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Before people even consider picking up a kite and learning how to kiteboard, the fear of what it might cost to get started puts them off immediately.
The cost can be a major hurdle to overcome when you’re looking at learning a new sport or hobby, and when it comes to kiteboarding, this general rule is no exception.
Is kitesurfing really an expensive hobby and what are the costs involved?
Compared to other sports, it can be expensive to get started with the right gear and basic lessons, but these prices can vary quite a bit.
You can expect to spend between $2,000 and $4,000 in the initial stages of learning and to get your equipment, but as you can see, this broad price range means it varies quite a lot.
By breaking down each separate piece of kitesurfing equipment as well as the purpose and necessity of lessons, you’ll understand why this sport comes with such a hefty price tag.
However, anyone who’s kited before will tell you the cost is more than worth it, and with the right gear, you won’t have to buy anything else for years to come.
The General Cost of Kitesurfing Equipment
Your kitesurfing gear is going to take the biggest chunk out of your budget, and there’s a careful line to tread between getting quality stuff and not spending too much money as a beginner.
When you first get started with the sport, these are just some of the costs you can expect to rack up.
- Kite: A quality kite that suits your weight and the conditions you want to ride in can vary from $400 – $2,000. Some riders even prefer to have two kites to meet the different weather conditions, but this won’t be necessary when you’re a beginner.
- Kiteboard: The board that your kite attaches to, usually costing $300 – $1,000, again dependent on the quality and the size that you need for your weight.
- Harness: This attaches you to your kite and is essential for safety. A good harness, either waist or seat, can be purchased for between $80 – $200.
- Control Bar: This lets you harness the power of the wind and helps you to steer the kite, costing between $200 – $700.
- Kite pump: Used to pump up your kite, a quality pump designed for this sport costs around $30 – $100.
- Kite lines: These connect the bar to the kite and vary significantly in price depending on their size and quality, usually between $20 – $100.
- Clothing and accessories: Protective gear like helmets, life vests, gloves, and goggles, all together can cost around $200.
As the sport has become more popular, there are now more manufacturers than ever to choose from and the price for these items has dropped significantly.
The price is usually a reflection of how current the gear is, the reputation of the manufacturer, size, and what type of kiting it’s been designed for.
If you don’t want to source each item separately, some brands make complete kits that have everything in a single package like kite, board, and bars.
However, you should still opt for quality construction and reputable brands rather than risking poor quality equipment that can lead to problems out on the water.
How Much Do Kitesurfing Lessons Cost?
Kitesurfing is a sport better learned with professional instructors and this is a cost that you’ll have to factor into your total spendings before you can get out onto the water.
The price for these lessons can vary dramatically and with some smart shopping, you’ll be able to get yourself a good deal.
As a general rule, you should spend between 10 – 12 hours taking professional kitesurfing lessons but how you do this can differ.
To cut costs, consider visiting a school or instructor offseason when there’s less chance of holidaymakers or people wanting warmer weather to learn the sport.
Another way to save money is enrolling in group classes instead of solo lessons because you can dramatically reduce the price.
A single hour-long lesson in a group setting will usually cost $30 – $60 with an average price of $300 – $600 for enough lessons to get you started.
For private instruction, the cost is a lot higher, and you can expect to pay around $70 – $100 for a single lesson if you want to do it alone.
If you need to hire gear for your lessons, this will add another couple of hundred to the total unless you can find a school that supplies this as part of the cost.
It’s always better to use rental gear when you first start before jumping in and getting some yourself, as you have no idea what’s going to be right for you and need to learn the basics first to see if you are ready to commit to the sport.
Do You Really Need Kitesurfing Lessons?
Newcomers to the sport wonder if they really need kitesurfing lessons or if it’s something they can pick up on their own.
While there are some aspects that you can practice by yourself, like getting a trainer kite and learning how to handle it on the shore, this is a sport better learned with professional instruction.
There are serious risks involved when people get on the water without assistance, and not just for you but others around you as well.
Learning how to kitesurf with a professional teacher means you reduce these risks and learn the basics on safety while also mastering the technique of the kite as well.
So it’s something you shouldn’t be without.
Not only are professional lessons required for your own safety, but it can be counterproductive to try and teach yourself how to kiteboard.
This sport requires an understanding of handling and steering, control, wind and surf conditions, mastering the various equipment, and knowing what to do when something goes wrong, and these can’t be taught by yourself.
Coverage with Kitesurfing Insurance
Most people have some form of insurance policy in their life, whether it’s protecting their car against damage or health insurance to save unforeseen costs on medical bills.
As a kitesurfer, getting specific insurance to cover you for accidents and injuries relating to this activity is something worth considering.
Also another cost that you’ll want to add to your budget.
Kitesurfing insurance usually falls into the category of sports accident insurance or sports travel insurance, depending on where and when you plan on getting cover for.
This isn’t a necessary cost but for those wanting cover, you can choose to be insured for a single up to an entire year, and the premium will depend on the length and payout of your policy.
Related Questions
Kitesurfing can be an expensive hobby to get into but it’s one with many rewards.
To gain a clearer picture of the costs, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions to help you get a basic understanding of the requirements.
Can You Use a Wakeboard for Kitesurfing?
There may be some pieces of equipment you can use from other water sports to kitesurf, and a wakeboard is one of them.
However, riding a wakeboard instead of a kiteboard comes with limitations and should only ever be used if you have no other options on that day.
How Long Does a Kitesurfing Kite Last?
For a rider on the water every weekend and someone who alternates between two kites, a quality kite should last around three years.
The standard warranty on these products is 12 months though, so it’s up to the owner to care for them properly.
