Can Kids Learn How to Kiteboard?
Kids can absolutely learn how to kitesurf. Sometimes, the earlier they learn, the more naturally it comes.
Here, we’ll discuss safety requirements and things to keep in mind when deciding if kiteboarding is the right sport for your child to pick up now, or if it’s best to wait.
What is the age requirement to learn Kiteboarding?
Age is completely subjective and should not be used as a measure of whether a child should learn the sport. Instead, parents can consider other factors, such as their desire to learn, maturity level, and comfort in the water.
The height and weight of the learner relative to the water depth and wind speed determine when it's physically safe for them to start learning.
We typically teach kids who are 12 years or older, but we’ve met some incredible 8-year-old kiters who ride with their parents.
What is the weight requirement for Kiteboarding?
The smallest kite that we carry is 5m, which requires a minimum weight of 85 lbs. We go out at first wind for more manageable wind speeds, suitable for smaller learners.
Safety First
The most important factor in determining whether a child is ready to learn kiteboarding is their comfort level in the water. Some important questions to consider:
Are they a strong, independent swimmer?
Do they understand how to navigate currents, waves, and choppy water?
Can they tread water with one hand in the air for at least 30 seconds?
Of course, every kiddo will wear a life jacket, but swimming and treading water are important skills for general safety and kiteboarding success.
Another factor to consider is the current conditions. Learning to kiteboard when the wind is pumping is difficult for anyone, let alone a child. Kids should aim to learn on a day with consistent winds of 12-25 mph (10-22 knots) with minimal gusts.
A Kid's Desire to Learn Kiteboarding
A kid should be pushing the parent to learn how to kitesurf, not the other way around. If the kid is spending their days watching kiteboarding videos and begging to take a lesson, this signals they may be mentally ready to give it a shot.
At the Kite & Wing Academy, the first lesson takes place on the beach, where students learn how to control the kite and navigate the wind.
It’s important to set realistic expectations, as kids may require extended time learning to control the kite on the beach before they get wet. We won’t move into the water until kite control is mastered.
Wingfoiling can be a great introduction to Windsports (with fewer requirements)
There are many reasons why wingfoiling may be a better place to start for your kiddo. With less gear to learn about and manage, wingfoiling helps you get a feel for the wind without getting tangled.
Once you learn to wingfoil, kiting is usually easier to pick up. We see it with adults all the time.
Younger kids can absolutely wingfoil, and we’ll start with small time increments as they get used to it.
As long as your child is tall enough to hold a small wing, they can swim, and we have the right size water booties for them, they are welcome to take a lesson with us.
Get in touch with us to learn more about wingfoiling lessons designed for your child.
Schedule a Group Lesson
While one-on-one lessons may be the best way for your child to learn, peers can also be a great source of motivation and provide multiple learning opportunities.
We offer group lessons so your kid can bring their friends and learn the new windsport together.