FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  -  FAQS

Kiteboarding FAQs

Windsurfing  FAQs

StandUp FAQs

Kiteboarding FAQs 

How do I get started with kiteboarding?

1. Master flying a small two line foil trainer kite on land. The best way to get started with kiteboarding at Boardsports School is to come to one of our trainer kite clinics and learn how to fly a bar controlled 2 line ram air foil kite (as opposed to a stunt kite with handles, or a toy kite you flew when you were little).
2. Take a beginner land and water lesson from a certified kite school. Kiteboarding is an extreme sport that is obtrusive and potentially dangerous to you and others around you. Safety considerations are extremely important, and taking a lesson with a certified kite school is a must. Not only will you be safer, you also won't jeopardize the safety of others.
3. Buy gear. Once you have completed beginner lessons and know how to waterstart onto a kiteboard, you are ready to get gear and practice on your own. All students taking our 2 part land and water lesson receive a $200 discount on a complete kiteboard package. See our gear page for more details.

Kiteboarding is 80% kite control, 20% board skills. The most relevant sports to kiteboarding are stunt kite flying, hang gliding, and paragliding. If you have flown stunt kites, snowboarded or wake boarded you will have an advantage. Once you master flying the small 2 line trainer kite (we recommend 6-10 hours of practice), then you are ready to take our 2 part beginner land and water lesson on a full size kite.  The average person takes between 20 and 40 hours of total practice and lessons (trainer kite, lessons, practice on their own) before you are up and riding consistently. Kiteboarding has a steep learning curve, but once you master the basics, it's easy to improve very quickly.

Our trainer kite lesson is $50, and our 2 part beginner lesson is $350 for a 6 hour lesson. Please visit our kiteboarding page for more pricing information.

How does kiteboarding work?

Kiteboarding was invented by 2 Frenchmen in the 1980s, and has evolved from simple 2 line kites with no depower ability, to today's kites with full depower, safety release systems and the ability to water relaunch. The kite pulls you along while you ride on a wakeboard style board with footstraps. Kiteboarding uses the same engineering principals as flying. The kite acts as a foil, and the wind creates "lift" in the kite that makes you glide along the water. The more wind in the kite, the faster you go. Turning is accomplished by pulling on one side of the control bar. If you want to turn the kite to the left, you pull in on the left side. If you want to turn the kite to the right, you pull in on the right side of the bar. The sport is very versatile and can be enjoyed in light winds (10mph) on flat water, or high winds and waves (and everything in between). Kiting can also be enjoyed on land (land boarding on a skate board with footstraps) or on snow (snow kiting with skiis or snowboard).

What is the kiteboarding wind window?

The kiteboarding wind window is the flying area of your kite. Think of it as a quarter sphere or concert dome. Along the front edge of the quarter sphere is the edge of the wind window. Downwind of you is the back of the wind window. Put your back to the wind and your arms out to the sides. On your right side is the right of the wind window or 3 o'clock, overhead is 12 o'clock, and to your left is 9 o'clock (think of being inside a big clock). Along the edge of the wind window, the kite has minimal power. As you fly the kite lower into the wind window, the kite is exposed to more wind and has more power. The area directly downwind of you is max power and you rarely fly a big kite in this zone.

Further down into the concert dome is called the power zone. You as the kiteboarder are at the edge and center of the wind window with your back to the wind. The lower you fly your kite in the wind window, the more power it will generate. If you fly your kite high in the wind window or along the edge of the wind window, it will have minimal power.

The inflatable kites launch at the edge of the wind window on either side (3 or 9 o'clock in diagram below) where there is minimal power so you can control the kite when launching and landing. When you are kiteboarding to the right (riding across the wind to your right) you will keep the kite on the right side of the wind window and it will pull you to the right. When you are kiteboarding to the left (riding across the wind to your left) you will keep the kite on the left side of the wind window and it will pull you to the left.

To generate power with your kite, you will learn a basic power stroke which involves sining the kite up and down in a figure eight pattern. This sining generates more pull when you need power. If you are fully powered on a windy day, you can simply park your kite on one side of the wind window and it will pull you along the water.

What should I practice with my trainer kite before taking lessons?

