The big misconceptions about kitesurfing

We have all been on a long walk on the beach, whether in Hyères, Almanarre, or in Brittany at La Torche, to be amazed by the evolution of the kitesurfers, and perhaps dream of being one of them.

But there are many obstacles! How many people don’t dare for the wrong reasons? An unreasonable number.

At KGG (kitesurfing school in Hyères), we wanted to find the false ideas, the received ideas that have no basis and to decipher them. Not to attract the customer, no! But just because kitesurfing is such an enjoyable activity that we have made it our job. And we wish everyone to try at least once in their life to feel this freedom.

I don’t have the physique to kitesurf!

Let’s start with the one idea that people most frequently put forward to us.

Can you hold a kite? Well, you can say that kiteboarding equipment manufacturers, such as DUOTONE or ION, offer equipment for all levels. And we chose these brands, because they have an incredible range, and we will be able to adapt the equipment to your power, your endurance.

The choice of equipment and the choice of session will depend on your physical condition: light breeze, no wave for beginners, or those who want to go slowly.

It’s a sport that requires coordination, and that’s something you learn to do gently!

It’s dangerous to go to the sea, I don’t know anything about it!

It’s true that some sites are impressive, the waves break, the current can be strong, and the signs at the entrance to the beach already discourage swimmers.

But this is not the case everywhere and everyone is capable of using common sense! A wind coming from the sea, everyone can understand that it is much more reasonable than a wind that will take you out to sea…

Easy, reassuring and ideal spots for beginners exist, and generally the kitesurfing schools settle there. That’s the point of making beginners feel confident, isn’t it?

But there seems to be so many parameters to remember that it can quickly seem insurmountable. Taking a few hours of private kitesurfing lessons is therefore not a luxury, just to stay focused on priorities and to get rid of your pseudo brakes!

The equipment is very expensive, it’s quite an investment!

Sure, buying a kite and a board is a small budget. Well, let’s start at the beginning: there are birthdays and Christmas, that can help!

All kidding aside, investing right away is absolutely not mandatory. If you take a few lessons, you will have the equipment provided, and that’s much better. No repairs, no transport.

Once you feel like going for a solo session, consider renting. Few constraints, good prices and equipment adapted to the conditions, with the good advice of the rental company, it’s very pleasant.

Finally, there comes the moment when you want to own your own equipment, to be able to go flying whenever you want.

Many websites offer second hand kitesurfing equipment, and you can make good deals. Also think about the kitesurfing schools, like us for example, which organise end of season clearance sales. The schools have to keep the equipment going, because there are always new innovations, or new models in the brand that works with the school. So destocking doesn’t mean bad gear, just the need for turnover…

We’ll end with this idea that stands above all others: kitesurfing is not for me!

Without giving any tangible reason, many people stay away from board sports such as kitesurfing, because they have never done it, nobody in their family or in their entourage practices this kind of sport, and they would not feel at home in a wetsuit on the beach with a kite in their hand…

However, there are plenty of schools and spots where experts and beginners get on well together.

It is necessary to launch out, and to give oneself the right to try at least once… Don’t stay on the beach! Whatever your body, your muscles, your age, your origin, your sex, you can come with confidence and offer you a few hours of lessons: the instructors will adapt the material, their teaching, and will choose the adequate spot to give you a maximum of pleasure and precisely, to dismantle with you all these received ideas!