"We have been working with Martin Kirk and Kiteboarding School of Maui (KSM) since Martin began his business in 1999. I also have had the pleasure of a long term working relationship with Martin for many years now and aspire to continue to work with his company for many years to come."
Cary Ritt
Owner/Manager-Maui Vacation Advisors
How much does equipment cost?
A new kiteboard costs between $500 to $900 and a new kite costs between $800 to $1700 including control bar. Used gear costs about half of new equipment but care should be taken to thoroughly inspect the used gear. For example, any used kite, whether sold by a shop or private individual, should be inflated and left standing for at least one hour if not longer to check for any slow leaks. While inflated the kite canopy can more easily be inspected for tears and punctures. Even the flying lines on the control bar should be laid out to inspect for abrasions and knots.
Taking a few days of lessons can save you not only time but can also save you money on equipment costs. In the beginning of the learning process most students are using small kites in order to develop the necessary skills and confidence. Then when they are ready to buy they can avoid buying too small of a kite because as their skill level increases they will be able to handle a larger kite in the same strength wind as when they were first learning.
Kiteboarding Questions
- What are the terms and names for kiteboarding tricks?
- Are bow kites better than other kite designs?
- Can I use the bow kite with a 5th line?
- What does the bridle on a bow kite do?
- How do the bow kites turn?
- Is the bow kite bridle system complicated?
- What should I look for so I know I have found a safe, quality school?
- What sets KSM apart from other Maui kiteboarding schools?
- How much experience do KSM instructors have?
- How long has KSM been in business?
- Is KSM insured?
- What does the IKO and PASA certification offer students?
- What does FAA have to do with kiteboarding on Maui?
- I already kiteboard. Can I rent kites?
- What can I do to prepare for my lesson ahead of time?
- My son and I would like to take a lesson together. Do we have to each take private lessons or can we take lessons with one instructor?
- What is the best time of day for lessons?
- Will I get on the water on the first day of lessons?
- Will I be riding on a board the first day?
- I have done some trainer kite flying and body draggng. Will I be able to take a class starting with the kiteboard on my first lesson?
- What sort of physical shape do I need to be in?
- How fast will I learn the sport?
- I am a windsurfer, is it hard to convert?
- How hard is it to learn how to kite?
- Is kiteboarding safe?
- When is the best time to come to Maui for lessons?
- Do I need to bring anything with me for the lesson?
- What equipment do I need to kitesurf?
- Will I need a wetsuit on Maui?
- How many kites do I need?
- What is the typical wind range of a kite?
- How big a kiteboard should I choose?
- How much does equipment cost?
- Do I need assistance to launch or land the kite?
- Can I relaunch the kite from the water?
- What is the wind window?
- What is the difference between kitesurfing, kiteboarding, and flysurfing?
- How did kiteboarding start?



