🪁 How to Feel Safe When Learning to Kitesurf
Learning to kitesurf is one of the most exciting things you can do on the water—but let’s be honest, it can look intimidating at first. You're controlling a large kite, navigating wind and waves, and trying something completely new.
The good news? You don’t need to be fearless—you just need to feel safe.
Here’s how you can make your learning journey as safe, calm, and enjoyable as possible—whether it’s your first day or your first ride.
✅ 1. Choose the Right Location
Safety starts with where you learn.
Some spots are known for strong waves, currents, or crowded beaches. These can be tricky for beginners. Instead, look for:
Flat water (like lagoons)
Wide open spaces with no obstacles
Consistent, moderate winds
📍At our school in Óbidos Lagoon, Portugal, we teach in one of the most beginner-friendly places in Europe: calm, shallow, and spacious.
🎯 2. Go With a Certified Instructor
Self-teaching or learning from a friend may seem cheaper—but it's not worth the risk.
A certified, experienced instructor:
Knows how to teach step-by-step
Can read the wind, weather, and spot conditions
Teaches essential safety techniques (like how to release your kite, self-rescue, etc.)
Watches you constantly and adjusts based on your comfort level
This one-on-one guidance helps you avoid accidents and builds real confidence.
💨 3. Understand the Wind
Wind is your engine in kitesurfing—but not all wind is good wind.
Feeling safe means learning to read the wind and understand:
What directions are safe
What strength is too much (or too little)
When to go out—and when to wait
You don’t need to be a meteorologist. A good instructor will explain this clearly during your lessons.
🛠️ 4. Learn With Modern, Safe Equipment
Old or poorly maintained gear can make learning harder and more dangerous.
When you're starting out, look for:
Kites with modern safety systems (like quick-release)
Helmets and flotation vests included
Kites sized for your skill and wind level, not oversized or overpowered
At our school, we use top-tier equipment and walk you through how every safety feature works—so you feel in control from the very start.
🧠 5. Progress Step by Step
You don’t need to learn everything in one day.
Kitesurfing has a natural learning curve, and feeling safe means understanding:
It’s normal to go slowly
Repeating steps builds muscle memory
You can always take a break, ask questions, or pause the lesson
You’ll start with a small kite on land, then move to body-dragging in the water, and only later attempt board starts. That’s the safe, effective way to learn.
💬 6. Ask Questions, Always
Feeling safe also means feeling comfortable asking:
“Why are we doing this?”
“Is this wind okay for my level?”
“Can we go over that part again?”
Your instructor should never make you feel rushed or silly. A safe environment is a supportive environment.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Confidence Comes from Feeling Cared For
You don’t need to be brave to start kitesurfing—you just need the right conditions, the right support, and a little bit of wind.
When you learn in a safe location, with a dedicated instructor, using reliable equipment, your fear turns into fun. And that’s when you really start flying.
📍At We Are Salty People, we’ve taught hundreds of first-timers in Óbidos Lagoon how to kite with calm, confidence, and control. If you’re curious, nervous, or just excited to try—we’d love to guide you step by step.
👉 Book your lesson or contact us with any questions. Safety isn’t just a priority here—it’s the reason our students love learning with us.
