By Maya & Francesco, JC Kite School · November 2026
The short answer: about 6 hours
On average, after about 6 hours of lessons our students are standing on the board and riding. Some are faster, some need a bit more – if you have sailed, windsurfed, wakeboarded or snowboarded you'll probably be quicker. You don't need to be strong: the power of the kite goes through your harness and you steer it with your arms, much like a paraglider.
Every season we see whole families arrive as complete beginners and go home riding on their own after a week – parents and kids learning together, cheering each other on the water. It's one of the things we love most about our job.
How the course works, hour by hour
Hour 1 – 1½: on the beach
Wind window, safety systems and kite control. You learn to fly the kite, launch and land it, always with your instructor next to you.
Hours 2 – 3: in the water, without the board
Body dragging: you let the kite pull you through the water, learn to move upwind without the board and to get your board back – the skill that makes you independent.
From hour 3 – 4: all board practice
Water starts, your first metres, then longer and longer runs. Your instructor stays with you and our rescue boat is always ready if you drift.
Why Watamu is a great place to learn
The lagoon in front of our school on Garoda Beach is shallow and flat inside the reef, and the wind blows cross-onshore in both seasons: you can stand up when you fall, you are always pushed back towards the beach, and you spend your time learning instead of fighting waves. The most comfortable weeks to learn are mid December to February and August – see our month by month guide.
What is included
- lessons at an official IKO Center (since September 2026) with IKO certified instructors – your certification is recognised anywhere in the world;
- our brand new, top-of-the-range Duotone 2027 equipment, insured;
- rash vest or wetsuit;
- beach assistance to launch and land your kite.
Bring sunglasses (ideally with a floating strap), sun cream, swimsuit or board shorts, a towel, water and a snack.
Which pack should I book?
- 3 hours: a taste of the sport – kite control and body drag.
- 6 hours: the classic start – on average, enough to stand up and ride.
- 8 hours or more: the best way to leave Watamu riding with confidence. After the course you can continue with supervised rental: you ride our equipment while our staff keep an eye on you.
Current prices for kite and foil lessons are on the Kite School page.