Trainer Kite Flying and Practice Skills:

How to self launch and fly a foil trainer kite:

• lay kite out perpendicular to the wind (sealed edge to windward, open cells to leeward)
• secure the trailing edge with sand or two water bottles
• walk the bar/lines directly upwind (foil kites self launch directly downwind)
• make sure there are no tangles in the lines and the left line goes to the left side of kite and right to right
• walk backwards slowly to let air fill the foil cells
• the kite will then pop up to 12 o'clock
• hold the bar steady (both arms straight) and keep the kite at 12 o'clock
• make sure you have a clear flying area with no obstacles or people in your flying zone
• start flying the kite
• to steer your kite, use a "push pull" technique similar to driving a shopping cart at the grocery store. if you want the kite to go to the left, pull in on the left hand and push out with the right hand
• the kite steering has a small delay, so wait for the kite to respond before countering your steering to get the kite to steer the other way
• keep the bar parallel to the ground and in front of you (no lateral movement with the bar, no driving it like a steering wheel)
• relax and lean your shoulders back when the kite starts to pull. Don't bend at the waist.
• keep your feet planted and your back to the wind. do not rotate your body around as the kite goes left or right

What skills to develop on your trainer kite:

The most important skill to develop on a trainer kite is generating constant pull on the bar. You will need to generate constant pull in order to stay up on your board. If you fly the kite erratically from one side of the wind window to the other, you may find yourself being hurled off your board when you try to ride it. To ride on a kiteboard, you need to generate constant steady pull in a controlled manner. That is why mastering a trainer kite accelerates your learning curve so well. Practice the following to develop good kite skills:

• Horizontal figure eights from one side of wind window to the other
• Vertical figure eights on both sides of wind window
• Practice landing/bringing the kite down to the edge of the wind window on both sides
• Walk with the kite while steering kite up and down on one side of the wind window
• Run with the kite while steering kite up and down on one side of the wind window
• Fly the kite with one hand
• Fly the kite with one hand and pick up a stick without looking at the kite and keeping it under control
• Fly the kite while not looking at it
• Fly kite loops and undo your kite loops
• Practice body spins to undo twists in the line
• Fly the kite while sitting down
• Try to have to the kite pull you up from a sitting position by bringing the kite over to 11 o'clock and then diving it to 2 o'clock. This is practice for water starting onto your kiteboard

How to self land and store your foil trainer kite:

• bring the kite gently down to the ground on the edge of the wind window
• keep an eye on the kite as it may try to relaunch
• roll the lines onto the bar in a figure eight while keeping an eye on the kite
• if you have a friend with you, have them secure/hold the kite
• when you get to the kite, put the bungee line over both sides of the bar to secure the lines (or use rubber bands if not bungee is on your trainer
• fold the wing tips (edges) of kite over to the middle of the kite. Keep the bridle lines on top of the kite
• put the bar on the kite in the middle, and roll the kite up
• put the kite in the bag and go home :)
• if your kite gets wet, fully dry it before putting in bag
• don't rinse your kite with fresh water as mold may grow
• you can leave your bar attached to your trainer

Now, you're ready for a lesson with a full size kite!

How long does it take before I am consistently riding on the kiteboard?

The average person takes between 20 and 40 hours of total practice and lessons (including trainer kite practice) before they are consistently riding on the board. Kiteboarding is hard to learn, but easy to master. Kiteboarding is all about the kite. Many people ask us, "can I just go right to the water and skip the land lesson?", and that is like asking to play polo without knowing how to ride a horse. You have to master the kite on land (first the trainer kite, then an inflatable kite) before you will be proficient enough to control the kite on the water.

How much do lessons cost?

Our trainer kite lesson is $50, and our 2 part beginner lesson is $350 for a 6 hour lesson. Please visit our kiteboarding page for more pricing information.

What type of equipment do I need?

You will need the following for your kiteboarding:

•  full size kite complete with bar, lines, pump

•  board

•  harness

•  helmet

•  impact vest

•  retractable board leash

•  knife (to cut your lines in the event of an emergency)

•  wetsuit

Visit our gear page for more details on equipment. All of our students taking our 2 part land and water lesson receive $200 off a complete kite gear package.

What is a C kite versus a Bow kite?

A C kite is a leading edge inflatable kite that has a leading edge that is shaped like the letter C. The Naish Torch is an example of a C kite and uses a 5 line control bar. Most modern C kites today utilize a 5 line systems as the 5th line makes it easy to water re-launch the kite, and adds stability in gusty conditions. C-shape kites are the first choice for riders who demand constant high performance, offering a more direct feel, and a kiting experience that is more engaging. They excel for both hooked in and unhooked riding, giving quick pop and easy handling.

Naish Torch

A bow kite is a leading edge inflatable kite that has a leading edge that is shaped like a bow (as in bow and arrow). The Naish Cult Sigma SLE (sigma shaped supported leading edge) is an example of a bow style kite. SLE kites are aimed at riders looking for a kite with the broadest wind range per size that is forgiving and easy to jump. Increased projected area is combined with the largest and quickest depower anywhere in the flying window, making them ideal for gusty conditions, freeriding, and waveriding.

Naish Cult

Visit our gear page for more details on equipment.

Can I rent gear or do I have to buy it?

