Q & A

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Are your instructors certified?
All our instructors at the Australian Kitesurf Academy are certified by the International Kiteboarding Organization or IKO. We are also certified for First Aid and CPR, Boat rescue. City lifeguards are stationed along Huntington Beach and are Kiteboarder friendly towards the AKA and our kiteboarding methods at Huntington Beach.

What skills do you teach in your lessons?
We follow the International Kiteboarding Organization program which is sectioned into skill levels 1, 2 and 3. See lesson page for full breakdown of activities.

Do you teach lessons year round?
The lesson season in Southern California is from March to October. During this time we receive consistent winds needed for conducting lessons. Although you may see people kiteboarding in the fall and winter, the wind during this period is too inconsistent and short for us to be able to schedule and conduct effective lessons. Call for details if the wind is present during the off season as we will still teach land lessons in any wind direction.

How many hours is your lesson program?
The lesson program consists of 2 sessions - a 3-hour session on the beach, and a 3-hour session in the water. This will ensure you can safely kite on your own and know how to get yourself out of dangerous situations.

Can I complete the beach and water sessions on same day?
It is usually not possible to cover both sessions on the same day. Like any new sport, there are muscles you may not use normaly. Fatigue and excitement blend with information overload. We will take on weather conditions and personal phyical ability to push for the full lesson. We find to finish each day on a positive note and to dream about your practices ready for the next day.

How many students are there in a class?
We usually pair 2 students with 1 instructor. (IKO recomendation). We feel that this is the best ratio for safety as well as learning. During the lesson, the 2 students will learn faster by watching and assisting each other. As the lesson progresses, the instructor will do less and less and the students will become a independant kiteboarder.

What equipment do you provide during the lessons?
We will provide trainer kites & 4-line inflatable kites in small sizes (5m, 7m, 9m) for land training, 4-line inflatable kites in larger sizes (12m, 14m, 16m) for water training, twin-tip boards, impact vest and helmet.

Can I use my own equipment during the lesson?
For our lesson program, we usually use our equipment which has been tested to be safe and easy to learn on. After completing the course, you may choose to take private lessons to further your skills on your own equipment, kite setup, bar & lines, safety systems etc.

Will I be able to kiteboard after taking the course?
During our lesson program, we will try to cover all of the skills necessary to become a safe and independent kiteboarder. After the course, about 80% of the people can demonstrate the necessary skills and can go on to purchase their own equipment and practice on their own safely. However, some people may require more time to develop their skills and additional lessons may be needed.

Where do provide your lessons?
We provide our lessons at Huntington Beach. 15th Street or tower 12 north side of the pier.

Do you provide lessons at other beaches closer to Los Angeles?
We find that the wind and water conditions are more consistent for teaching at Seal Beach and Belmont Shores Long Beach. After several season at these beaches, safety and overcrowding (Belmont) has become a issue with inexperianced kiteboarders and unqualified instructors causing injury and harm to others. Call to make arrangements for these beaches, mid week preffered.

What time do lessons take place?
Lessons usually take place in the afternoon and start at around 1:00 or 2:00 PM depending on the wind. We will check the weather forecast the morning of the lesson and let you know when it will start, so call by 10:00 am of your appointment to liase.

What days do you offer lessons and how do make a reservation?
We offer lessons everyday there is enough wind. Lessons are usually booked up several weeks in advance so plan ahead. To book a lesson, a $100 deposit per person is required to hold your space. If there is not enough wind on the day of the lesson, the lesson will be rescheduled to another day. Depending on the course and your hunger for knowledge, no wind days are great for checking and repairing your equipment, safety systems and learning about the wind, weather, clouds, tides, the venturi effect, the bay effect, apparent wind, tricks in detail, why we can jump and much more.

What do I need to bring for the lesson?
We will provide all the equipment and safety gear you need during the lesson. For the beach session, you should wear comfortable beach clothes, hat, sunglasses and footwear. For the water session, you may need a wetsuit depending on the time of the year. Wear plenty of sun block since you will be spending a lot of time in the sun. Water is a must.

I am an accomplished wakeboarder. Will I be able to pick up kiteboarding really quick?
Although a wakeboarding background is helpful, kiteboarding is 80% kite control. You have to learn the skills necessary to safely control the kite.

I am an accomplished surfer. Will I be able to pick up kiteboarding really quick?
Although a surfing background is helpful, kiteboarding is 80% kite control. You have to learn the skills necessary to safely control the kite.

I am an accomplished snowboarder. Will I be able to pick up kiteboarding really quick?
Although a snowboarding background is helpful, kiteboarding is 80% kite control. You have to learn the skills necessary to safely control the kite.

I am an accomplished power kiter. Will I be able to pick up kiteboarding really quick?
Although a power kites background is helpful, kiteboarding is 20% board control. You have to learn the skills necessary to keep the board on your feet, but you will not have a problem. Knowledge of the wind window is a big start.
Do you rent kites or boards?
We provide kites and boards for our students during a lesson. We cannot rent equipment without the supervision of an instructor.

Are there age limits for learning?
No. We have given lessons to students as young as 6, and as old as 74. There both passed and now own kites.
Does it require alot of upper body strength?
A fair amount of upper and lower body strength is nessessary, but there is more finess than strength needed to learn. You will learn that the harness takes all the pressure. The mental skill will exhaust most as you never take your eyes of the kite as they have a mind of there own.

Further questions send us an email or call.