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From Watching to riding

If you’re thinking about starting kitesurfing — you’re in the right place.

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Kitesurfing has something for everyone. Whether you just want to cruise along the water, chase speed, carve waves, try freestyle tricks, or send it for Big Air, this sport has it all. More than just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle that welcomes anyone willing to give it a go.

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Age, fitness, weight, balance, flexibility, or gender — none of that matters as much as your curiosity and desire to have fun on the water.

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Once finished with this page, a great in depth guide can be found here

Stay Safe and Start the Right Way

Our kites can generate a huge amount of power — that’s what makes kitesurfing so thrilling! But without the right approach, it can also be dangerous, both for you and for others on the beach.

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Kitesurfing is a sport that requires proper training from qualified instructors. Lessons aren’t just about learning faster — they’re what keep everyone safe and make your first sessions much more enjoyable. You’ll find our recommendations for local kitesurfing schools below.

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What helps before you start

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Other board sports can help a little — skateboarding and snowboarding build balance, while surfing or wakeboarding give you a great head start on board control.

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But remember: kitesurfing is about 70% kite control and 30% board skills.
If you want to get a feel for the kite, a trainer kite is a great way to learn the basics safely on land, understand the wind window and build confidence before your first real lesson.

Where to Learn Kitesurfing

You can learn kitesurfing in loads of places, but finding the right spot and instructor makes all the difference.

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Here in Weston-super-Mare, Bristol closest spot, the tides only give us about two hours around high tide, and between the chop and the muddy water, it’s not the easiest place to start. There’s also no kite school on this beach.

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Most Bristol kiters will tell you to check out Blast Kiteboarding — they’re a great team and run lessons just across the bridge in South Wales. You’ll learn safely, and chances are you’ll keep riding those same beaches once you’re up and going.

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Other options around the UK include Portland, Poole, or Southampton, or you can always learn while on holiday somewhere warm and windy.

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If you’re a University of Bristol student, get in touch with BUKS (Bristol University Kitesurfing Society) — they often organise lessons and trips for beginners, more details here

What to Do After Your Lessons

Once you’re riding confidently, the next big step is to join the local crew. In the UK, you’ll need insurance to kite, and it’s best to be part of a club too.

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We recommend getting BKSA insurance, which covers you for kitesurfing anywhere in the UK and abroad.

 

When you take your annual BKSA membership, select Bristol Kite as your local club in the “My Clubs” section — it doesn’t cost a penny more, but it really helps support our community and the beach we all share.

Being part of the club also comes with some nice perks. For example, we worked with the council to make parking at Weston free for our members, saving up to £14 a day.

Most importantly, you’ll meet a great bunch of local kiters — people to ride with, share tips, and enjoy those windy days together. Come say hi on the beach or join our online group to stay connected and find out when others are heading out!

Gear recommendations

Don’t cheap out on safety!

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Getting your first setup is exciting, but it’s also where many people make mistakes. The right gear keeps you safe, comfortable, and helps you progress faster.

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If you’re on a budget, here’s what we recommend:

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Buy new:

  • Harness, control bar, and lines — these are your lifeline. Faulty or worn-out gear can cause serious injuries.

  • Wetsuit — a good one will keep you warm and comfortable, especially for those long UK sessions.

 

Buy second-hand:

  • Kite(s) — most riders around Bristol start with an 8m or 9m, which covers the majority of UK wind conditions.

    • Typical local setups: 8 & 10m for most sessions, or 7, 9 & 12m if you want more range.

    • Your first kite will probably take a few hits, so it’s better to start with something used rather than brand new.

  • Board — as a beginner or intermediate rider, most boards will feel similar. Save your money for better bindings instead of an expensive board.

 

Extras:

  • Booties, gloves, and a beanie/hood for winter.

  • Poncho or Dryrobe for changing (just use it at the beach, not in town, shops or school pickup!).

  • Pump — manual pumps double as a good warm-up, but some kiters swear by electric ones.

  • Woo or smartwatch with the Surfr app to measure you jumps height and track you sessions. The apple watch or some garmin are the perfect companion for kitesurfing.

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When it comes to brands, most well-known ones are safe and reliable and a good "all rounder" kite is a safe bet — it usually comes down to personal preference. Chat with a few riders on the beach to hear what they like and why.

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And finally… once you’ve got your setup sorted, consider getting a KiteVan — it’s the best way to make kiting part of your lifestyle and keep you car clean!

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