Compare destinationsLearn to Kite on a Kite Holiday
You finally want to learn kiting and wonder where to start? Maybe you’ve stood on the beach, watched the kites in the sky and thought: „I want that too!“ Or you’re planning a kite holiday to learn kitesurfing with sun, sea, and a real break.
With KiteWorldWide you learn kitesurfing where conditions truly fit: at selected spots with reliable wind, lots of space and – depending on the destination – perfect flatwater. Our kite courses are designed so you progress fast, feel safe at all times, and above all: have fun.
Whether total beginner or sporty crossover – you’ll find the right beginner kite course, tailored to your level, goals, and travel plans.
Kitesurfing is a sport any active person can learn. No one is too young or too old, too tall or too short to learn to kite. The idea that you need lots of strength and sculpted muscles is a myth. Thanks to the harness, the pull is spread across the whole body, not just the arms.
Learning to kite on holiday is especially recommended, for many reasons. On a kite trip you have the time and calm to learn kitesurfing. Plus, it’s way more fun at spots with steady wind and warm water than in the cold North Sea. That feeling when the wind carries you across the water is indescribable. A plus for everyone wanting to learn: you need no prior experience. However, you should choose a reputable, licensed kite school. Ideal conditions to learn kitesurfing are offered by a dedicated kite holiday.
Summary
Learn to kite the right way from day one
All info on learning to kite with KiteWorldWide
ENQUIRE OR BOOKWhich kitesurfing destinations are suitable for learning to kite?
The following destinations are suitable for beginners
Which kite destinations are perfect for learning to kitesurf?
The best place to learn kiting is where conditions, safety, and surroundings align. With KiteWorldWide you learn to kitesurf at selected spots worldwide that are especially suited for beginners. Consistent wind, plenty of space, and beginner-friendly areas make our destinations ideal for your kite holiday.
Whether you want to learn to kite on holiday in Europe or at exotic dream spots: Our locations in Brazil, Morocco, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Greece, Sicily, and Panama offer perfect conditions for structured kite courses and beginner lessons in kitesurfing – safe, efficient, and loads of fun.
Lagoon or open sea, short hop or long-haul: With KiteWorldWide you’ll find the right place to learn to kitesurf and combine your start in the sport with an unforgettable holiday.
Kitesurfing in Costa Calma, Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is the perfect place for a kite trip in summer as well as in winter and offers the best conditions for every level. In the kite centre the atmosphere is very familiar and the kite instructors are at your disposal with advice and support.
There are also different types of accommodation, where everyone is sure to find a suitable spot!
Kitesurfing on Kos and Rhodes, Greece
Learning to kitesurf on Kos and Rhodes combines easy European access with strong wind. The Meltemi delivers reliable kite days in summer, making both islands ideal for sporty beginners.
Mastichari on Kos is the new kitesurf spot for everyone who wants to learn and improve. Great kite school, lovely stays, also perfect for families. And only 3.5 hours away. Kitesurf season from April to October. With special boat-supported kite lessons for all who want to learn.
On Rhodes there’s one main kite spot – right on your doorstep. The spot in Theologos sits directly in front of the kite school for short walks, smooth logistics, and max time on the water.
Other popular Greek kite spots include: Paros (Pounda), Naxos, Lefkada, Karpathos
Kitesurfing in Greece - Kos
Mastichari on Kos is the new spot for everybody that wants to get into the world of kitesurfing or to improve his or her skills.
Nice kiteschool, beautiful accommodation and ideal also for families. Season is from April to October.
Kitesurfing in Sicily, Italy
Kitesurfing in Italy - Sicily
A huge lagoon with throughout flat and shallow water throughout. The short distance to the African continent is responsible for the warm and pleasant temperatures from March until November.
On top of that two different wind systems, which create constant wind.
Kitesurfing at Seahorse Bay, Egypt
Kiteboarding events Sicily
The Kite Learn Event in Sicily in cooperation with Kiteboarding Events - Exclusive at KiteWorldWide.
You can expect the experienced Kiteboarding Events trainer team, a huge material pool with test kites and boards of different brands and of course support by the KiteWorldWide team on site.
