 2), a pair of Sunglasses, perhaps a hat for sun protection and some water. If you are going in the water, bring a pair of board shorts and rash vest or a wetsuit if you have one (don't worry if you don't have one, a T-shirt will suffice or we sell top quality spring and steamers as well as rashies and neo tops in our shop right on the beach alongside of the learning centre). If you are redeeming a gift certificate or setup lesson voucher, you must bring the voucher or certificate along to take advantage of the service.  No voucher - NO FUN!

Please note that at the start of the season and towards the end, the water and wind can be cold, depending on the day.  We usually recommend a wetsuit or thermal rashie if you are going in the water.  We do not supply these items as part of the lesson, although we can offer to sell you either a new wetsuit or Thermal Rashie if you don't have your own.

If you bring your wallet and phone etc with you, we strongly suggest you bring it to the beach with you and allow us to lock it up in our secure safe within the truck for safe keeping for you as break ins on cars are not uncommon especially mid week.

What we will supply

Australian Kiteboarding School supply to all our customers, latest model quality kites (Leading Edge Inflatable, Supported Leading Edge and Trainer Foils), latest model school boards, control bars and lines fitted with latest design safety release systems, PFD life vests, Latest Headzone radio coaching helmets, Pat Love waist harnesses, sunscreen, first aid, back up rescue boat and all learning tools. We also issue the IKO Kiteboarder Card as part of our standard lessons once you complete your training with us.

Minimum 2.5 hrs - $300

We have again changed our lesson program as we continually strive for a better customer learning experience.  In previous years we have tried 3 hour lessons but found some students tired in the last hour and didn't learn at peak efficiency. We have run 2 hr lessons since the beginning and although they are a staple duration, we believe that we can increase lesson length to 2.5hrs and achieve optimum learning to fatigue ratios. 

With 2.5 hr lessons we can drop one lesson per day but increase lesson time.  At the end of the day this means we lose an hour of teaching time but allows us more time to spend with customers before and after the lesson assisting in retention of information and inducing a more relaxed atmosphere and less rush and bustle.  We feel this will be advantageous to all.

The new 2.5 hr lesson is the best choice for the learner who wants to learn kiteboarding and may already have some previous training or who wishes to do the full course but in a pay as you go style.The lesson content is the same as the levels in the Rider Package but obviously taken on seperate days as in the RP, but payment is in three parts.  We usually suggest having a couple of days to a week between lessons to allow physical recovery and integration of the information.

Of course this option of single lesson is taught one-on-one with your own personal instructor.  We will do our best to make sure you get the same instructor throughout your learning with us when you come back for a second and final lesson. 

For details on what you will learn, please refer to the Full Course - Rider Package   You may take additional lessons at your convenience.  Our Gift Certificates are sensational gift idea! Taken a further step, the "Ultimate Learners Gift Package" is the definite kick start for the committed learner (details on "Shop" page), or check out our Free Lesson program .

 Full Course - Rider Package - 7.5 hours - $810

Individual Lessons

Lessons are cheaper when you purchase more than one at a time.  All lessons can be booked and paid for online on our booking page http://www.kiteboardingschool.com.au/index.php/Bookings.html  The Schedule shows bookings available and at what times and dates.  

1 x 2.5hr Lesson $300

2 x 2.5hr Lessons $570

3 x 2.5hr Lessons $810

Learning the basics of control

Learn To Kitesurf in 3 Lessons

AKS have been teaching kiteboarding safely for more than 10 years.  In this time, we have learned a lot about teaching methods and exercises.  Up until 2010, we taught to IKO Standards, but as time has moved on, our own standards have improved above the IKO's.  We have changed what and how we teach to deliver a better and safer lesson.  We teach in 2.5hr blocks which we refer to as lessons.  All of these lessons are one on one.  The total progression should take around 7.5 hours ie, 3 x 2.5hr lessons.  Every student is taught what they need to know to be safe and independent.

A lesson will not get you to a specific point, it will get you to where you get to.  Some students learn faster than others, and some slower.  Below, I have added the entire teaching syllabus without breaks for lesson 1, 2 or 3.  You simply learn as much as you are able to, competently, before moving onto the next lesson.  At the end of the 2.5hr session you will be a lot more knowledgable than when you started and you will have wasted no time.  We may not get you up and riding as fast as other schools, but AKS students don't need to be rescued by others, they are capable and confident in most situations and are self reliant , safe and considerate of others.

Our focus is on self confidence, competence, knowledge and safety as well as specific skills.  We hope that all schools adopt this teaching content as it is the safest system and method to producing the best outcome.  If you are not learning this depth of tuition in the lessons you're receiving, demand to be taugt this standard, as it is the minimum to create safe independent riders.

This syllabus is in chronological order.

