Kiteboarding FAQ
Q: Is Kiteboarding a safe sport?
A: Kiteboarding can be safe and fun as long as the safe kiteboarding guidelines are followed. Kiteboarding is a relatively mature sport, and the gear has had tremendous advancements in control, safety and water re-launch over the years. Due to the many advancements in the sport, it is highly recommended that up to date gear is chosen for new students entering the sport. The safest way to get started kiteboarding is learning how to fly a trainer kite and then taking kiteboarding lessons from a certified instructor.
Q: How long are kiteboarding lessons and how much do they cost? (Purchase Lessons Here)
A: On average, 6-10 hours of lessons are required to become a kiteboarder after flying a trainer kite. Our most popular lesson is a 2-hour private lesson at $279.95. Although most individuals are physically tired after two hours, longer lessons are available. We also offer 4, 6, 8 & 10-hour lesson packages ranging from $499.00 to $1099.00. In addition, we also offer a 2-hour semi-private lesson (2 ppl) that costs $398.00 as well as 4, 6, 8 & 10-hour semi private lesson packages ranging from $699.00 to $1,798.00.
Q: How much wind is needed to go kiteboarding?(Current Weather Here)
A: A windspeed averaging between 8 and 10 mph is the minimum recommended for kiteboarding with a large kite and lightwind kiteboard or surfboard. The ideal wind speed for kiteboarding lessons is 10-20 mph. Jupiter Watersports recommends a safe wind range of 12-20 mph for beginner and intermediate riders. New and experienced riders alike should use extreme caution when riding in winds exceeding 20 mph. Click here for more information on current weather and wind conditions.
Q: Where can you go kiteboarding in Jupiter, FL? (Map of the Area Here)
A: The most popular place to go kiteboarding in Jupiter is Kite Beach (Shower Head 33) located just north of Juno Pier. Coming from the North on US HWY 1, take a left on Beach Rd (Alt A1A) or Indiantown Rd. Stay on Beach Rd for 5-7 minutes, passing Carlin State Park and Beach and eventually driving along the water front. Observe the beach access stairs in between the sea grape trees on the left hand side. The beach access stairs on the left will have showerheads adjacent and marked numerically. If you are coming from the West on Indiantown make a right on Beach Road and stay on it for approximately 5 minutes. Kitebeach (Shower Head 10) is on the left coming from the north. Follow this link for a map of the area.
Q: Do I really need to buy and learn how to fly a trainer kite? (Buy a Trainer Kite Here)
A: Learning the sport of kiteboarding can be a potentially dangerous and expensive endeavor. Trainer kites provide the safest and fastest possible way to introduce someone to the sport. We strongly suggest that anyone who is new to kiteboarding considers purchasing a trainer kite. Approximately 15 hours of trainer kite flying normally provides a student with a solid foundation to take a kiteboarding lesson. Furthermore, students with trainer kite experience typically learn faster and get more out of lessons than those who attempt to learn from scratch. Click here for more information about training kites.
Q: Can Girls kiteboard?
A: Absolutely! Kiteboarding is more about finesse and control, rather than brute strength. In fact, most women learn kiteboarding quicker as they actually listen!
Q: What kind of physical shape do I need to be in to go kiteboarding?
A: General overall body strength will be beneficial for kiteboarding. If you can swim and fly a trainer kite you should be ready to learn how to kiteboard. Taking lessons is the best way to learn how to increase your kiteboarding stamina and efficiency. During the lesson we can help you develop your riding posture and stance, which will help you ride longer.
Q: How old do you have to be to start kiteboarding?
A: Generally 8 years old is the minimum age to start flying a trainer kite and thinking about kiteboarding lessons. Kiteboarding does require good judgment and proper adult supervision.
Q: How much does it cost to get started kiteboarding? (The Best Deals are Here)
A: Approximately $2,000+ depending on brand, size and model. Check out our unbelievable kiteboarding packages under the kiteboarding section of the website, or come over and check out the awesome selections at one of our shops.
Q: How many kites and boards do I need?
A: One kite and board can cover a large wind range, but for extreme conditions, alternate gear is suggested. Having two different sized kites allows you to cover a larger wind range and be prepared for more wind conditions. However, if you want to kiteboard whenever it's windy, you should consider 3 kites or more and a range of boards for different styles of riding.
Q: Can I go kiteboarding with a wakeboard or surfboard?
A: Yes it is possible to kiteboard with a wakeboard or surfboard, but it is generally more difficult. When learning to kiteboard, a twintwip is the easiest and best for learning transitions and staying upwind. Wakeboards have more rocker making them perform differently and they are likely to have less upwind capability than traditional kiteboards. Surfboards work great also, especially for wave-riding!
Q: Should I use a board leash?
A: We do not advise the use of a board leash because they tend to aim kiteboards at high speed towards a rider during a crash. Although we do sell retractable leashes for kiteboards, we encourage kiteboarders to use the self-rescue technique to get back to your board. We would be happy to explain this to you in the shop or teach you this important skill during a lesson.
Q: Should I wear a helmet?
A: Wearing a helmet is always a good idea no matter your ability level. Some riding locations may even require all kiteboarders to wear a helmet. At Jupiter Watersports all of our students are provided with properly fit helmets and are required to be worn during lessons. We sell a variety of helmets that are made specifically for kiteboarding.
Q: My kite is flying strange and feels out of control. What should I do?
A: Land your kite immediately. First check to make sure your kite is inflated firmly. Inflate it and leave it for a few minutes to see if it deflates. If not, and your kite is still flying awkwardly it may not be trimmed properly and the lines may be oversheeted. One way to tell this is by looking up at the wingtips of the kite while flying it at 12 o'clock. If the wingtips are flaring outwards in a "v" shape into the wind, your kite is probably oversheeted. A quick way to fix this is by pulling in on the control bar's de-power strap. Sheeting your kite in using the de-power strap should help make the wingtips align parallel on the kite while airborne and reduce any twist in the canopy. Since you will lose a slight amount of de-power from your kite, you should tune your kite lines more specifically for a more long-term solution.