Learn to kitesurf in Morocco, Dakhla
Dakhla in Morocco ranks among the world’s best kite spots and is ideal for learning. The sheltered Dakhla Lagoon offers shallow water, steady wind, and prime conditions for beginner, improver, and advanced courses. Certified, multilingual instructors guide you from first steps on the beach to water starts and riding upwind. Confident riders can level up in freestyle lessons and learn new tricks. With sun most of the year and thermal winds from April to October, Dakhla is perfect for your next kitesurf holiday.
Kitesurfing in Egypt - Seahorse Bay
Our Kitesurf Spot in Egypt - between Hurghada and El Gouna, Hotels directly at the Spot, brandnew Kite Center with F-One gear, Flatwater lagoon with shallow water - limited spaces for more space on the water!
Great kitesurfing conditions in March, April, June, July, September, October and November!
Kitesurfing in Tatajuba, Brazil
Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka - Kalpitiya
KiteWorldWide Lagoon Lodge Sri Lanka / Kalpitiya. Comfortable lodge located right at the huge flat water lagoon with extreme high wind guarantee and two seasons: from May until October and from December until March.
Kitesurfing on Fuerteventura
Kitesurfing in Brazil - Tatajuba
Empty spots, wind and kiting, kiting, kiting! The little paradise, called Tatajuba, pleases everyone with one of the best shallow water spots and the most reliable and strongest wind of Brazil!
Learn to kitesurf on holiday: the perfect kite trip!
Unsere professionellen Kitesurfkurse bieten Anfängern die Möglichkeit, sicher und effizient das Kitesurfen zu erlernen. Mit erfahrenen Lehrern an deiner Seite wirst du Schritt für Schritt in die Welt des Kitesurfens eingeführt. Von den Grundlagen bis hin zu ersten Sprüngen und Tricks - unsere Kitekurse lassen keine Wünsche offen.
Ein Kiteurlaub ist nicht nur eine Auszeit vom Alltag, sondern auch eine Chance, eine neue Leidenschaft zu entdecken. Die Kombination aus Entspannung am Strand und der Aufregung, das Kiten zu lernen, macht deinen Urlaub unvergesslich.
Warte nicht länger! Buche deinen Kiteurlaub noch heute und beginne dein Abenteuer mit einem Kitekurs an einer der für dich optimal ausgewählten Kitedestination, unser Salesteam berät dich gerne und organisiert für dich die passende Kitereise. Erlebe, wie es sich anfühlt, das Wasser unter deinen Füßen zu spüren, während du mit dem Wind gleitest.
Kitesurfing at Zanzibar – Jambiani
Discover this awesome kite-island with KiteWorldWide! Crystal clear turquoise water, steady winds and huge flatwater areas await you from december to march and july to october.
Your kite holiday with KiteWorldWide
Licensed VDWS coaches give you the best support to celebrate first wins on the board. On holiday you learn to kitesurf relaxed and without time pressure. A major plus at our selected spots: steady wind, ideal for learning. Small groups and individual coaching round it off. Don’t worry about splashing in: warm water and shallow lagoons are a paradise not only for beginners. You’ll find such lagoons in Ägypten, Brazil or Sicily.
Whether solo or in a group, the unique community vibe is guaranteed. Meet people whose hearts beat for kiting or who are just starting out. And discover local culture and landscapes – on the water or via countless activities: wander Essaouira’s old town, snorkel the turquoise of Zanzibar, or go jungle in Kalpitiya. If the wind ever drops, adventures abound.
The perfect spot to learn kitesurfing
When on a quest for a suitable spot to learn to kitesurf, you’ll constantly hear numerous people giving various opinions on what makes a perfect spot, even though locations are usually quite different from one another.
We have gained a lot of experience from running six kite schools in various destinations, and offer some basic tips to keep in mind when looking for the perfect spot.
LIGHT WIND VS. STRONG WIND
The most important factor to learn kitesurfing is a high wind probability. It doesn’t matter where you are, if you don’t have wind, you won’t be able to complete a course. We have learnt that the power of wind is rather unimportant and everything from 12 till 40 knots works.
Nowadays smaller and larger kites work very well to give control, safety and re-launch capabilities. Typical light wind areas preferred by our kitesurfing beginners are Zanzibar or Kos in Greece.
Many say that strong winds can be problematic but we disagree, as usually, the only trouble is gusty wind. In Tatajuba (Brazil), one of our learning destinations, we had positive experiences teaching with strong wind. Here, there is almost a 100% chance of strong wind and we mostly practice on 3-7m kites but see constant learning success from our students.