AKS Kiteboarding Student Training Standard

1. Location analysis, identifing dangers and obstacles.

1.1   Student must be able to evaluate a new location for safe use for kiteboarding.  Identify hazards and obstacles and offer possible solutions to manage hazards.

1.2   Why/when is an object a physical hazard?  Understand collision risks, how close is too close? Cross wind and downwind.

1.3   wind hazards (upwind and downwind) and how to reduce the potential for risk. Ie trees, buildings, terrain etc.

1.4   Understand water risks – Tides, surf, reefs and hidden dangers, venomous or aggressive marine life and potential dangers of tangling with flotsam.

 2. Wind direction, wind effects, identify wind strength.

2.1   Student must understand wind direction as is appropriate and safe for learning kiteboarding ie cross shore, cross on shore.

2.2   Student must understand wind effects, how they are created and how it effects the safety of kiteboarding.

2.3   Student must be able to identify basic wind strength by teaching simplified version of Beaufort Scale.  Ie. No white caps <8 knots, some white caps 8-12 knots, many white caps and waves 15-20knots, sand stinging legs >25knots etc.

 3. Equipment choice, inspecting equipment, rigging kite and lines.  Equipment familiarization and names.

3.1   Student should know which size kite is appropriate for given wind strength.

3.2   Student should know what and how to inspect for wear and tear items and to test all safety quick release items for smooth operation PRIOR to launch.

3.3   Student should be able to confidently and correctly rig a kite in either bar upwind or bar downwind method.  Only teach one method!

3.4   Student should be able to name common parts of the kite, and bar and lines and know their functions.

 4. Explanation of safety systems.  Practical usage of safety systems.

4.1   Student must fully understand how the primary safety system operates for the given kite they are flying, including simply letting go of the bar.  Student must also understand the secondary safety system and know how it works and when it should be utilized

4.2   Student must understand the potential for secondary incidences/dangers to the public if choosing to release the kite as a last option in the event of an emergency.

4.3   Student must be tested randomly and unexpectedly to ensure they remember how to activate the safety systems and in which order each is to be deployed.  This should be done in random, “panic” scenario’s created by instructor (with kite landed).  Student must be able to immediately activate the appropriate quick release safety system. Instructor shouts “RELEASE RELEASE” whilst tugging on center lines/depower line to create simulation of emergency incident.

5. Intro to wind window, kill zone, launching and landing areas, safe areas.  Power area and neutral zones.

5.1   Student must understand the wind window as a 3 dimensional theoretical space.

5.2   Student must know the “clock face” and how it relates to kiteboarding theory and also it’s relevance.  Understanding the kite position at particular clock numbers and also the term “Zenith”.

5.3   Students must understand the “Kill Zone” and should be trained to move the kite position to reduce the possibility of incident with other kiters and the public, as well as objects. Students need to be fully aware of their own and other kiters kill zones.  Students must understand launching/landing areas and when to choose the safest side of the wind window

5.4   Student should understand the power area and also neutral areas of the wind window.

6. First piloting skills, instructor launch and demo control skills and required input on the bar.  Simple clock exercises.  Depower and safety system test

6.1   Student to be taught assisted launch technique and how to choose safest side of the wind window for launch.

6.2   Explain power within the wind window and neutral area by practical exercise.  (Can be easily shown with trainer kite)

6.3   Student must understand and demonstrate correct launch technique and hand signals as well as surveying area for moving obstacles or problems.

6.4   Student to know when to stop a launch from happening despite given all clear from launcher.  Identify tangled bridle, person moving into kill zone, or launcher too far downwind of kite.

7. Student to take control via mid-air change of pilot (instructor to initiate and control) with kite at Zenith. (Only in light to moderate winds) Safety leash first!

7.1   Student to take control and fly kite steadily and smoothly between 11 and 1.

7.2   Student to gradually move kite down to 9.30 and 2.30 and hold each position confidently whilst keeping kite in neutral position the whole time.

8. Assisted launch and land from kite and bar perspective.

8.1   Student to hold kite in assisted landing position whilst instructor to retrieve kite and explain procedure to safely “ground” the kite and make it safe (ie sand).

8.2   Instructor to ask student to assist launch.  Instructor to hold kite and simulate incorrect launch positions (too deep in window, too far upwind) to allow student to observe and correct by changing his/her position.

9. Student to self land.

9.1   Student must try self land by activating quick release on primary safety system.  Student should choose the side of the wind window safest to self land and explain why.

9.2   Student must understand how to get safely to kite and when to remove safety leash.

10. Explanation and usage of Communication Signals.

10.1Student must be able to identify and explain the communication hand signals (Zenith, go left, go right, let go of the bar, Are you OK?, land my kite, come to me.)

