Kite Surfing is one of the most dynamic water sports sweeping
the world today. It uses the combined skills of kite flying and board riding. Whilst considered an extreme sport and is spectacular
to watch, it is relatively easy to learn. It is accessible to all ages, both males and females. Rob Gannon, an International
Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) qualified instructor, can take you from your first kite flying experience to advanced
board riding skills, jumps and tricks.
Intro Lesson
If you have
never flown a kite before or you just want an insight into what kiteboarding is about, an Intro Lesson at $60 for one
hour will give you a taste of flying a power kite. You will learn how to use a training kite, which is the first step
that you will need to take when starting in this sport. In the intro lesson you will be using a 2 or 3 metre Ram Air training
kite, learning basic kite flying skills. This lesson is highly recommended if you have never flown a kite before.
Kite Boarding Lessons
Once you have
mastered flying a training kite, you will be ready to move on to a real kite boarding kite. Normally lessons are taught
on a Leading Edge Inflatable kite (LEI) but if you think you will buy a Ram Air style kite, then we can supply a foil kite
for your lesson.
We have a range of packages available. You
may be starting out from scratch or you may have had lessons previously. Pick one of our flexible packages that best suits
your needs!
2 Hour Package $180.00
4 Hour Package $320.00
6 Hour Package $450.00
All packages are one-on-one
with an instructor; there are no group bookings. You will have dedicated attention from your instructor
throughout all of your lessons.
It is intended that no matter which package you choose, each session will be taught in two
hour blocks, given the physically and mentally demanding nature of the sport (especially when you are first starting out).
However, if you feel you are up to it, the 6 hour package can be run as two 3 hour sessions.
All equipment is supplied, and all you will need to bring is your usual beach attire such as hat,
sunglasses, sun cream, water, towel, bathers/ wetsuit ... and a sense of adventure! Lessons are conducted in the ocean north
of Perth, with a "no wind, no charge" policy. All prices are per person.
IKO Skill
Levels
All lessons and packages are conducted in accordance with the
IKO principles of kiteboarding, and you will receive an IKO Kiteboarder Card to reflect the skill level you achieve
during your lesson period with KBP. The IKO Kiteboarder Card is broken up into three levels. On average, it takes either 2
hours to achieve each of these levels, or 2 hours to learn the principles behind how to achieve these levels of skill (you
will need to practice these skills after your lessons to become proficient). The skills that are taught within each level
are:
Level 1
How to choose a safe kitesurfing location
How to identify wind speed/direction
Correct equipment choice for you and the conditions
Wind effects, turbulence, aerodynamics
3D wind window - what it is, how to use it when kite flying
If you would like to learn with a friend
your packages can be run simultaneously. This means that you both purchase the same type of package each and turn up for lessons
at the same time, but effectively halve the time spent on the theory per package. Not only will you then enjoy extra
time focusing on the practical skills associated with kiteboarding, but you will have the techniques reinforced by watching
your friend during their one-on-one instruction – including avoiding their mistakes!
Advanced
Lessons
Advanced lessons cost $90 an hour.
If you have a particular skill you need to refine, or you are just stuck at a certain point and can’t progress, then
this one-on-one lesson will help you out.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are available for any occasion. You can purchase an intro
lesson, any of the packages, or a single hour lesson. When redeeming gift vouchers, upgrades are available to any of the packages
on offer.
Bookings
*** No further bookings will be
available until September 2008 ***
Bookings are essential.
Lessons are conducted 7 days a week in the
afternoon once the seabreeze starts blowing (usually around 1-2pm) and will continue right up until sunset. Daylight saving now allows for after work lessons finishing
as late as 8pm.
Please be aware that as this is such
a popular sport there is generally about a 1-2 week waiting period for weekday bookings and about a 4 week waiting
period for weekend bookings.
If you would like to make a booking
please send an email outlining the days that you are available and the time that would be most suitable for you.
*** No further bookings
will be available until September 2008 ***
Although not compulsory all students are encouraged to join the West Australian Kite
Surfing Association (WAKSA) to help continue promoting a safe an enjoyable sport. You will also be provided with
Public Liability Insurance and access to a number of WAKSA social activities and events.
WAKSA is the representative body for the sport in Western Australia and is affiliated with
the Australian Kite Surfing Association (AKSA).
At Kite Boarding Perth our number one priority is safety. You will take away with you a complete
understanding of all the safety aspects involved with this sport. The speed and rate of progression depends upon you - as
kite boarding safety is paramount, we will not progress to the next level until you are 100% comfortable (and confident),
with the skills you have learnt.
Kite Boarding Perth has been operating in the Northern Suburbs of Perth since 2002. Rob
Gannon is a qualified Level 2 IKO Instructor who has taught people from all walks of life, of differing
nationalities, and various skill levels.