SHALLOW WATER VS. DEEP WATER
A lot of people say that you need shallow water to learn kitesurfing. The truth is, that it gives beginners a certain secureness and that it does support progress during the first hours. However, to avoid injuries, you should watch out not to land with your feet first and it’s very important to practise in deep water too. You can find flat water spots for learning in Egypt, Dakhla in Morocco, Kalpitiya in Sri Lanka and Zanzibar.
Deepwater is not a barrier for professional kite schools. In Tarifa or Kos (Greece), you will also find many schools teaching professionally in deep water. We also know some areas where the wind blows cross-onshore and the water only becomes deep gradually so that you can stand the first 50-100m but at the same time you get a good feeling for deepwater (e.g. for body dragging). Example areas are found in Essaouria or the Langebaan lagoon near Cape Town.
Learn to kitesurf – right of way rules
Passing upwind
When passing upwind, you need to focus on the position of your kite. The rider passing upwind has to pilot their kite overhead. Consequently, the rider passing downwind has to pilot their kite as low as possible.
LEE BEFORE WINDWARD
The kiter on the lee side, i.e. in the other’s wind shadow, has right of way.
Right hand on the bar has way
The rider with the right hand forwards on the bar has priority over the oncoming rider (left hand forwards) and should keep the course. The rider with the left hand on the bar and shoulder forwards has to give way and adjust the course downwind.
PORT BEFORE STARBOARD
When a kiter approaches head-on, the rider on starboard tack must give way. The one on port tack (kite over the left side) keeps course. In short: the kiter with the right hand forward on the bar has right of way.
Windward gives way to leeward
The windward (the direction upwind from the point of reference) kitesurfer always gives way to the leeward (the direction downwind from the point of reference) kitesurfer.
WINDWARD / LEEWARD
Tips for first-time kiters:
2. Don’t overdo it and don’t underestimate the effort.
3. Inflate the kite correctly and lay out the lines properly.
4. Train with your coach on a trainer kite.
5. Book a package with beginner course plus rental. You get this with all KiteWorldWide packages.
Learn to kitesurf on holiday
You’ll also have time for rest days or excursions. Best book a package with beginner course plus rental after – standard in our KiteWorldWide packages. That way you deepen what you learned and always have the right gear for the spot.
Learn to kitesurf on your kite trip
with the KiteWorldWide community around the globeWhy learn to kitesurf?
Kitesurfing is no longer a secret. Over 400,000 people worldwide share the thrill of being pulled across the water by a kite – and more join daily. What makes it special: you need less strength than you think. The share of women is higher than in many watersports, and starting at 40, 50 or later is absolutely fine. Learning to kite is about technique, not age.
With good conditions and pro instruction, you’ll ride independently after about a week. And that’s when it really starts: a community, your own trips, your own sessions – a lifestyle that’s addictive.
Learn kitesurfing – how to start
Kitesurfing is an extreme sport and also the safest airsport – if you learn it right. So: take your first steps with a qualified school. A good course teaches not only technique but the safety mindset you’ll need for every session.
Plan at least 5 days for a beginner course. Our tip: add a few days of rental afterwards to cement your skills. Our partner schools offer 5–6 day packages including gear – just ask.
The best-known associations are VDWS (Verband Deutscher Windsurfing- und Wassersport-Schulen) and IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization). Both licenses are internationally recognized and prove you handle kite and bar safely.
Kite trip & kite holiday – book solo, travel together
Many guests come as couples; many also travel solo – and find instant connection. That’s what defines a kite trip with us: shared sessions, stories at the bar, and friendships that last.
If you want to book solo, you’re in the right place. Our camps are true community trips: not an anonymous hotel, but a crew hitting the water together. Whether you want a package deal or a tailor-made trip – we’ll build it for you.
How much does learning to kitesurf cost?
When to learn? All year round.
One of the most common questions: When’s the best time to learn? Answer: always. Somewhere in the world it’s on. We’ll get you to the right spot at the right time.
Kiting in spring (March–May): Egypt kicks off – steady wind, warm water, stable conditions. Dakhla and Fuerteventura also fire. If you want to kite in March, you’ll find ideal learning without peak-season prices.
Kiting in summer (June–August): Europe time. Greece (Rhodes, Karpathos, Kos), Sicily and Fuerteventura deliver clockwork thermals. Ideal for a one-week break and family-friendly.
