Geplaatst op:
20/2/2026
You're standing on the beach, sun on your face, watching them glide across the water. Kitesurfers, dancing with the wind, jumping over the waves. It looks magical, the ultimate feeling of freedom. But as you watch, that one nagging question creeps in: how hard is kitesurfing, really? Is this something I could do, or is it only for daredevils and top athletes?
As a kitesurf instructor at Kitesurfspot, I hear this question every single day. People are fascinated, but also a little intimidated. And that's completely normal. Let me reassure you: kitesurfing is a challenge, but it's probably far more accessible than you think right now. In this article, I'll give you an honest and complete picture, so you can decide if you're ready for your first kitesurfing experience.
Let's be honest: you don't learn to kitesurf in an hour. It's a technical sport that requires patience and the right guidance. But is it extremely difficult? No. The learning curve is similar to learning to ski or snowboard. In the beginning, everything feels unfamiliar: the kite, the board, the wind. But with every step you take, a piece of the puzzle falls into place. Before you know it, you'll be riding your first few meters on the board. And believe me, that feeling is addictive!
The beauty of modern kitesurfing equipment is that it's designed to make the learning process as easy and safe as possible. The kites are stable and have amazing depower systems, meaning you can neutralize the power with a single hand movement. So you're not constantly fighting against a pulling kite.
Whether you find kitesurfing difficult depends on a few factors. The good news: you have control over most of them!
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need to be incredibly strong to kitesurf. People see a kite and think of pure muscle power. The reality? It's much more about technique and core stability than arm strength. The power of the kite is absorbed by your harness, which you wear around your waist. You mainly use your arms to steer, not to hold the power. A basic level of fitness is helpful because you'll be moving a lot, but you really don't need to be a bodybuilder. Anyone with normal fitness can learn this.
This is perhaps the single most important factor. Trying to learn on your own through YouTube videos is not only inefficient, it's downright dangerous. You miss the direct feedback of an expert, you don't learn crucial safety procedures, and you can endanger yourself and others. A good introductory kitesurfing lesson is the fastest and safest way to succeed. An experienced instructor sees exactly what you're doing, gives you personal tips, and ensures you build confidence in a safe environment. They teach you to 'read' and feel the kite, something no video can teach you.
Learning to kitesurf in 30 knots of wind and high waves? Not a good idea. As a beginner, you'll have the best start with stable wind (between 15 and 25 knots) and flat, shallow water. That's why a location like the Zandmotor at Scheveningen is so ideal for learning to kitesurf. You can stand, which makes practicing with the kite and the board much easier. This speeds up your learning process enormously.
Kitesurfing is learned in stages. We don't just throw you in at the deep end. A typical learning path looks like this:
On average, people need 3 to 5 lessons to master the basics (safety, kite control, and water start) and practice independently. Our 3-day course provides a rock-solid foundation.
Not at all! It might be a small advantage, but the technique of kitesurfing is unique. We teach you everything from scratch. Anyone can learn it!
No, that's a myth. You wear a harness that absorbs the kite's power. You only use your arms to steer, which requires surprisingly little strength.
Falling is part of the process, just like in any other sport. You fall into the water, which is usually a soft landing. During your lesson, you'll learn exactly what to do if you fall or the kite crashes, including how to safely relaunch the kite.
Absolutely! We've had young children and people over 60 in our lessons. As long as you're healthy and can swim, age is not a barrier. It's all about the will to learn.
How hard is kitesurfing, really? It's a sport that challenges you to learn something new, to understand the elements, and to step out of your comfort zone. It requires patience and perseverance, but the reward is immense. The feeling of freedom, the connection with nature, and the adrenaline rush are unparalleled.
Almost anyone can learn, as long as you approach it the right way: with professional guidance and in a safe environment. So the question isn't if you can learn, but when you'll start.
Want to experience what kitesurfing feels like for yourself? The fastest and most enjoyable way to start is with a first kitesurfing lesson. It's a low-threshold way to get acquainted with the sport and discover if it's for you. We look forward to seeing you on the beach at Scheveningen!
Geschreven door:
Founder Kitesurfspot.nl
🚀 Geschreven met passie voor kitesurfen door Kevin, jouw expert in kitesurfen! Pak je kans en boek nu je kitesurfles bij Kitesurfspot
Boek een Kiteles!
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De kitehut van de Kitesurfschool Kitesurfspot naast Beachclub BIRDS aan de zandmotor. Helemaal zelf ontworpen en gemaakt met liefde door onze instructeurs. Onze ‘kitehut’ staat op één van Nederlands’ beste kitesurflocaties en ook bieden wij:
Onze instructeurs hebben allemaal een passie voor kitesurfen én zorgen dat ook jij de smaak te pakken krijgt. En hóe! Wedden dat jij binnen no-time op dat bord staat?
Dit staat voor International Kiteboarding Organization. Na het voltooien van een cursus toon je met je Card aan dat je les hebt gehad bij een erkende school.
Lift mee op onze relaxte vibe. Wij zijn professioneel en weten wat we doen. Je bent in goede handen! Ook maken we graag tijd voor een biertje achteraf. Klinkt dat goed?
