Australia's First Kite Surfing School (since 1998)
Learn to harness the power generated by these large kites! No previous experience required but having flown small stunts kites will definitely help. You don't have to be strong - many kids and women are now right into this sport too! Average health, fitness and a desire for adrenalin is all you need.
When flown directly overhead or off to either side the kites put very little pressure on the lines, but when they are flown low downwind of the rider, they generate the power to accelerate the rider out of the water then up and continue planing. As your skill develops you will be able to turn around, go upwind, wave ride, jump, and many other aerial tricks.
Ian Young is the pioneer of kite surfing in Australia and is an International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) Level 2 Instructor. He teaches safely with the fastest possible learning curve - WinDesigns operations are fully approved by the relevant government authorities. One major difference in our method of teaching is the use of a jetski to ensure your one-on-one tuition is as efficient and effective as possible.
How difficult is it to learn? It's easier than windsurfing to get planing and jibing. It takes a little longer to learn to go upwind but then it's quicker to get into wave riding, jumps and other tricks. 80% of the skill is in flying these power kites - if you put the kite in the right spot in the sky, you hardly even have to think about the board.
Where? On the Swan River launching from the Qantas boat ramp, Pelican Point at Crawley (click here for location map).
When? Anytime, 7 days a week when the wind is 7 - 20 knots. Bookings are essential.
How do I make a booking? Phone or SMS 0414 716 812 (mornings are best) or email IanYoung@iinet.net.au.
What do I bring? Board shorts (& wet suit if desired), some sun screen and heaps of adrenalin.
Need more information? Contact WinDesigns Australia - details below.
Each Lesson Covers:
 | One-on-one tuition customised to meet your individual requirements. |
| Theory notes. |
| Availability of a variety of kites and boards to suit individual requirements and prevailing weather conditions. |
| Repair or replacement costs for accidental damage to equipment. |
| Jetski operation for safety, learning to ride a board and downwind recovery. |
Rates:
| $120 per hour for individual one-on-one tuition |
| $160 per hour for two people sharing (one on the jetski the other flying the kite) |
| $60 cancellation fee applies if lesson is cancelled by you within 24 hours of booking. Ian Young will cancel the lesson with no penalty if there is insufficient wind to conduct the lesson (always call 1 hr prior to lesson to check - if no answer on his mobile then he is already teaching and there should be enough wind so please turn up). |
Most people only do 3-4 hours one-on-one to get to a stage where they can safely progress with their own equipment - here's a typical learning curve:
| 30-40 min theory (depending on kite flying experience) |
| 30-60 min body dragging/ flying LH, RH & downwind figure 8 patterns; parking kite directly overhead and low to either side keeping it as still as possible with one hand |
| 30 min – 1 hour getting feet into straps and water starts |
| 2 hours getting longer rides without falling off |
| 2 hours jibes with twin-tip board |
| 2 hours toe-side turns (if you want to) |
| 5 – 10 hours downwind runs developing better upwind ability |
| 3 – 4 hours jumps |
If you’re sharing your time with another person you will learn a lot from watching your buddies mistakes in the beginning. Once you're getting on the board it's time for one-on-one lessons.
WinDesigns Australia is proudly sponsored by:
