Level up with the right mentor
Before we talk kite gurus and progression shortcuts, here is a universal truth: progression feels a lot faster when you have someone on the beach who already made all the mistakes you are about to make. A mentor is not a magical fix, but they can save you from months of flailing around like a confused seagull.
Why mentors change everything
You can absolutely progress alone. You can also assemble IKEA without instructions, but there is a reason people cry halfway through a bookshelf. A mentor removes the guesswork. They shorten your learning curve by pointing out small details you cannot see yourself and by keeping you from developing habits that make future tricks way harder.
A good mentor gives you the kind of insights that transform your session instantly. They see your waterstart angle, your stance, your kite drift, and your timing in a way you simply cannot while riding.
How a mentor speeds up your progression
A mentor accelerates improvement because they filter out the noise. They tell you what actually matters and what does not. They also know when to push you and when to save you from yourself.
Some ways a mentor helps you progress faster:
Honest feedback: Clear, practical corrections that stick.
Better spotting: They see mistakes before they become habits.
Smarter kite choices: Size, trim, board, timing.
Session strategy: When to switch kite, when to rest, when to go again.
Confidence boost: Someone who knows you can do it before you believe it yourself.
If you want to dive deeper into smart progression habits, check out our blog about mastering kitesurfing through mistakes. It pairs well with what we talk about here.
What to look for in a kite mentor
Your mentor does not need to be a pro. They just need to be someone who rides consistently, understands technique, and communicates clearly. Many of the best mentors are the quiet legends on your home beach, the ones who ride smooth, never brag, and know exactly when the wind is about to shift. The ones that vibe with you but also push you further.
Qualities that matter
Patience: They do not rush your learning.
Clarity: They explain things in simple ways.
Safety mindset: They want you progressing, not drifting to England.
Experience: They have a solid base of tricks and knowledge.
Playful energy: You want someone who enjoys the process, not a drill sergeant.
Where to find a mentor
Mentors appear in different places, but here are the easiest spots to start.
Your local kite beach
Most beaches have a handful of experienced riders who enjoy helping people out. Ask questions, show interest, and be respectful of their session time.
Kitesurf communities
Online groups, local WhatsApp chats, or kite school communities are often full of experienced riders looking to share tips. You can even book a coaching lesson if you want at a kiteschool.
Coaches and clinics
You can hire a coach for a session or join a clinic to get focused feedback. It is one of the fastest ways to fix technique. Videos from pro coaches, like the ones by Duotone on YouTube, offer solid visual guidance if you want something to study between sessions.
How to get the most out of mentoring
A mentor is not there to babysit you. They are there to guide you. The better you show up, the faster you will progress.
Some ways to make the most of your mentor:
Ask focused questions: Not five at once.
Be ready to try again: And again.
Practice deliberately: Not mindless looping.
Film your riding: Even bad footage helps.
Stay humble: Progression requires honesty
For even more structured mindset tips, the training your mind guide is a great companion piece.
The hidden perks of having a mentor
Besides faster progression, a mentor changes how you feel on the water. They help you become more consistent, safer, and more aware of the subtle wind and water cues that beginners often miss.
A mentor also gives you accountability. When you say you want to try that backroll again today, they remember. And they will look at you with the famous mentoring squint that means you are doing it, no excuses.
When you mentor someone else
It happens slowly. One day, someone asks you how to edge better, or how you keep your kite steady in gusts. You give them a tip, and you see it work. That is the moment you realize you are no longer just progressing. You are part of the progression cycle that makes our sport so special.
Before you grab that mentor
Finding a mentor is not about ego or status. It is about momentum, clarity, and riding with someone who sees your potential before you do. The right mentor can turn a season of guessing into a season of breakthroughs.
And who knows, maybe one day you will be the beach wizard pointing at someone’s messy waterstart and saying, kindly, buddy, your feet are doing crimes.
xox Berito