Elevate Your Kitesurfing Skills: A Guide to Progressing Beyond the Basics

von | März 15, 2024 | Kitesurfing

group of 5 girls sitting on the kite beach in El Gouna in Egypt, looking at the kites in the water. The image shows the girls from the back, all wearing a Kite Tribe T-Shirt

A Guide to Progressing Beyond the Basics

So you’ve mastered the water start, can ride both directions, and have full control of your kite – what’s next? Many kitesurfers reach a point where they feel comfortable on the board but aren’t sure how to continue progressing. The good news? The real fun begins after the basics.

 

Step by Step to Progession

Whether your goal is to jump, ride strapless, or just feel more confident in different conditions, this guide will help you take your kitesurfing skills to the next level. 

Whether you’re a total beginner or just curious about the buzz, here’s why kitesurfing is more than just a trend – it’s a lifestyle.

1. Refine Your Technique – It’s All in the Details

Progression starts with mastering the fundamentals on a deeper level. Focus on your stance, board control, and kite position. Small adjustments can lead to big improvements in efficiency, style, and confidence.

Tips:
Film your sessions or take a lesson with video feedback
Ask an instructor for specific tips – even one advanced lesson can unlock a breakthrough
Practice riding toeside, switching stance, or carving smooth turns

2. Learn to Jump – Your First Taste of Flight

Jumping is one of the most exciting parts of kitesurfing. Start with small pops and gradually build up height as you gain control. You don’t need huge air to have fun – proper timing and technique are key.

How to start:
Make sure you’re riding comfortably upwind
Try a small load and pop with the kite at 45°
Use gentle kite movement (no aggressive pulls at first)
Practice controlled landings – they’re just as important as take-offs!

3. Explore New Conditions and Board Types

Once you’re confident in flat water, try riding in small waves or choppier conditions to challenge your adaptability. Trying different boards – like surfboards, foil boards, or even a smaller twin tip – also helps broaden your skill set.This not only improves your board handling but also prepares you for more diverse kite trips and locations.

 

4. Ride with Others Who Push You

Progression often comes faster when you’re surrounded by other riders who inspire and challenge you. Join a kite community, take part in group clinics, or go on a kite safari where you can kite all day, every day, and get personalized feedback on the water.

5. Take an Advanced Lesson – Yes, Even if You “Know the Basics”

Many intermediate riders plateau because they stop taking lessons. But even a single advanced coaching session, especially with real-time feedback via walkie-talkie (like we offer at Kite Tribe), can help you correct bad habits and push past your limits.

6. Stay Consistent and Celebrate Small Wins

Improvement in kitesurfing doesn’t happen overnight. Stay consistent, be patient with yourself, and celebrate every small step – whether it’s a smoother turn, your first jump, or landing that trick you’ve been working on.

group of 5 girls sitting on the kite beach in El Gouna in Egypt, looking at the kites in the water. The image shows the girls from the back, all wearing a Kite Tribe T-Shirt

Keep Challenging Yourself and Enjoy the Ride

Progressing in kitesurfing is a lifelong journey – and that’s what makes it so rewarding. Whether you’re working on jumps, tricks, or just becoming a smoother rider, keep pushing yourself, stay curious, and never stop learning.

Because the truth is: there’s always another level.

Ready to Level Up? Ride with Us in El Gouna

At Kite Tribe in El Gouna, Egypt, we specialize in helping riders progress beyond the basics. Our experienced instructors offer personalized advanced coaching, walkie-talkie support, and video feedback – all in one of the world’s best kite spots with year-round wind and warm water.

We also organize unforgettable kite safaris where you’ll kite from sunrise to sunset, explore new spots daily, and get expert coaching along the way.

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