Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to learn?
As with any other sport, kiteboarding takes time, patience and a desire to learn. We have taught people of all ages and abilities over the years.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. It is important that you know how to swim.
I'm 60 years old, can I still learn?
Yes, you CAN learn. We have people of all ages learning how to kiteboard with us.
Is there a minimum age required to take the lessons?
10-12 years is a good rule of thumb for when you can start kiteboarding lessons, provided that the child knows how to swim.
Please note that there are always exceptions to the rule - the youngest kiteboarding world champion is Gisela Pulido (b.14 January 1994, Spain) who won her first Kiteboard Pro World Tour (KPWT) world championship aged only 10 years old.
Is El Médano a good place for kiteboarding?
Yes, El Médano is a fantastic and safe place to learn to kiteboard. It's also windy and sunny in El Médano almost 360 days a year - another great advantage.
Is El Médano a good place for surfing?
El Médano is a perfect place to take beginners or intermediate surfing lessons.
How much does kitesurfing equipment cost?
After having completed the course it is a good idea to talk to the instructor about your kitesurfing goals. Where are you going to practise? (The size of the kite you need will depend on this.) Wave or Freestyle? New or second hand? (We always advise that you buy brand new kite, bar and harness.) A complete, new set of kiteboarding equipment (a harness, a wetsuit, a bar with lines, and a board) will cost you around €1500-€2000.
Can I learn kitesurfing on my own? Do I really need to take lessons?
Take proper kite lessons. Kiteboarding can be the most dangerous sport in the world if you don't know what you're doing - and it can be the safest and most fun sport in the world if you get a proper introduction and lessons. You can book your first class with us here.How do I choose a good kite school?
There are several criteria you should check before you book your first lesson:
- Are the teachers certified? The teachers should all be certified by one of the big kiteboarding organizations like IKO (international), KSA (international) or VDWS (German).
- Does the school have a license authorized by the local government?
- Does the school have up-to-date equipment? (Ask the kite school about the equipment they use.)
- Do you feel comfortable at the school? Is the staff friendly?
What do I need to bring with me for my kiteboarding lesson?
At the school you will be provided with all the kitesurfing equipment that you need: kite, bar, board, harness, helmet and life vest. For the first lesson we also recommend that you bring:
- A hat to protect you from the sun (you will be provided with a helmet as well).
- Sun protection: sun cream for the body and face (water resistant sun protection is essential after the first lesson).
- Sunglasses, since you’ll be constantly looking up to the kite, against the sun.
- Comfortable clothes
- Bottle of water to stay hydrated.
What to do in El Médano if there is no wind?
There are plenty of things you can do in El Médano.
- Nature? El Médano is located right at the foot of the gorgeous Montaña Roja Nature Reserve, which is one of the most beautiful short hikes on the island. The views from top of the mountain are simply amazing.
- Relax? El Médano has one of the most beautiful natural beaches on the island.
- Hungry? El Médano is packed with different restaurants and bars for every taste and budget.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us, we are always happy to help.