Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get started?
Put simply, you get what you pay for. Kite boarding involves some pretty technical equipment. A ton of research and development goes into good equipment that’s designed to last, perform, and keep you safe. Expect to pay $2000 to $3000 total for quality gear and lessons. It’s a small investment compared to some other sports. Ask your local shop for introductory packages and any deals they may offer.

Is kiteboarding easy?
Yes and no. With good instruction, most people enjoy an incredible fast learning curve. Without instruction, trying to learn can be frustrating and dangerous.

Do I need to be in good shape?
A basic level of fitness is all you need and to be able to swim.

Why can’t I learn from a video or magazine?
There’s allot to be learned from these, but there’s no substitute for having an instructor provide feedback, share personal experiences, share local knowledge, maximize safety, and customize your lesson.

Why can’t I learn from a friend?
A friend is a good starting point, but he or she most likely won’t have the beginner friendly equipment nor the patience and experience to give you the most effective lesson. Lessons save you time and money.

How much are lessons?
They range from $200-$300 for the basics.

How do I find a school or instructor in my area?
Patriot Kites offers lessons from IKO certified English speaking instructors covering the whole island of Okinawa. Contact us for schedules and avalability.

Do I need any skills before I take a lesson?
All you need is to feel comfortable in the water and ready and willing to learn. Many people learn despite limited board sport experience.

Why do lessons focus mostly on flying the kite?
Flying the kite is 90% of kite boarding. Trying to ride the board without good kite control is like trying to water-ski behind a boat that is constantly swerving and changing speed. It’s dangerous and not much fun.

So what exactly is Kite Boarding?
The idea behind kite boarding is simple. A rider stands on a board with foot straps or bindings and uses the power of a kite to pull him or her across the water. Simple, right? The simplicity actually makes kite surfing challenging. Your body is the only connection between the kite and the board and you have to control them both at the same time. ie: you must pilot the kite through the sky and maneuver the board on the water.

Do you actually fly like a kite?
When flying across the sky, a kite generates lift like an airplane wing. Since lift is proportional to the size and speed of a kite, some early kite flyers realized that if you make a kite big enough it would generate enough power to pull a vehicle on land, ice, snow, or water. This type of kite is called a traction kite and its popularity has kiting more of a sport than just a recreational activity.

Exactly how does Kite Boarding work?
In order to make this work, the industry needed a kite that could be launched, and re-launched, directly from the water. After years of research, a number of water relaunchable kites were introduced. Wipika, Kite Ski, and F-One all made their debuts in the 1980's. Concept Air, Peter Lynn, and Naish Kites weren't very far behind. Today, there are scores of brand name kites and kite accessories to satisfy the most fickle consumers. While there are subtle differences in their technologies, these kites share the same fundamental characteristics allowing a rider to re-launch them from the water after a crash.

How well does a kite board work in the waters of Okinawa?
Unlike, windsurfing, kiteboarding can be very exciting in the 10-15 knot wind range that is typical of Okinawa. The waters inside the reef make an ideal setting for riders of all ability levels. It is not uncommon to ride in buttery-smooth water and "boost" (jump) 10-15 feet in the air simply by turning the kite. If you've seen the local kiteboarders in action, you know what we mean.

Kiter Safety and responsibility: One of the most important topics in this sport is kiter safety and responsibility. This topic goes a long way in promoting the sport. It doesn’t matter how radical you think you are, what’s important is coming back to the beach safely and in one piece while not offending others in the process.

Respect the power of the kite and be aware of your surroundings. The weather can change very quickly and if prepared, a serious and dangerous situation can be avoided with a little common sense. Most accidents happen when people fail to pay attention to the things around them. A moment’s lapse of concentration is all it takes to turn a great day into a bad one. From the second you exit your car to the minute you get back in it, keep you focus tack sharp. Plan you ride and ride your plan. Sitting on your board and waiting to be rescued by the local authorities isn’t going to happen. Know your limits and kite accordingly, because getting back to the beach for tomorrow’s session is what rider responsibility is all about.

Here are a few things to ask yourself before heading for the water.
How can I make the situation safer? Do I have the right equipment for the current conditions and does my ability match the winds I’ll be riding in?

Am I using the right type of equipment for the conditions and am I setting it up in a safe manner? Did you do a pre-flight check, is your kite the right size for the winds, are you comfortable with the conditions, is there other riders around who can help you in a situation? Don’t allow you kite lines to come in contact with others. Tensioned lines can cause serious injury.

Is there anything downwind of my riding zone that can cause me trouble? Don’t kite in congested areas with swimmers, watercraft, and solid objects. Don’t ride around fishing stakes, rocky coastlines, and uneven coral reefs during lower tides. Always give yourself 2X your line lengths as a safety buffer zone.

Do I have enough room and is my impact zone clear? Don’t kite in conditions that are too extreme or above your ability. When in doubt, sit it out! Also, try and ride with a friend. They can help you launch and land your kite and everyone wants to be seen doing that new radical move. If a friends not around, let someone know where you’ll be and what time you’ll be back and explain in depth how to land your kite to someone who’s not knowledgeable in kite handling..