Kiteboarding is one of those sports that leave you thinking about how cool it would be to participate, but for whatever reason you never quite follow through on. Well, if you’re in Kenya or when you’re in the country, stop by Kite School Kenya and finally learn how to fly in the wind, on a surfboard.
Kite School Kenya is situated 20 km south of Diani on Kenya’s Coast. The school has its own private island lodge, Mwazaro, for your learning privacy. The school offers lessons for all levels of kiteboarders, and uses the best methods of teaching for the highest level of instruction.
Students use brand new gear from Brunotti Boards and GIN Kites for the optimal learning experience. Equipment is also available for rent for those who wish to kiteboard without lessons. The complete equipment includes the kite, bar, board and harness for Ksh5, 800 ($65) a day and Ksh 32,000 ($360) for 7 days. The school takes safety measures seriously with only 25 people allowed in the water at a time.
Kite School Kenya offers three courses.
1. 2-Day Beginners Course
This course covers 8-hour lessons with all kite equipment provided. Lessons will be taught by a licensed instructor, who will cover kiteboarding theory, learning to steer with a trainer kite and leading edge inflatable kite, body drag (using the kite to pull you through water), water starts and first rides on the water. This course costs Ksh30, 000 ($330) and includes the entrance fee to Mwazaro Private Island Lodge.
2. 1-Day Refresh Course
This course will include 3 hours of intensive training to give you the confidence to go kiteboarding on your own, if have had some previous experience in the water sport. You will be provided with all the necessary gear. The course costs Kshs16, 000 ($180), and also included entrance to the Mwazaro Lodge.
3. 1-Day Intermediate/Advanced Course
This course offers the necessary lessons to help with the progression of your kiteboarding skills, and teaches advanced skills like how to water start, go switch and perform jumps.
Licensing
Upon completion of courses, the school offers the opportunity to earn a Kiteboarding license through theoretical and practical testing. The license affords kiteboarders the chance to rent equipment from all over the world. The license costs Ksh 5,300 ($60).
Experienced kiteboarders can explore the Mwazaro Private Island sans lessons for Ksh2700 ($30). The island offers almost perfect flat-water conditions for kiteboarding.
For those visiting but not interested in kiteboarding, the overnight stays at African Palm Bungalows and Coral Houses or at Mawazaro Private Lodge offers ample options with wonderful quarters for accommodation.
For more information on this kiteboarding gem visit Kite School Kenya.
