Top 5 Places to Learn Kiteboarding in 2010

[vbnhatty]

1. Avon
2. Buxton
3. Waves
4. Rodanthe
5. Frisco

[irwe]

SPI and AirPadrekiteboarding get my vote as well. AirPadre got me started 6 years ago. Shallow, Friendly Launch, Warm, Windy. I liked their safety first philosophy when teaching. I have gone back for a week every year in May and have yet to miss a day kiting

[adamj2281]

[

Oh, and get the DVD - Progression Beginner and watch it over and over and over....[/quote]

This is very true, I learned where I live, Charleston, SC, and while the wind does not always cooperate, it is a great place to learn, big wide open beaches, shallow water, smooth solid wind.

The DVD is very helpful though, it doesn't replace solid teaching but is a nice supplement when the wind does not cooperate. The biggest thing with learning is learning when to call it quits or rather not to go out at all. That doesn't just mean when it's too windy, I got in more trouble learning when it was light and trying to relaunch the kite.

[Caesar]

Here are a couple more great places to learn kiting quickly:

Port Douglas/Australia
El Yaque on Isla De Margarita/Venezuela (F**k Chavez!)

Cheers
Caesar

[Clarencephil]

Cayo Guillermo in Cuba

Litterally square miles of flat shallow water

[doublerumandcoke]

Maui- Gusty (oh and $2000 to learn)
Tarifa-Crowded and over-rated (crap)
Hurgada- Yes i agree its a top spot.

To learn you want
1. Steady trade winds
2. Shallow water (flat and preferanbly warm)
3. Cross or cross onshore winds (safer)

There are so many good spots which have lagoons and warm water and trade winds. That list looks like it was complied 10 years ago and not 3 days ago.

Pathetic pimping !!!!

OH by the way beginners........you also should by this board and that kite !!!! Blah blah

[Eduardo]

I have great memories of learning at SPI. It was 2003 and I told myself, I won't stop until I can stay up wind. I must have been a mile out but still waist deep water. I walked back. Did it again and again and then around sunset I finally got it. Since then, I've seen people learn in some very difficult conditions, such as Maui, the Gorge, Bahia Salinas, Aruba, ... it can be done but there's an easier way...

In my view, shallow water is #1 for learning. #2 choice, flat water plus a teaching boat.

If you are at least low intermediate trying to learn big air, then all the places above are great too. If you are expert, then you have an entire new specialized set of needs. Or if you're like me and have been everywhere, you just prefer a place from the 'sexy kite beaches' thread and will just adapt to the conditions...

[SheetzFaced]

South Padre Island!

The best place to take Kiteboarding Lessons is in South Padre Island, Texas

[great_wind]

Is South Padre Island good in winter as well? And what else would be good for a beginner during winter?

[PiaKite]

I'll admit I'm biased as I teach at Air Padre in South Padre Island, Texas.

What SPI offers:
* Waist deep warm water where you can stand just about anywhere in the bay - much easier than trying to learn in deep water and/or surf
* No chop or surf - much easier to learn the water start
* With our shop, you aren't forced to learn in crowded locations as we use boats and radio helmets - your instructor is nearby and can communicate with you

South Padre does get wind in the winter, but it is not as warm (both water and air) as it is in spring, summer, and fall.