Learning
Kitesurfing for beginners: what happens in your first lesson
A first kitesurfing lesson is mostly theory and kite flying on land, not riding. Here is the lesson step by step, what to bring and what to expect.
Beginner package
6-hour beginner kitesurfing course in Marsa Alam
A short, focused way to try the sport. Learn kite control on the beach, then body drag through the water with an IKO instructor. All equipment is included.
- Duration
- 6 hours in total
- Availability
- Every day from 09:00
- Lesson format
- Private (1 student) or semi-private (2 students)
- Equipment
- All included
- Certification
- IKO certification
- Price
- Private €480, semi-private €360
Is the 6-hour beginner course right for you?
Our 6-hour beginner kitesurfing course in Marsa Alam is designed for anyone who just wants to try the sport, and for riders who feel they do not need the full 8-hour course to get up and riding.
It is based on IKO teaching standards. The aim is to complete the body drag lesson and get you ready for the board.
Your 6 hours, lesson by lesson
The course has two lessons: one on the beach and one in the water.
Kite control lesson on the beach
You start with a small trainer kite for about 1 hour. It teaches you kite control, theory and safety without the power of a larger kite. Next you fly a small 4-line inflatable kite or a soft kite, depending on the wind conditions. You learn how to set the kite up and how the safety systems work, then how to fly with control. You complete this step when you can show full control of the kite, the de-power system, one-handed flying and the safety systems.
Body drag lesson in the water
Now the kite goes into the water, and you fly a bigger kite on longer lines. Body dragging means using the pull of the kite to travel through the water without a board. First you learn to enter and exit the water while flying the kite, then to body drag. You learn how to harness the power of the kite and how to relaunch it if it crashes into the water. The final step is one-handed upwind body dragging, so you can move around the water independently.
Ready to ride the board?
The 6-hour course aims to complete the body drag lesson and get you ready for the board. Fast learners may get to try the board, but most people need a third lesson to get up and ride with confidence.
Want to take your first rides on the board as part of the course? The 8-hour beginner course adds a waterstart lesson and aims to complete IKO Level 2 certification.
Private or semi-private lessons
Choose the format that suits you. Both include all the equipment you need and IKO certification.
Private lessons
One-to-one instruction at your own pace, with all of your instructor's attention. Private lessons also suit you if you prefer to learn more slowly or to take shorter lessons of 1 or 2 hours. If you are booking alone, choose a private lesson: we cannot guarantee a place in a group lesson when schedule, level and language all come into play. Includes private instruction, personal equipment and IKO certification for 1 student.
Semi-private lessons
Great for couples or two friends who want to learn together. You get the maximum time flying the kite, because your IKO instructor teaches you both at the same time, with an assistant on hand to help keep everyone safe. Both students need the same schedule, level and language. Includes the instructor, an assistant, a shared full set of equipment and IKO certification for 2 students.
6-hour beginner course prices
Prices are for the total 6-hour course, with all equipment included.
Private lesson
€480total course
One student with your own instructor.
- 6 hours in total
- Private instruction
- Personal equipment
- IKO certification
Semi-private lesson
€360total course
Two students, one instructor and an assistant.
- 6 hours in total
- Instructor and assistant
- Shared full set of equipment included
- IKO certification
The course is available every day from 09:00. Message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry to choose your dates.
What's included in the 6-hour course
- Transfer between the school and the beach
- Kites, boards, harnesses, helmets, life vests, wetsuits and other gear during lessons
- Radio-assisted lessons: you are in touch with your instructor by radio at all times
- Lessons taught by IKO Level 2 instructors
- IKO certification
- Low student-to-instructor ratio (maximum 2:1)
6 hours or 8 hours?
Both beginner courses start with kite control on the beach and body dragging in the water. The 8-hour course adds a waterstart lesson, with your first rides on the board.
| Course | 6-hour course | 8-hour course |
|---|---|---|
| Lessons | Kite control on the beach, then body dragging in the water | Kite control, body dragging, then a waterstart lesson with the board |
| Aim | Complete the body drag lesson and get ready for the board | Complete IKO Level 2 certification |
| The board | Fast learners may get to try it; most people need a third lesson | Your first rides, in the waterstart lesson |
| Total hours | 6 hours | 8 hours |
| Private lesson | €480 | €595 |
| Semi-private lesson | €360 | €475 |
Prices are for the total course.
Beginner lessons at an IKO-approved school
KiteMood is an IKO-approved school, and all our instructors are trained and certified by IKO. See what the first two stages cover on our Level 1 – Discovery and Level 2 – Intermediate pages, or browse all kitesurfing courses.
6-hour beginner course: your questions
How long is the 6-hour beginner kitesurfing course?
The course is 6 hours in total. It is available every day from 09:00.
Will I ride the board on the 6-hour course?
The course aims to complete the body drag lesson and get you ready for the board. Fast learners may get to try the board, but most people need a third lesson to really get up and ride with confidence. If you want your first rides on the board included, choose the 8-hour beginner course.
How much does the 6-hour course cost?
The private course costs €480 in total. The semi-private course costs €360 in total.
What equipment is included?
All equipment is included during your lessons: kites, boards, harnesses, helmets, life vests, wetsuits and other equipment. Private lessons include personal equipment.
Should I book a private or semi-private lesson?
Private lessons are one-to-one. They are the best fit if you are booking alone, because we cannot guarantee a place in a group lesson. Semi-private lessons are for couples or two friends learning together, with one instructor and an assistant. Both students need the same schedule, level and language.
Who teaches the lessons?
Lessons are taught by IKO Level 2 instructors. The student-to-instructor ratio is never more than 2:1, and you stay in touch with your instructor by radio at all times.
Where your lessons take place
KiteMood is on the protected lagoon in Marsa Alam, on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. A transfer between the school and the beach is included.
WX78+MMJ, Marsa Alam Road, Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt+20 100 328 0081info@kitemood.comMessage us on WhatsAppOpen in Google MapsThe interactive map loads only when you ask for it, which keeps this page fast.
Guides for first-time kitesurfers
What your first lesson looks like and how long it usually takes to learn.
Learning
How long does it take to learn kitesurfing?
Most beginners need more than one lesson to stand up and ride. Here is a realistic timeline by IKO stage, what speeds learning up, and how to plan.
Ready to try kitesurfing in Marsa Alam?
Message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry to choose your dates and decide between private and semi-private lessons.