We’ve done our best to answer the mostly frequently asked questions below but please feel free to contact us should you have any others.
Q: What does your company offer?
We are a kite & watersports school and shop running powerkite, kite buggy, kite land board, stand up paddle board and kitesurfing lessons for most of the year. We also offer equipment hire and a range of the best equipment to buy in our shop.
Q: How long is each day session?
All of the information about our sessions can be found here. The course times work around the tides so don’t be alarmed if it’s starting in the afternoon as the lesson duration will still be the same.
Q: What time do I need to arrive for my lesson?
If your lesson is held at Camber then 30 minutes prior to the start time.
If the lesson is held at Greatstone then 60 minutes prior to the start time.
We will confirm the day before via text message which location your lesson will be held at based on the most up to date forecast.
Q: What if the conditions aren’t suitable on the day of my lesson?
Even though we have the best wind stats of anywhere in England for kite sports, as with any activity that relies on mother nature, the weather may have an adverse affect on the lessons, but don’t worry we won’t waste your money! We will contact you the day before the course if the conditions are forecast to be unsuitable and re-schedule the lesson for a later date. We will always do our best to run the lesson on any given day.
If we need to reschedule due to the forecast then you have 12 months from the date you made the booking to reschedule.
Q: Are kite sports dangerous, will I be blown away?
Thanks to massive design improvements of the kites in last couple of years, the sport has become much safer. We only use the latest and safest equipment, all of which have ‘let-go’ safety systems that kill 100% of the power of the kite on demand. The Youtube videos you may have seen are probably from a long time ago and accidents are far rarer.
Q: Are the instructors insured and qualified?
All of our highly experienced instructors are BKSA (British Kitesurfing Association) or IKO (International Kiteboarding Organisation) trained and qualified, with current powerboat licenses and first aid certificates.
The school is one of the biggest in the UK and a BKSA national training centre; proving we have the required safety levels and equipment.
Each instructor and participant are covered by our comprehensive insurance, covering personal accidents and third parties.
Q: How long does it take to learn to kitesurf?
Everybody learns the sports at different rates, but our 5 session deal is designed to get you to confident kitesurfer as quickly as possible.
Q: Do I need any previous experience?
For our beginner courses you don’t need any experience, just turn up and we’ll do the rest. If you’re unsure of your level have a look here
Q: What do I need to bring?
Everything is supplied for the courses; all students are given wetsuits, buoyancy aids, harnesses and a helmet as well as the kitesurfing equipment.
Please bring some warm clothes as it’s almost always windy and can be cool even on a sunny day.
If kite buggying or landboard bring clothes that will keep you warm from the wind, make sure you don’t mind them getting a little sandy, please also wear trainers not flip flops or open toe shoes.
Also sun cream, sunglasses (cheap ones, the sea has claimed too many!) and a towel. Plus any food, drink or snacks you may want.
Q: How many people are in a group and will I get enough attention to learn sufficiently?
We have a maximum of only 4 students per instructor for group courses.
Our experienced instructors divide their time wisely, spending maximum time with each student to allow quick progression and this is shown in our results and reviews.
If the group progresses at different stages, that’s no problem! With the structure of our group courses we are used to and able to adjust the session to meet the needs of all of our students.
Q: Do you use radio headsets?
Yes – Just request this before your private lesson.
These are a fantastic way to keep in touch with your instructor, even if you are at a level where you can kite quite far away.
These radios mean your instructor can give you tips and tricks whilst you are kiting, rather than you having to stop to go back to them and ask questions, we are all about maximising your learning time!
Q: Do I have to be physically strong?
Although it looks like you need to be strong when kitesurfing it is actually more about technique and you’ll be wearing a harness which takes almost all of the power rather than using your strength. We set you up with the correct sized kite so you won’t feel strained. We have had customers well into their 70’s out on the water!
Q: Do you have a safety boat?
Yes. Although we are not required to have a safety boat we believe it is better for everyone if we do. For this reason we have a powered safety boat, an ASAP rescue watercraft and a kayak, all ready at the beach during lessons so our instructors and staff can choose the quickest option to get to you. We very, very rarely have to use these but it is nice to have the peace of mind knowing we have your safety covered.
Q: Do you offer any discounts?
Any valid offers for the season can be seen here
Q: What is the minimum age?
There is no set minimum age but as a guideline we suggest 12 for kitesurfing and 8 years old for the land based sports of kite buggying and kite land boarding. Please contact us and we can discuss what would be the best lesson for your child.
Q: Is there parking?
Yes we are located in a very large car park which has free parking for all.
Q: Are there places to stay locally?
The area is very popular with tourists and there is a wide range of accommodation available from camping to hotels, please see our recommendations here.
Q: Where are you located?
Take a look at our location page, the main centre is right on the beach (the extreme sports end) in the South East of England at Camber Sands. We also teach from Greatstone beach when the wind is Northerly so make sure you can get to both locations!