Kiting in autumn (September–November): The shoulder season is our insider tip. Egypt and El Gouna peak again, Brazil (Ilha do Guajiru, Cumbuco) hits prime time, and Morocco brings endless wind.
Kiting in winter (December–February): When it snows in Germany, we fly you where winds are warm – Dakhla, Brazil, Egypt. Sun guaranteed, 20–25°C, and learning areas that get you riding within a week.
The best beginner kitespots
Not every spot suits learning. Shallow areas, non-gusty wind, wide sandy beaches, and a relaxed vibe make the difference. Our top beginner spots:
Kitesurfing Dakhla – Morocco’s desert lagoon
One of the best lagoons on earth: 25 km long, flat, with steady wind 300+ days a year. Dakhla is a must for anyone serious about progress – beginner to pro. Huge shallows, warm water, and a desert–Atlantic setting like nowhere else.
Kitesurfing Greece & Sicily
In the European summer, Rhodes, Karpathos, and Sicily (Lo Stagnone) are our go-tos. Thermal winds, short travel, Mediterranean lifestyle. Sicily’s Lo Stagnone lagoon is a beginner favorite: knee-deep, crystal clear, endless.
Kitesurfing Fuerteventura
If you prefer a short flight: Fuerteventura is kiteable year-round. Sotavento offers steady wind, wide beaches, and a mature kite setup – perfect for a spontaneous week.
Kitesurfing Brazil
If you mean business, Brazil is unbeatable. From July to January the NE coast delivers the world’s most reliable wind. Cumbuco, Ilha do Guajiru, Prea – names every kiter knows. Long downwinders, turquoise lagoons, caipirinhas at sunset.
Kitesurfing Morocco
Beyond Dakhla, Essaouira offers great conditions – strong wind, Atlantic waves, and a laid-back surf town vibe.
Learn to kitesurf in Egypt
Ägypten is just a four-hour flight away – perfect for a short kite trip. What makes it special:
100% sun – even in winter
Consistent winds March to November (and good all year)
Stress-free learning with endless beaches and vast shallows
Warm year-round – no thick fullsuit needed
Hamata offers a 1 × 2 km shallow area, one of the world’s best learning zones. No obstacles, no stress – just you and the wind.
El Naaba combines a mirror-flat lagoon for practice with waves outside – ideal for the next step after a few days.
Soma Bay is a tidal shallow with tons of space for schools and freeriders. A top flatwater spot.
Marsa Alam delivers extensive flats and focused private lessons – perfect for fast progress.
El Gouna blends excellent conditions with lifestyle – learn to kite and enjoy a touch of city life.
KiteWorldWide – experiences that last
If you’re looking for KiteWorldWide experiences, you’ll find them in our community’s stories. Regulars who’ve joined for a decade. Women’s crews who met on one trip. Beginners who, after a week, first blasted across a lagoon – and never forgot it.
We’re not an anonymous booking site. We know our spots personally and advise you by phone – Monday to Friday 10:00–18:00 and Saturday 10:00–13:00. Package or custom, solo or group, beginner course or pro training – we’ll find what fits.
Your ticket to the wind. Write us, call us, just ask. Wind, waves, and endless sessions – that’s what we share with you.
Kitesurfing, or kiteboarding, is currently one of the coolest sports you can do on the water. Not only will you experience the ultimate feeling of freedom as soon as you are able to ride the first few metres, but kitesurfing is also super easy to learn and with the right kitesurfing course, progress is fast.
Kitesurfing is also a very varied sport where you can either cruise on flat water lagoons, jump or practice tricks, or even kite in waves with a surfboard. In recent years there’s been a lot of hype about kitefoiling where you glide above the surface of the water on a hydrofoil. Here, a wing and mast mounted underneath the board prevents resistance meaning you can kite in low winds from just 8 knots!
Kitesurfing is never boring and even if you are a bit overwhelmed after your first kitesurfing course, you will quickly find your own kiting style and make fast progress.
Kitesurfing requires much less equipment than for windsurfing. The kitesurf boards are much smaller and have no volume (except wave boards) and fit in even the smallest car. The kites can be folded into their own handy backpacks, and at the start, you won’t need more than two different sizes of kite.
It’s advisable not to buy your own equipment before your kitesurfing course as professional kite centres will provide what you need to the latest safety standards. Besides a board and kite you will also need a wetsuit, harness, helmet and buoyancy vest. Depending on the season or kitesurfing area you will also need neoprene shoes. These little things will also be provided when you take a kitesurfing course.