11. Student must be shown and simulate Practical Self Rescue

11.1Student body drags away from beach (max 50m), releases bar with Q.R. and carries out practical self rescue.  Follows safety line, get to kite safely and create power with kite by holding in “sailing position” (Self rescue handles on kite)

11.2Student must be able to autonomously get themselves away from the beach and back again after having released the quick release and downing the kite.

Note: Exercise doesn’t require rolling the lines on the bar.  This works in 95% of Self rescue scenarios.

12. Full Pack Down Self rescue theory and demonstration.

12.1Student to practice full pack down self rescue procedure on land.  Student must know when to use full pack down procedure ie off shore wind, no wind etc. (To be practiced in live scenario later in course if conditions allow)

13. Student re-set  and re-rig kite/bar/lines and assisted launch.

13.1     Student must to be able to remove lines from the kite and re-rig for safe assisted launch without intervention by instructor or other outside assistance.

14. Water relaunching the kite

14.1Instructor to demonstrate water relaunch procedure of downed kite by waters edge or standing knee deep in water.

14.2Student must practice water relaunching from waters’ edge or in shallow water from edge of wind window, and straight downwind and know technique to move kite into relaunch position .

14.3Student to understand stalling/choking kite on kites leaving the water.

15. Student body dragging away from beach, downwind and returns to beach.

15.1Student to be able to conduct a downwind course of body dragging and get themselves back to the beach autonomously.  Includes relaunching the kite after a crash.

15.2Student must be aware of their position in relationship to land and know how far out is too far.

15.3Student must be able to walk out of the water safely and be aware of hazards whilst flying the kite.

16. Student to be instructed on walking upwind with kite flying.

16.1Student must be able to walk upwind along the beach and understand correct position of the kite, kite over water where possible.

16.2Student, whilst walking upwind flying kite, must be aware of others on the beach and their wind windows.  Must also be aware of others returning to, and entering the water with kites flying.

17. Student to demonstrate one handed flying of the kite in preparation for upwind body dragging.

17.1Student must be able to demonstrate controlled, steady kite flying on each side of the wind window without losing control with one hand on the bar.

18. Instructor to demonstrate upwind body dragging body position on the beach

18.1Student must be able to fly kite steadily in position and lay on beach in correct body position for upwind body dragging prior to entering the water.  This is done as a practical simulation.  Best if kite is on the ground safe, but can also be accomplished with kite flying if safe to do so.

18.2Upwind body dragging must be understood to be a self rescue in addition to board retrieval techinque

19. Student upwind body dragging practical exercise.

19.1Student must be able to leave beach and return to same spot after 50-75m bodydrag away from beach.

Note: This step must be successfully completed before moving on.

20. Student upwind body drag with board using board as a keel.

20.1Student must be able to demonstrate competent control and upwind/crosswind body dragging with a board in the water.  Student to drag away from beach and return to same position.

21. Student knows how to safely walk upwind whilst carrying board and flying kite.

21.1Student must be able to demonstrate how to carry their equipment upwind whilst the kite remains flying, or if greater than 250m, how to self land, roll lines and carry.

21.2Student must be able to recognise which is safer:  To land kite and carry, or to fly kite and carry board.

22. Water start theory and corresponding wind window theory for kite.

22.1Student must understand the kite manoeuvres and clock positioning as well as board/body position to initiate a water start.

22.2Student must be able to put the board on and get into water start position whilst maintaining kite control at all times.

22.3Student to recognize when to water start and when to wait due to traffic considerations/other water users.

NOTE: Student is not to practice power dives for water start whilst on land!

23. Water start practical exercises (Figure 8 exercise) for one or more runs.

23.1Student must be able to body drag with board a minimum of 20m away from the beach and place kite at Zenith to enable getting the board on the feet and into water start position.

23.2Student to be able to fly increasingly larger and more aggressive figure 8 manoeuvres to get a “feel” for required amount of power for a water start without being pulled over the front of the board.

23.3Repeat until student almost gets up on feet.  Once this occurs, allow student to water start proper.

24. Getting up on the board and staying up for 50m

24.1Student should water start correctly and in control whilst keeping kite flying (Sining for power if necessary or parking kite if overpowered).

24.2Student must know how to come to a controlled stop.

25.  Riding cross/down wind and returning to the beach.

25.1Student should be able to ride 200m off shore, stop and change direction and return to the beach riding in both directions (cross wind or downwind is OK)

26. Riding across and upwind of starting point.

26.1Edging for control of speed and direction with board.

26.2Understanding correct body position and foot weighting to enable upwind riding.

26.3Student should be able to correctly position the kite to ride across and upwind in a controlled manner and understand the effects of kite high and kite low in regard to control and upwind ability.

27. Transition and change direction under control.

27.1Student should be able to come to a controlled stop and drop into the water in the water start position, then restart and ride away in the opposite direction.

27.2Student to should be able to make a controlled transition without dropping the body into the water ie slide turn transition.

