Questions & Answers
Kite Surfing for Beginners
It doesn’t matter why you want to learn to kitesurf, your determination is what matters. If you are serious about learning, learn it the right way. Kitesurfing can be one of the most thrilling experiences of a lifetime, but it can also be tricky. Before you begin there are important safety rules techniques to help you to enjoy kitesurfing safely. While extreme strength and conditioning is not required for kitesurfing, like all high-intensity sports, basic fitness is helpful to avoid injuries while kitesurfing. It will be helpful to spend some time on dry land learning basic safety and getting familiar with your equipment before piloting a kite. We do not recommend that you learn those alone. Safety aside, much like skiing or snowboarding, instruction from an experienced coach in the beginning will greatly shorten the time it takes to learn the sport well enough to get out and start having fun on the board. Like surfing, kitesurfing requires paying attention to changes in the weather, your location relative to buildings, trees and other markers on the beach so that you don’t end up miles from your starting point, and to other people. A basic understanding of how swells and sand formations create waves and rip currents allows the kitesurfer to read the water. Understanding this is key to both making the ocean your playground as well as avoiding or escaping hazards like rip currents. Choose the right spot for your abilities and respect the locals. Do not be afraid but know your limits. Mother nature always has the final say and the ocean and waves will accept you to play with it as long as you respect its power and beauty. Finally, NEVER KITE ALONE!
What must I bring to my lesson?
Please dont forget your sunblock and prepared money
How do Kite Surfing lessons work?
Day 1
On the first day you’re going to learn about the sport, how to hold, carry and secure a kite on the ground. You’ll learn the main aspects of a kite’s safety system. You’ll learn to trigger the safety while in flight and what to do in different situations. You’ll learn what a wind window is. You’ll learn to fly a kite with both hands, one handed, and while walking and learn the essentials of landing and launching.
Day 2
Once the instructor is sure that you’re ready, you will enter the water and learn how to body drag. The instructor will be accompanying you through all steps where possible. You’ll body drag without the board until you can handle a kite with one hand. You’ll be introduced to upwind techniques, learn how to stop, and how to self-rescue. Once you’ve demonstrated all the aspects it’ll be time to enter the water with the board.
Day 3
The instructor will be fully dedicated to getting you up and riding both directions on the board. You’ll learn how to edge in order to be able to go upwind. Self-launch, self-rescue and pack down in deep water. Sliding transitions and toe-side techniques. *
*Usually it takes about 10-12 hours for a rider to become an independent rider, but some people master the techniques faster than others, while others need a little more time. It may take a little longer for those less familiar with watersports. Having a board on your feet and a kite attached to your harness may not seem natural at first, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ve mastered it. Our lessons are fully customized to each customer’s learning skills. The instructor will move faster if you progress faster, although the instructor will not let you in the water until he thinks you’re ready. We’re fully trust our instructor’s opinions as safety is our number one priority.*
What equipment do we use?
All equipment is included. Equipment includes the kite, bar, board, helmet and an impact vest. We stock well-known brand kitesurfing equipment such as: Ozone, Star kites, Mystic, O’Neil, F-one. All our kites are brand new.
When do I arrive for my lesson?
Arrive to the kite school half an hour earlier, unless specified otherwise. Sign an indemnity form and make a payment via credit card or cash. Bring with you a hat, waterproof sunblock, sunglasses, a bottle of water, snacks and of course board shorts/bikini (1 mm shorty wetsuit optional) and then you’re set to go!
What month out of the year is the best time to go Kite Surfing in Las Terranas?
Kitesurfing high season in Las Terrenas typically runs from December to March and June to September.
What happens if the weather cancels my lesson?
If your lesson will be canceled due to weather condition, we will call you and reschedule for the next available date. If you’re here on holiday and not able to move the dates, we will issue a full refund.
What happens if you dont show up for your lesson?
No-shows – no refund! Make sure you call us to cancel at least a day in advance.. Our instructors are paid by hour.
What are RushMore Kite School working hours?
The school is open during high seasons: December-March and June-September
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 – 18:00.
If you want to book a lesson during the off-season, please contact us.
Covid-19 Safety Regulations
We follow latest recommendations by WHO and local authorities. Our instructors disinfect hands, board, bar and pump after every lesson. In order to avoid contamination, both, instructors and students must wear a mask or face cover during a lesson.
What languages do we speak at RushMore Kite School?
We offer lessons in the following languages:
- Spanish
- English
- French
- Russian
Rentals not being used correctly?
Teaching on RushMore Kite School rental gear and or any other property is prohibited and if rental gear is damaged during the kite sessions the repair
cost must be covered by the renter