Yes!
If you are a kitesurfing beginner, it will be difficult or impossible for you to know how to spot any danger when learning to kitesurf. This starts with choosing the right kite for the wind speed and ends with general weather and location knowledge. The international hand signals and priority rules are also very important on the water because nobody will hear you screaming ‘out of the way!!!’ at 25 knots.
When you take a professional kitesurfing course you will not only learn to ride the first few metres on the board, but also important topics such as the safe assembly and dismantling of your equipment, a spot check, and of course all the rules on the water.
We recommend that you combine the kitesurfing course with a kitesurfing holiday to ensure you are already in a relaxed mood and can concentrate on your progress on the water.
If you are looking for a reputable kite school, you should pay attention to the following points:
All teachers must be certified. Reliable certificates are from the VDWS and the IKO. Here you can be sure that your kitesurfing instructor has qualified training and can safely teach you how to kitesurf.
Pay attention to the equipment provided by the kite school. It should not be older than one season and there should be no signs of wear such as worn lines or cracks in the canvas. You’re at the right school when they also teach you safety topics such as the professional assembly and disassembly of kite equipment, correct take-off and landing with the corresponding hand signals, as well as a spot and weather assessment.
It is better to book a course that takes longer than three days. They’re more expensive than a trial session or three-day course, but it’s much more likely that after five to seven days you will be able to waterstart and ride a few metres. Then if you feel safe you can continue to practice on your own or take an advanced course. All KiteWorldWide centres offer you excellent conditions to learn kitesurfing.
But why do you find the best conditions to learn kitesurfing during your kite holiday? Licensed VDWS trainers offer you the best possible help to achieve your first successes on the kiteboard. During your holidays you will learn to kitesurf in a relaxed way and without time pressure. Learning kitesurfing in our selected kitespots offers a big advantage, the wind is constant and therefore ideal to learn kitesurfing. Just like the small training groups and the individual help. If you learn kitesurfing on holiday, you don’t have to worry about falling into the water. The warm water temperatures or even shallow lagoons are not only a paradise for kitesurfing beginners. Such lagoons can be found on Djerba, in Dakhla, Egypt or Sicily.
Whether you travel alone or in a group, the community feeling is guaranteed. Everyone, whose heart beats for kitesurfing or who want to learn new kitesurfing, comes together here. You will also experience the unique culture and breathtaking landscape of a country – either by learning to kitesurf on the water or one of the many other activities. Whether exploring the beautiful old town of Essaouira, snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Zanzibar or a jungle safari in Kalpitiya. If there is no wind to learn kitesurfing, there are still many other adventures to experience.
Kitesurfing has become safer and safer in recent years and there’s nothing to stop you from learning if you can swim safely and have a normal fitness level. Nevertheless, do yourself and the other kiters a favour and make sure you take a professional kitesurfing course. Here you will learn to kitesurf safely and how to avoid putting yourself and others in danger.
In the beginning, you won’t need your own kite equipment. It would be hard for you to choose between all the different brands, shapes and designs and there is a high probability that you will buy the wrong equipment. This makes it more difficult for you to learn a sport that is supposed to be fun!
As mentioned before, reputable kitesurfing schools will have the latest learning equipment. If you feel comfortable with the equipment after your course, just talk to your trainer about which kite and which board he or she can recommend to you.
You will need the following equipment at some point in your kite career:
- Kites (at least two different sizes, or preferably more)
- Kiteboard (twintip or wave board, or both…according to taste)
- Bars (including lines)
- Harness (in the beginning you’ll use a seat harness, later a waist harness)
- Helmet
- Wetsuit (unless you are not travelling to warmer countries like Brazil or Zanzibar)
Join Anne and Tabea from the KiteWorldWide office in Hamburg for a complete kitesurf beginners guide which includes 12 short videos.
Attention: This course is not intended to replace a course provided by a professional kitesurf school. It should only serve you as preparation for a kitesurf course or as a refresher. To learn kitesurfing in a safe environment, you should attend a course provided by a certified kite school.
Have a look at our hand-picked destinations for beginners, where we offer the perfect learner packages to suit you. They’re all locations with a high probability of wind, combined with nice weather and optimum spots for learning.
A special thanks to our media partner Gleiten.TV for the production of this tutorial.