28. Understanding right of way rules and riding amongst other riders.

28.1     Student must understand the basic right of way rules and must be able to ride amongst others and and know how to safely navigate when both on the water and also when on the beach.

After having completed these lessons you should be competent and know what to do in the event of something going wrong. You should be able to choose a good or safe spot, rig, launch, and ride away from the beach and ride back safely. We would be happy to offer you insurance at this point to cover you for personal accident and public liability through WAKSA. You will have completed the three levels of AKS training in three intense lessons.

We would be happy to make a recommendation and hand you over to our dedicated retail manager to discuss your equipment requirements to ensure you get a good deal on the right gear for you.  If you purchase gear from us as a package, you will be entitled to a special package rate.  Please ask your instructor or our retail manager for details after your lessons.  You can visit us at our store in Scarborough for a complete run down on all of our products.

Kiteloop

Hire an Australian championship winning experienced trick coach to help you nail the tricks you are working on, or just to help you polish up your riding in general. Headzone Radio helmets make a huge difference with real time instruction from the most qualified instructor. We are able to help with things as easy as body dragging upwind, back rolls, all the way up to and including handle passes and backroll kiteloops (F16's).

We also do coaching for surf riding and handling waves for the first time.  You may also consider our Intermediate rider clinics as a way to immerse yourself in the world of advanced riding progression.  Whatever your level, AKS have a solution for you.

In the mean time, why not check out the Tips and Tricks page for some free advice?

AKS FREE Lessons

Australian Kiteboarding School have always been keen to make getting into the sport cheaper and easier. This year is no different.  In fact, we have scrapped the older free lesson program in favour of a smarter, more simple, fairer system with less restrictions.

In the past you had to buy a particular combination of the more expensive Kites, Boards, Harness's and Board Bags to qualify and on top of that you had to purchase the gear at the beginning before your lessons.  This was usually a pretty big leap of faith to ask of someone who usually knew little about the sport apart from the fact that they wanted to do it.  This didn't really sit well with me and different gear was unavailable etc.

In 2011, we are trying out a new system based simply on a purchase amount.  You will be able to choose from practically any equipment and buy the combinations of stuff you want, even after your lessons.  You can buy the cheapest stuff, even clearance sale items in a combo to enable you to qualify for free lessons.  All you need to do is buy a Board, Kite and Harness to qualify.  Is there a catch?  No, not really.  If I'm making it fair for you, then it needs to be fair for me, we can't give away $720 worth of lessons if you only spend $2000 obviously, we'd go broke in a season!  So here's the deal:

We have a sliding scale of returns based on dollar amounts which equal numbers of lessons as follows:-

Spend $2,500 - $3,000 and qualify for 1 free 2.5hr Premium one-on-one lesson.

Spend $3,000 - $3,500 and qualify for 2 free 2.5hr Premium one-on-one lessons.

Spend $3,501 + and qualify for 3 free 2.5hr Premium one-on-one lessons.

Obviously the more you spend, the more margin I have to play with and can increase your deal.  To give you an idea of the cost of setups take for instance the following examples:

Budget Gear : We have lots of brand new but superceded gear for ~ $2300 or even less.  Sorry but there is not enough margin to enable free lessons on this style package, although the deals are fantastic anyway.  You can easily add a steamer wetsuit to push you into the next category making it even cheaper with the addition of a free lesson.

Intro Lesson

If you buy a new kite from Airborne Kitesurfing or Windforce, you will be given a "lesson voucher" which can be either used as a "setup and trim" lesson or as credit towards a full lesson. The "Setup and trim" lesson highlights the model specific flying and setup specifics required for the safe use of the particular kite you have purchased, this lesson goes on for one hour duration and is designed as a familiarization lesson rather than a specific "how to kiteboard" lesson. You will cover, kite setup, rigging, line adjustment, safety system use and resetting, basic flying and trimming, water relaunch, self launch and land as well as any other kite specific details warranted for the safe operation of your new kite. Or you have the option of upgrading with an additional $110 to be paid on the day of your lesson which adds the above setup to blend the lesson to include all of a  Single Lesson package Level 1 lesson also. With the upgrade, this lesson is for a minimum two hours.

What you need to supply is a towel and a dry change of clothes if your lesson involves water time (Silver Levels 1,2 and 3), a pair of Sunglasses, perhaps a hat for sun protection and some water. If you are going in the water, bring a pair of board shorts and rash vest or a wetsuit if you have one (don't worry if you don't have one, a T-shirt will suffice).

If you are redeeming a gift certificate or setup lesson voucher, you must bring the voucher or certificate along to take advantage of the service.  It is also advisable to bring along some water in a bottle.  If you bring your wallet and phone etc with you, we strongly suggest you bring it to the beach with you and allow us to lock it up in our secure trailer for safe keeping for you as break ins on cars are not uncommon.