How Many Kitesurfing Lessons Do You Need to Ride Alone?
What It Takes to Go Solo—Realistic Expectations for Beginners
The Big Question: How Long Until I Can Kitesurf Alone?
Every new student asks this—and it’s a great question! The short answer?
👉 Most people need 8 to 12 hours of lessons to start riding independently and safely.
But there’s more to it than just the number of hours. Your progression depends on:
Your previous board sport experience
The teaching method and quality of the school
The wind and water conditions
Your comfort level and pace of learning
What Does “Kiting Alone” Actually Mean?
Kiting alone doesn’t just mean you can stand on the board. To be truly independent, you need to:
Set up and check your gear correctly
Launch and land safely
Body drag upwind to recover your board
Water start and ride both directions
Self-rescue in case something goes wrong
Read wind and weather conditions
Without these skills, you’re not ready to kite without supervision.
Typical Lesson Progression
Lessons 1–2 (2–4 hours):
Wind theory, safety, equipment setup
Land-based kite control
Intro to body dragging in the water
Lessons 3–4 (4–8 hours):
Advanced body dragging and kite relaunching
First board starts
First short rides
Lessons 5–6 (8–12 hours):
Consistent water starts
Riding both ways
Controlling speed and stopping
Mastering self-rescue and board recovery
Can You Learn Faster?
Some students pick it up quicker—especially those with:
Previous experience in snowboarding, wakeboarding, or surfing
A learning spot with steady wind and flat, shallow water (like Óbidos Lagoon!)
Multiple lessons over consecutive days (instead of spread out weekly)
However, rushing it leads to bad habits or injuries. Solid progress comes from learning safely and step by step.
What Will It Cost?
Most quality kite schools offer:
3-day beginner courses (6–9 hours)
Full beginner-to-independent courses (10–15 hours)
💰 Expect to invest €300–€700 depending on the school, gear, and location. Choose quality over the cheapest option—your safety and progression depend on it.
Final Thoughts
The goal isn’t to rush to independence—it’s to become a confident, safe, and skilled kitesurfer. At Salty People, we focus on making sure you don’t just ride—you thrive.
With steady wind, expert instruction, and personalized lessons, most of our students reach independence in under a week.
📩 Ready to start your kitesurfing journey?
Email us at wearesaltypeople@gmail.com to book your kitesurf lessons in Óbidos Lagoon.
We’ll guide you step-by-step until you’re confidently kiting solo.
