How to set kitesurf goals that don’t suck

Ever feel like your kitesurfing progression is more ‘vibe-based’ than intentional? You’re not alone. Most of us hit the water with the energy of a golden retriever on espresso: excited, chaotic, and kind of just hoping to land something cool. But whether you're into slashing waves, chasing height records, or trying to land your first handlepass without spraining something, goal-setting can turn your sessions from "meh" to meaningful.

Wave riding goals: channel your inner surfer monk

Wave riding is all about flow, finesse, and reading the ocean like it’s your favorite moody novel. You’re not just chasing waves; you’re dancing with them. So don’t treat your goals like you're training for the Olympics.

Try goals like:

• Master clean bottom turns in both directions.

• Ride three unbroken waves in one session without falling off like a sack of potatoes.

The trick? Make your goals feel like mini-missions. Focus on technique, not trophies. Wave riding rewards patience, timing, and knowing when to back off (a lesson that also applies to exes).

Freestyle goals: tricks, flicks, and humility

Freestyle is where confidence meets chaos. You’re trying to make it look smooth while your board is plotting revenge. This style demands structure—or you’ll spend all session doing the same sad Raley and calling it “practice.”

Set goals that break down tricks into steps. Instead of “land a backroll,” go for:

• Dial in pop and edge control before attempting rotation.

• Commit to one trick per session and film it for review (even if it hurts your ego).

Small wins lead to big breakthroughs—and yes, sometimes it’s okay to count “not crashing into your buddy” as progress.

Big air goals: the higher the jump, the bigger the plan

Big air isn’t just about sending it. It’s about sending it with style. You want airtime that makes people on the beach pause their snacks.

But unless your name rhymes with Kevin Langeree, you’ll need to build it up gradually. Goals for big air should be as measured as they are sky-high.

Think along the lines of:

• Reach 10m height with controlled landings using a Woo or the Surfr app.

• Add one grab variation to your go-to jump every other session.

Using tech like the Woo or the Surfr app can keep things spicy and measurable. Plus, it gives you an excuse to show graphs to your friends like you're presenting at a TED Talk.

Cross-discipline tip: goals outside the water still count

Don’t forget: Off-water goals support on-water glory. Whether it's mobility training, swimming laps, or watching replays of your crashes with popcorn and a notepad, everything adds up.

Also worth considering: Your gear. Outdated equipment could be holding you back like that one friend who still says “YOLO.” Make sure your kite quiver matches your discipline. Check out this guide for some fresh gear inspiration.

Goals need a plan (and some wiggle room)

The ocean is chaotic. Your goals shouldn’t be. Give your kitesurfing dreams some structure by thinking in quarters—not the coins, the time chunks.

Set quarterly goals with subgoals. Break every trick down like you're explaining it to your grandma. Visualize. Watch videos. Take notes. Set intentions before you hit the water. Know what you want to work on before the stoke takes over and you forget everything except how good the wind feels.

And most importantly: Don’t make it too big. Keep it simple, like the steps of a staircase. Personally, I like giving myself two tricks or skills to focus on per session. In waves, that might be a smooth transition and riding the face of the wave. That’s it. Not twelve new hacks and a megaloop combo.

Then I break those down into three key points. For example: First steer the kite, then commit to the turn, and keep eyes on the wave. Simple, repeatable, memorable. If I mess it up mid-session, I can always fall back on the key points.

This kind of goal-setting keeps your brain calm, your session focused, and your progression actually enjoyable (instead of spiraling into “why am I the only one not landing stuff?” mode).

But here’s the kicker: It’s totally fine to leave your goal at the beach sometimes. If the wind sucks, the tide is wrong, or your brain just isn’t having it—adapt. Have a Plan B. Or even better, have a Plan Chill.

The real secret? Try. Try again. Then try again.

What now? Don’t just send it—plan it

Setting specific goals for your kitesurfing style isn’t boring, it’s the difference between “another fun session” and “holy sh*t, I actually improved.” Whether you ride waves, chase height, or love the freestyle grind, start small, get clear, and bring your own flavor to the water.

Last tip: Write your goals down somewhere visible. Like on your surfboard. Or your forehead.

Kite goals are like tacos: better when customized

So next time you're out there, don’t just wing it, wing it with intention. We would be proud (and probably filming from the beach while shouting unsolicited tips).

xox Berito