A lot of time is spent getting to know the equipment and how to master it. Learning the actual surfing technique is relatively easy. Four to five hours is usually enough to learn the basics. But as with all great arts, it takes a lifetime to perfect. One advantage is that you can practise with the kite in winter too, using skis or a snowboard instead.
A typical day
The first day begins with an introductory meeting where the group goes through all the materials, equipment and safety measures needed for kitesurfing together with the instructor. This is followed by a run-through of the week's plan and what you can expect to get out of it. A typical day usually starts with a morning session of around 2 hours. In the afternoon you have your second session, also around 2 hours. The day's schedule is adapted to the weather conditions and wind.
When & where should I go?
Nov - April
From November to April you should head to Le Vauclin in Martinique. The trade winds make conditions ideal for kitesurfing.
May - June
During this period, set your sights on Bénodet on the French Atlantic coast.
July - August
The best destination at this time of year is without a doubt Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. Here you'll find strong winds and you practise in a safe, flat lagoon. In summer, the Meltemi wind blows on average 22-25 days a month in Naxos, Greece, and is at its strongest in July & August.
How quickly can I learn?
You start on the beach with a special "beach kite": shorter lines (about 5 to 10 metres, instead of 20 m). Here you'll learn about the wind window, i.e. how to use the wind to surf.
After that it's time to practise in the water, but without a board! You use the power of the kite for "body dragging", and after that it's time to water start with the board.
Now there's no turning back. You're hooked! Once you've managed successful water starts and can ride comfortably back and forth, it's time to focus on gaining height and surfing upwind. If you're lucky with the wind, you'll learn this in roughly 3 to 4 days!
Choose the right Kitesurfing level
1
2
3
Where can you go?
Destination
UCPA - Freely translated to English as "National Federation for Sports and Outdoor Centers" - has a history of over 50 years. It is, in short, a non-profit, all-French organization supported by, among others, the French state. The purpose is to give ordinary people the opportunity to learn and develop in one or more sports together, in pleasant and unpretentious forms. The organization has about 80 centers in France and the West Indies, 28 of them are located at well-known winter sports resorts in the French Alps.
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