We can rent you everything except the kite (for liability reasons). We rent kite boards, harnesses, helmets, and wetsuits. You can purchase a demo kite for as little as $499 (includes bar and lines) and rent everything else until you know you are hooked on the sport. Our beginner boards rent for $20, wetsuits rent for $12, and you can try various items to see what you like best before you buy.

Visit our gear page for more details on equipment.

How much does the gear cost?

A complete kite package that includes kite/bar/lines/pump, board, harness, wetsuit, helmet, board leash, and knife runs approximately $2000-$2500 for all new equipment. We also offer used a closeout gear that is less expensive. Kiteboarding safety systems have progressed tremendously over the years, so be very careful if you look for used gear. Make sure you know who you are buying from and are getting the right kite and something more current. Visit our gear page for more details on equipment. All of our students taking our 2 part land and water lesson receive $200 off a complete kite gear package.

What type of kites does Boardsports School teach on?

We are a Naish, North, F-One and Ozone kiteboarding dealer and teach on any one of these brands of kites. This allows you to try different kite styles and brands before you decide to buy.

Visit our gear page for more details on equipment.

How important are safety considerations?

Kiteboarding can be an extreme sport - so safety considerations are very important. We will teach you how to understand wind and site considerations to maximize your safety for your kiteboarding. These are the most important items to consider to maximize your safety:

• Learn and practice at a beginner friendly site (ask the locals for advice, Alameda is the best for the Bay area)

• Learning in side on-shore winds (as opposed to offshore winds)

• Learn/practice in manageable wind speeds (ideally between 10-15mph when you are learning)

• Be aware of tides and how they effect your riding (incoming flood tide decreases power of the wind, outgoing ebb tide increases power of the wind)

• Avoid storm winds and gusty unstable winds

• Be aware of your safety/buffer zone and keep 200 feet clear of you downwind when launching/landing

• Be aware of your safety/buffer zone while on the water

• Be aware of any water obstacles

• Be aware of right of way rules

• Use all safety equipment available including helmet, impact vest, safety release systems, kite leash with safety release system, retractable board leash (and always wear helmet when using board leash)

• Be aware of water temperature awareness and wearing the right wetsuit. Hypothermia is a real risk in the SF Bay Area. We recommend you wear a full wetsuit with a thickness of 4/3 mm or more.

• Respect for mother nature and judging wind conditions - "when in doubt, don't go out". Knowing when it's too windy, too gusty, or your kite is too big for the conditions.

Where are good places to learn and practice kiteboarding in the SF Bay area?

Boardsports School enjoys exclusive teaching rights at the best beginner location in the Bay Area - Crown Beach Alameda. We have side on shore wind, a 2 mile long sandy beach, and shallow warm water. Learn at this ideal beginner location where you will come back to practice on your own.

When you are learning, avoid sites with:

• off shore wind

• water obstacles (pilings, rocks, or any obstacles in the water)

• rock levees

• limited launch space

• gusty conditions

• crowded water (boat traffic, shipping lanes, recreations boats)

• cold water (coastal sites)

• waves (too hard to learn in waves)

Once you have learned how to ride upwind and are an advanced beginner (making transitions, riding upwind, able to handle higher winds (15-20+) you may consider going to 3rd Avenue or Rio Vista (Delta). Alameda is the best spot for learning and practicing until then.

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Windsurfing FAQs  

How do I get started with windsurfing?

1. Take a beginner lesson from a certified school. Windsurfing is pretty technical and is MUCH EASIER to learn with a lesson from a certified school. Within a 2 day beginner lesson, you will be sailing (windsurfing) around and turning.
2. Practice. Windsurfing is easy to learn but takes time to get really good. The more time you spend on the water, the faster you will improve. We rent gear for all ability levels so you can come back and practice after your lesson.
3. Buy gear. Once you have passed the beginner phase and are learning to use a harness and waterstart, you are ready to get intermediate gear. All students taking our 2 day class receive a $200 discount on a complete windsurf package. See our gear page for more details.

How does windsurfing work?

Windsurfing was invented in the 1960s by 2 California guys - a sailor and a surfer. They decided to try putting a sail on a surf board, and a new sport was born. The sport has come a long way, and now is easier than ever to pick up. The boards have become wide and stable, the sails light and easy to manage. Windsurfing uses the same engineering principals as flying and sailing. The sail acts as a foil, and the wind creates "lift" in the sail that makes you glide along the water. You learn to sheet in (bring the sail in closer to you by pulling in with your back hand) to increase power. You learn to sheet out (let the sail out away from you by letting out your back hand) to decrease power. With alternate hand movements, you control the angle of the sail to the wind. The more wind in the sail, the faster you go. Turning is accomplished by leaning the sail back towards the back of the board (go upwind) or leaning the sail towards the front of the board (go downwind).

