About us
Not just a kite school: a community on Garoda Beach
Our story
Maya & Francesco
We met in high school and got together at university. Francesco studied aerospace engineering, Maya studied psychology. After graduating we decided not to shut ourselves in an office, and to try this adventure instead.
Francesco has been coming to Kenya since he was six. He has known JC Kite School since its very first days and helped build it: first he worked here, then, in 2025, we took it over. We spent a season running the school as managers and then decided to stay – we fell in love with the lifestyle, with meeting people every day and with working on the beach.
Today we own and run the school through JC Kite Kenya Limited. We complement each other in everything: Maya takes care of our guests, bookings and everything that has to do with people; Francesco takes care of the technical organisation and teaches on the water. He also wrote Looply, the booking and management software we use every day, so booking your lessons online is easy.
Our community
You come for the wind,
you stay for the people
JC Kite School is a community. Every day on the beach you meet kiters from all over the world: you learn together, ride together, share lunch, sundowners and kite trips – and many of our guests leave with friendships that last long after the holiday. Some come for a week and end up staying three. Families arrive as beginners and go home riding on their own. And many come back every year, because it feels like coming home.
▶ Watch our 2-minute video to meet the school, the team and the people.
Since 2025
We renewed everything
official IKO Center since September 2026We replaced every kite: today we ride and teach only with top-of-the-range Duotone 2027 equipment, insured.
Our red shade on Garoda Beach with lounge, storage, outdoor showers and beach staff to launch and land your kite.
Official IKO CenterSince September 2026 we are an official IKO Center: IKO certified instructors, small groups, a rescue boat always ready and radios to coach you on the water.
Accommodation for kiters, with meals prepared by our chef and lunch brought to the beach.
Che Shale, Jacaranda and the 15 km downwinder along the coast, plus safari, SUP in the mangroves and boat trips.
Choose your lessons, rental or storage and your dates online: we confirm and send you a secure payment link.
Reviews
What our students say
Maya and Francesco are two incredible young people who have created something truly special in Watamu: passionate, professional instructors and top-quality Duotone equipment.
We came to Watamu planning to stay for one week… ended up staying 3 weeks. That probably says it all.
I discovered kitesurfing for the first time with my two kids (11 and 16): after 3 days we were all already riding on the water. Super school, super instructors and safety.
Super new equipment, top of the range… a rescue boat is available for any eventuality and the staff is very attentive.
I started from scratch and thanks to the patience and professionalism of the instructors I brought home great satisfaction.
A truly fantastic kitesurfing school! I learned a lot and had great instructors. Fair prices and all safety standards!