KSM offers private kiteboarding lessons for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. This 1 student to 1 instructor arrangement has proven extremely successful and allows instructors to tailor lessons to individual learning rates and needs. (Semi-private lessons are available upon request for friends or family members at 1.5 times the published private rates. In semi-private lessons one student is actively involved while the other student observes and the two students periodically reverse roles.)

Beginner lessons start between 10 & 11 AM, winds permitting, and intermediate/advanced lessons commence at 11 AM. Students of every skill level can select single or multiple day courses (see pricing & course descriptions below or view brochure). Beginners are encouraged to take two to three days of lessons to become comfortable with the kiteboarding kites and to get solid practice time on a kiteboard.

All students meet at the KSM center for orientation, to meet their IKO certified instructors, and to view the lesson-appropriate section of our instructional kiteboarding DVD. Beginners accompany their instructors to the beach and begin flying a small 4-line Bow kite with short lines during the land class, which is the exact same type of equipment students will use on the water. Topics for beginners include sailing rules, harness use, safety release systems, the power zone, and correct kite setup. Beginner Lesson 1 generally runs one to two hours and is immediately followed by Lesson 2. Intermediate and advanced students proceed to the beach with their instructors to begin working on their individual goals. (Note: Students without certification cards must demonstrate kite skills.)

In the second or third hour and in Lesson 2, beginners practice setting up the kite correctly and discuss pre-flight check and safe kite launching procedures. Student and instructor pairs then move to the water where students continue practicing specific flying skills and developing more confidence with the kite. Instructors stay connected to their students via the harness handle while giving expert instruction on self-rescue techniques, unassisted landings, launching the kite from the water, and body dragging upwind. This is the phase where students further develop and refine the necessary skills to become independent with the kite.

During the fourth hour on the first day, students will either continue with their Lesson 2 skills development or will progress to the water start Lesson 3 and will demonstrate a simulated water start maneuver while on the beach. The beach practice water starts will help students visualize what to do in the water. Beginner students review international hand signals to facilitate communication on the water and then proceed to the water with the board and kite to practice water starting and riding. This technique is repeated to perfect the timing with the kite, kiteboard, and body position while riding. Expert feedback from KSM instructors allows students to maximize their time on the water in this intensive course.

After the first day, lessons are in three hour blocks to prevent fatigue since the students would be spending more time in the water. In addition, students who have signed up for multiple day courses would continue with their same instructor, focusing on further kite control and riding skills.

Note:
To become proficient as a Beginner Kiteboarder you might require more than a 1-day lesson. It takes time to master all the aspects of the course and getting up on a kiteboard could take 2-3 days of lessons. To make lesson reservations, please select the level of instruction below (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) and enter your desired dates.

Beginners

Lesson 1: Introduction to Kite Control

At KSM, our students begin lessons on land with a 4-line Bow kite at one of Maui's beautiful parks - the same type of kite you'll use later in the water. You'll learn to correctly setup the kiteboarding kite and will practice flying in and out of the powerzone, launching and landing, and more. Further kite control mastery will be applied in Lesson 2. Time 1-2 hours

Lesson 2: Kite Control Body Drag

With the skills learned in the intro, you're ready to maneuver through the powerzone while dragging in the water. You'll practice body dragging upwind, launching the kite from the water, and self-rescue/self-landing skills. This is the phase where students develop and refine the necessary skills to become independent with the kite. Time 1-2 hours.

Lesson 3: Kiteboarding Water Start

After completing Lessons 1 & 2 or demonstrating your current skill level, you'll launch your kite and hit the water with board in tow. Your beach practice water starts will help you visualize what to do in the water and then actually start and ride. Expert feedback from KSM instructors allows students to maximize their time on the water in this intensive course. To become proficient as a Beginner Kiteboarder you might require more than a 1-day lesson. It takes time to master all the aspects of the course and getting up on a kiteboard could take 2-3 days of lessons. Time 1- 6 hours.

Beginner Lesson Rates:(Equipment Included)

• 1 Day/04 Hour course - $290
• 2 Day/07 Hour course - $490
• 3 Day/10 Hour course - $675
• 4 Day/13 Hour course - $850
• 5 Day/16 Hour course - $975

call: 808-873-0015 or

Intermediate

Lesson 4: Kiteboarding Upwind

Take advantage of Maui's consistent tradewinds and KSM instructors' expertise to get you riding upwind. With the correct gear selection for your level and the conditions, and with feedback from KSM instructors, you will maximize your time on the water. Time 3 hours.

Lesson 5: Kiteboarding Transitions

Learning to make smooth directional changes signifies your move from beginner to intermediate level! Your instructor will kite with you and coach you on the water. Time 3 hours.

Lesson 6: Kiteboarding with Surfboards

Your instructor will help you make the transition from bi-directional freestyle riding to riding in the surf and will kite with you as you practice transitions and landing small jumps with a directional board. This course will open many new possibilities for riding in waves and in lighter winds. Time 3 hours.

Intermediate Lesson Rates:(Equipment Included)

• Lessons 4, 5, or 6 - 3 Hours - $210

call: 808-873-0015 or

Advanced

Lesson 7: Kiteboarding Freestyle

Whether it's kite loops, back rolls, front rolls, switched landings, grabs, or handle-passes, KSM instructors provide expert coaching! Advanced riders can also demo kites and apply 100% of the cost towards the purchase of a full price, current model-year kite. Time 3 hours.

Lesson 8: Kiteboarding Instructor Training

Apprentice with one of our instructors before taking an instructor's course. When you are ready to make kiteboarding a new way of life, we have an IKO examiner on staff to certify instructors. Time 3 hours.

Advanced Lesson Rates:

• Lessons 7 and 8 - 3 Hours - $240

call: 808-873-0015 or