Make kitesurfing more than your hobby
You love kiting, but you’re stuck between hobby and obsession. You show up when it’s windy, maybe progress, maybe not. But what if you actually trained like you cared? Without quitting your job or moving to Brazil? That’s what this is about, turning your sessions into something that builds, not just burns time.
Know what you want to train
The best sessions don’t happen by accident. They start before you even unroll your lines. Decide what you’ll focus on, and your riding instantly gets sharper. Pick one or two things to train per session, not five. It could be clean carves, a steady toe-side, or a first backroll that doesn’t end in a body slam.
Before your session, watch a short tutorial, like the ones from KiteSurf College on YouTube, or scroll through clips of riders with your style. Write two quick notes on what to look for, then take them to the water.
Once you’re out there, don’t spam attempts. Try three times on your left, three on your right, then switch focus. You’ll stay fresh mentally and physically, and you’ll actually learn instead of just repeating chaos.
And know your limits. If it’s blowing 35 knots onshore, maybe it’s not your day to land new tricks. Train edging, control, or just ride to stay comfortable in power. Smart kiters know when to push and when to park it.
Get geeky with your gear
Progress starts before you even launch. You don’t need a new kite every season, but you should know exactly what your setup can (and can’t) do. Check your lines for equal length, inspect pigtails, make sure your fins aren’t dull, and tighten those footstraps that haven’t been adjusted since last summer.
Then get curious. Try your bar on different pressure settings, move your footpads an inch wider, switch fin sizes, or shorten your depower rope if it’s stretched. These tiny tweaks teach you how your gear behaves, which is the foundation of true control.
You’ll also ride safer. Most accidents happen because people launch underpowered, overpowered, or on equipment that’s not ready. Understanding your setup means trusting it. For a deep dive into matching boards and styles, check out our Right board right vibes twintip guide.
Prep your body and mind before you ride
You don’t have to train like a pro athlete, but if you only move your body once you hit the water, you’re making things harder. Five minutes of activation before kiting does wonders. Open your hips, roll your shoulders, loosen your ankles, and remind your back it’s about to hold a kite.
Hydration matters more than you think. Even slight dehydration makes you sluggish and tight. Snack smart too, something with carbs and salt before long sessions, especially in warm weather.
And don’t ignore your headspace. If you’re anxious or rushing, take a few breaths, visualize your first tacks, and set your focus. A clear brain leads to smoother rides. It’s the difference between reacting to the wind and flowing with it.
Train when there’s no wind
No wind doesn’t mean no progress. It’s the best time to build strength, balance, and awareness. A simple home setup is enough. A balance board, surfskate, or resistance bands can keep your body kite-ready even when the flags aren’t moving.
Try short, consistent workouts instead of long punishments.
Core: dead bugs, planks, and anti-rotation holds.
Legs: single-leg squats, step-downs, and calf raises.
Shoulders: band pulls and Y-T-W raises.
You can also use the time to understand your sport better. Watch footage of your last session, take notes, or visualize your next goal. Maintenance counts too, rinse bars, dry lines, check safety systems. Keeping your gear clean means one less excuse next time it’s windy.
And if you want to track progress on flat days, check out WOO Sports. It’s a small sensor that measures jump height and airtime, and yes, it’s as addictive as it sounds.
Recover like you mean it
The biggest trap for weekend riders? Riding hard, doing nothing all week, and wondering why your back hates you. Recovery isn’t a reward; it’s part of training.
After sessions, do a quick stretch, quads, hips, shoulders. Two minutes of mobility beats an entire week of tightness. If you have sore forearms, massage them gently or use a soft ball to roll out knots.
Sleep is your superpower. One extra hour after a windy day changes everything. Hydrate, eat something with protein, and if your harness left you sore, maybe it’s time to upgrade. A hard-shell harness spreads load better, and an impact vest saves ribs and confidence.
Reflection helps too. Write down what went well and what needs work. Just one win and one fix per session. That’s how progression compounds quietly.
Before you grab your kite
Making kitesurfing more than your hobby isn’t about going pro, it’s about showing up with purpose. Set small goals, tweak your setup, stay curious off the water, and rest like you plan to ride again.
You don’t need more wind, just more intention. And if anyone still calls it “just a hobby,” smile and remind them, your hobby involves a 9-meter engine and a very committed weather app addiction.
xox Berito