YOU can be up and riding in 3 days!
Come join us today.
Kiteboarding is the new action sport, mixing windsurfing, wakeboarding and surfing with the aerial possibilities of paragliding. It is one of the easiest wind-sports to learn and with our IKO-qualified instructors teaching you.
What do we offer?
BKA offers day courses at 6 hours per day, or half day courses at 3 hours per day.
To become an independent kiter from scratch takes at least 3 days (18 hours total), but this may vary depending on the individual. Day courses are most popular, allowing students to progress at a fast but comfortable pace. We can also tailor the lesson to suit your specific needs and level of learning.
We also offer supervised riding courses for kiters who have completed a 3 day beginner course already and advanced courses for experienced kiters who would like to learn some new skills.
All our instructors are IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) qualified, teaching up to 2 students per instructor on a semi private lesson or 1 student on a private lesson.
All our lessons are done on Bloubergstrand, Table View at Kite Beach, 30 minutes drive from Central Cape Town as well as in Langebaan lagoon, about 90 minutes drive from central Cape Town.
Please note Langebaan sessions include a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 5 hours of lessons for ZAR 4200 per person (semi private lesson ie 2 students) including transport to and from the BKA shop in Bloubergstrand.
Lessons are done 7 days a week, wind and weather dependant. Day courses usually run from 10h00 to 17h00 with a lunch break at 13h00. Half Day courses usually run from 10h00 to 13h00 or from 14h00 to 17h00.
WHY TAKE LESSONS FROM AN IKO SCHOOL / INSTRUCTOR (and not learn from a friend or magazine/DVD)?
- You can learn basic concepts from a Magazine or DVD but nothing can replace the value of having an Instructor standing over your shoulder giving you feedback and advice while in a live kite flying situation.
- Qualified kiteboarding Instructors have the training and knowledge on how to teach in a safe and fun environment.
- Instructors will have the appropriate size kites for the wind conditions.
- Instructors will only let you fly a big kite once you have passed certain aspects on the training kite and are in full control.
- Instructors have the knowledge and skill to analyse your mistakes and correct them immediately to aid your progression.
- You should receive your IKO kiteboarder card after your lesson
- Your instructor should be helpful and informative.
- You should not be in a group bigger than 2 people IKO level 1 Instructors, or 3 people if your Instructor is IKO level 2
- All the relevant safety gear should be provided.
- Helmets should be worn at all times
- Buoyancy Aids/Life Jackets should be supplied
- Self rescue techniques should always be taught and demonstrated
- International communication signals should be taught
- Wetsuits should be provided ( if the water is cold)
How much does it cost to start kiteboarding?
A full set of new gear (board, kite, bar, lines and harness) will cost anywhere from R45 000 to R55 000 depending on year and model of the gear. Many manufacturers offer entry-level packages that are very reasonable. You can also purchase pre-owned gear from R15 000 to R35 000
Is kiteboarding easy?
Kiteboarding is one of the easiest watersports to learn; with good instruction most people enjoy an incredibly fast learning curve. Without instruction, trying to learn kiteboarding can be frustrating and dangerous.
Do I need to be in good shape to kiteboard?
A basic level of fitness is all you usually need. Modern gear can be adjusted to work for people with a broad range of physical ability. Minimum requirement is being able to swim at least 50 metres.
Why can’t I just learn from a video or a magazine?
You can learn a lot from videos and magazines, but there is no substitute for having an instructor provide feedback, share local knowledge, maximise safety and customise instruction to your individual needs, not to mention most of them are really cool guys!
Why can’t I just learn from my friend?
A friend is a good starting point, but he likely won’t have the beginner friendly gear nor the patience and experience to give you the most effective lesson.
Do I need any skills before I take a lesson?
All you need is to be comfortable in the water and ready to learn. Many people learn kiteboarding despite limited board-sport experience. If you have ever flown a kite of any description, it will be a help, but no kite skills are necessary as we start from the basics and build on that.
Why do lessons focus on flying the kite?
Flying the kite well is at least 90 percent of kiteboarding. Trying to ride a board without having good kite skills is like trying to wakeboard behind a boat that is swerving and changing speeds. It can be dangerous, and it is not much fun.
What equipment would I need to kiteboard?
You’ll need an inflatable kite, control bar and lines, kiteboard, waist or a seat harness, wetsuit and an open mind. In addition, there is a variety of optional accessories to customise your equipment. Buoyancy Aids and Helmets are highly recommended.