Do I need to be really strong to lift up a windsurf sail?

Contrary to popular belief, windsurfing does not require upper body strength. The modern day equipment is light weight and easy to use. The boards are wide and stable, and the sails are light and nimble. All you need is balance, finesse and a good lesson from a certified school on modern equipment.

How long does it take before I am able to practice by myself on a windsurf board?

The average person can learn the basics of windsurfing in our 2 day beginner lesson. It is an easy sport to learn (with a good lesson and good modern beginner gear). We teach all ages (age 4-100) and windsurfing is all about balance and finesse, not strength. As long as you can swim and are in reasonably good shape, you will enjoy picking it up quickly. Then you can come back and rent gear from us to practice on your own.

How much do lessons cost?

Our 2 day beginner lesson is $165 for a 6 hour lesson and includes all gear and wetsuit. Please visit our windsurfing page for more pricing information.

What type of equipment do I need?

You will need the following for your windsurfing (which you can rent from us after taking a lesson):

•  board

•  sail

•  mast

•  boom

•  uphaul rope

•  mast extension

•  universal joint

•  wetsuit

•  booties

Visit our gear page for more details on equipment. All of our students taking our 2 part land and water lesson receive $200 off a complete windsurf gear package.

Can I rent gear or do I have to buy it?

We can rent you everything. We rent all size windsurf boards and complete rigs (sail/mast/boom) as well as wetsuits and booties. After you progress to the intermediate stage (using a harness) you may want to buy gear and windsurf at other places. All of our students taking our 2 part land and water lesson receive $200 off a complete windsurf gear package.

Visit our windsurf page for more details on equipment rentals.

How much does the gear cost?

A complete windsurf package that includes board, sail, mast, boom, mast extension, universal joint, uphaul rope, harness, and wetsuit runs approximately $2000-$2500 for all new equipment. We also offer used a closeout gear that is less expensive. We also carry lots of used gear that is much less expensive. Visit our gear page for more details on equipment. All of our students taking our 2 part land and water lesson receive $200 off a complete windsurf gear package.

What type of equipment does Boardsports School teach on?

We teach on HiFly, Naish, Mistral, Hot Sails, and Loft. We have boards and sails of every size (beginner through advanced) and can teach all ages (ages 4 and up).

Visit our gear page for more details on equipment.

How important are safety considerations?

Windsurfing is a very safe sport. These are the most important items to consider to maximize your safety:

• Learn and practice at a beginner friendly site (ask the locals for advice, Alameda is the best for the Bay area)

• Learning in side on-shore winds (as opposed to offshore winds)

• Learn/practice in manageable wind speeds (ideally between 5-10 mph when you are learning)

• Be aware of tides and how they effect your riding (incoming flood tide decreases power of the wind, outgoing ebb tide increases power of the wind)

• Avoid storm winds and gusty unstable winds

• Be aware of right of way rules

• Be aware of water temperature awareness and wearing the right wetsuit. Hypothermia is a real risk in the SF Bay Area. We recommend you wear a full wetsuit with a thickness of 4/3 mm or more.

• Respect for mother nature and judge wind conditions - "when in doubt, don't go out". Know when it's too windy, too gusty, or your ability level is not ready for crazy wind conditions.

Where are good places to learn and practice windsurfing in the SF Bay area?

Boardsports School enjoys exclusive teaching rights at the best beginner location in the Bay Area - Crown Beach Alameda. We have side on shore wind, a 2 mile long sandy beach, and shallow warm water. Learn at this ideal beginner location where you will come back to practice on your own.

When you are learning, avoid sites with:

• off shore wind

• water obstacles (pilings, rocks, or any obstacles in the water)

• rock levees

• gusty conditions

• crowded water (boat traffic, shipping lanes, recreations boats)

• cold water (coastal sites)

• waves (too hard to learn in waves)

Once you have learned how to ride upwind and are an advanced beginner (able to tack, jibe, use a harness in moderate winds (10-15mph) you may consider going to the Berkeley Marina or Coyote Point in San Mateo. Alameda is the best spot for learning and practicing until then.

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SUP FAQs:
Is Stand Up Paddling Easy To Learn?
     YES, you can learn the basics in 1 hour
 

Do I have to be in good shape to learn SUP?
     NO, people of all shapes and size can learn
 

Do I need to know how to surf?
     NO, but that helps if you want to ride waves
 

Is SUP as much fun as it looks?
     YES, it’s a total blast in flat water and waves
 

Is SUP safe?
     YES, with site and condition awareness
 

Can I rent gear or do I have to buy?
     We rent gear at both Alameda and San Mateo
 

How much is it to buy gear?
    A high quality board, deck pad, bag, and paddle runs between $1199 and $1999

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