Hello! I just finished a 2day kite surf course which puts me at some sort of IKO level 2 - which means to those who dont know i can do the basics to begin to learn how to kite surf properly, Body drag, self rescue, kite set up, and actually get up on a board (just) - My point of posting this is to say how much of a good investment it was getting a trainer kite (which i now use for landboarding in stronger winds) and spending a good amount of time flying it in both strong and light winds prior to getting any lessons. The hours spent on the fields paid of over these last couple of days as it meant that kite control was easy, i could direct the kite as instructed, could already fly the kite one handed, which meant less time on being taught how to fly a kite and more time being taught how to kitesurf. So for anyone who is looking at getting into kitesurfing - get lessons, but before lessons get a smaller training kite and get some hours in. It will save you time and money in the long run, and also - you'll have a kite (you will want lots of them - you might not need them but you will want them)

Great post !

Glad you got the most out of your lessons by getting the kite control down 1st. They aren't cheap but sure are valuable.

The trick now is to get out on the water and build on your skills while it is all fresh in your memory / reflexes.

I made the mistake of taking lessons and not following up on the water right away. If you don't use it you lose it.

Sensible advice and I'm sure its worth every penny to progress quickly and safely.

A1 on the getting out on the water as soon as so i dont forget the skills. I had my last lesson on Saturday, wind looks awesome for Monday so im hiring / trying out potential gear from the school and will be spending the day, body dragging, doing kite recovery, and hopefully riding more than a few meters on the board. Cant wait!!!