Just completed my series of three lessons as part of the US Kiteboarder Association's free lessons in South Padre. As it turned out I was the first (and only) student for Oct. 1 because they made an exception for me due to my travel schedule and moved up my first lesson. My second lesson there there 3 students.
I'm a beginner, but I have taken lessons before, lessons I was most pleased with.
But this was hands down the best set of three days for me due to:
1) the encouragement of the three instructors
2) jet ski support
3) walkie-talkie helmet
If you've been skeptical about "free" and wondering what the catch is, worry no more. Rick, Bob and Jon are straight shooters and when they say free they mean free. And the only "catch"---and it's really no catch at all---is a mere $39 per day kite rental fee (a tremendous bargain in and of itself!).
I noticed a couple of days ago there are still openings.
BW