Learning
Kitesurfing for beginners: what happens in your first lesson
A first kitesurfing lesson is mostly theory and kite flying on land, not riding. Here is the lesson step by step, what to bring and what to expect.
Level 1 – Discovery
IKO Level 1 kitesurfing lessons for beginners in Marsa Alam
Start with a 75-minute first lesson: theory, then your first time flying a kite. Learn to control a kite safely with instructors trained and certified by IKO, on our protected Red Sea lagoon.
Start kitesurfing with Level 1 – Discovery
Level 1 – Discovery is the first stage of the IKO Kiteboarding Training Path and the place where beginners start. Our IKO Level 1 kitesurfing lessons in Marsa Alam follow the IKO certification standards, from your first trainer kite to landing a kite by yourself.
You begin with the basics: safe wind conditions, the hazards on a spot and a trainer kite. Step by step, you move on to a 4/5-line kite with a full de-power system (a kite whose power you can reduce with the bar) and learn to control it hooked into the harness.
Level 1 at a glance
- IKO level
- Kiteboarder Level 1 – Discovery (1A to 1E)
- First lesson
- 75 minutes of theory and first fly
- Price
- €85 (private or group lesson)
- Group size
- Maximum 2 students per instructor (2:1)
- Certificate
- IKO Kiteboarder Card and level certification
What you learn in Level 1 – Discovery
Level 1 is made up of five parts, 1A to 1E, and follows the IKO certification standards.
Level 1A – Wind, hazards and safety
You learn which wind directions and conditions are safe for kitesurfing and how to recognise the hazards on a spot. You set up a trainer kite and learn how to use the safety systems.
Level 1B – Flying the trainer kite
You build basic flying skills with the trainer kite. You launch and land it with an assistant, twist and untwist the lines while flying, and walk and change direction with the kite in the air. You also learn about the wind window.
Level 1C – Setting up and flying a 4/5-line kite
You set up a 4/5-line kite with a full de-power system and carry out pre-flight and in-flight checks of the equipment and settings. You learn what the international communication signals mean and how to use them. You launch and land the kite with an assistant, and act as the assistant yourself.
Level 1D – Flying hooked into the harness
You control the kite while hooked into the harness. You understand the de-power system and learn to use the safety systems. You develop advanced flying skills with the de-power kite and show full control of the de-power system in flight.
Level 1E – Quick release and self-landing
You pull the quick release and activate the leash, recover the bar and kite, and land the kite by yourself.
A kitesurfing lesson from the student's point of view
Watch a kitesurfing lesson through the student's eyes, filmed with an instructor in the lagoon at KiteMood Marsa Alam.
A kitesurfing lesson from the student's point of view
Lessons with IKO-certified instructors
All KiteMood instructors are trained and certified by IKO, and your lessons are taught by IKO Level 2 instructors. We keep the student-to-instructor ratio low, with a maximum of 2:1.
What is included
- Transfer between the school and the beach
- Kites, boards, harnesses, helmets, life vests, wetsuits and other gear during lessons
- Radio-assisted lessons: you are in touch with your instructor by radio at all times
- Lessons taught by IKO Level 2 instructors
- IKO Kiteboarder Card and level certification
- Low student-to-instructor ratio (maximum 2:1)
Price of the Level 1 first lesson
One 75-minute lesson. The equipment during the lesson and the transfer between the school and the beach are included.
1st lesson: theory and first fly
€85per 75-minute lesson
Private or group lesson
- 75 minutes of theory and first fly
- Follows the IKO certification standards for Level 1 – Discovery
If this does not fit your needs, contact us and ask for a personalised offer. We will be happy to help you.
Learn Level 1 at an IKO-approved school
KiteMood is an IKO-approved school, and all our instructors are trained and certified by IKO. After Level 1 you can continue with Level 2 – Intermediate and, later, our advanced lessons.
Learning to kitesurf in Marsa Alam
IKO Level 1 kitesurfing lessons: your questions answered
What will I learn in the Level 1 – Discovery course?
Level 1 follows the IKO certification standards in five parts, 1A to 1E. You learn about safe wind conditions and the hazards on a spot, fly a trainer kite, and set up and check a 4/5-line de-power kite. You then control the kite hooked into the harness, and finish by using the quick release and leash, recovering the bar and kite, and landing the kite yourself.
How much is the first lesson and how long does it last?
The first lesson costs €85 and lasts 75 minutes. It covers theory and first fly, and you can take it as a private or group lesson. If this does not fit your needs, contact us and ask for a personalised offer.
Is the equipment included?
Yes. Kites, boards, harnesses, helmets, life vests, wetsuits and other gear are provided during your lessons. The transfer between the school and the beach is included too, and so are the IKO Kiteboarder Card and level certification once you have completed the level.
How do you keep lessons safe?
Every lesson is radio-assisted, so you are in touch with your instructor by radio at all times. All KiteMood instructors are trained and certified by IKO, lessons are taught by IKO Level 2 instructors, and the student-to-instructor ratio is low, with a maximum of 2:1. In Level 1 you also learn about the hazards on a spot and how to use the safety systems.
How do I book a Level 1 lesson?
To book, message us through the contact page, on WhatsApp or by email, and tell us which day suits you. We will confirm the time.
What can I learn after Level 1?
KiteMood gives lessons for the first three groups of the IKO Kiteboarding Training Path: Discovery, Intermediate and Independent. After Level 1 you can continue with Level 2 – Intermediate. You can also choose a longer beginner package: the 6-hour beginner course covers kite control and body dragging, and the 8-hour beginner course aims to complete IKO Level 2 certification.
Where Level 1 lessons take place
KiteMood is on the protected lagoon in Marsa Alam, on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. A transfer between the school and the beach is included.
WX78+MMJ, Marsa Alam Road, Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt+20 100 328 0081info@kitemood.comMessage us on WhatsAppOpen in Google MapsThe interactive map loads only when you ask for it, which keeps this page fast.
Before your first lesson
What happens on the beach and in the water, and the safety rules every beginner should know.
Gear & safety
Kitesurfing safety rules for beginners: a practical checklist
The kitesurfing safety habits that matter most for beginners, as checklists: protective kit, safety systems, launching, right of way, weather limits and beach etiquette.
Ready for your first kitesurfing lesson?
Message us on WhatsApp, by email or through the contact page. Tell us when you would like to start and we will help you choose the right lesson.