FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We've done our best to answer the mostly frequently asked questions below but please feel free to contact us should you have any others.

Q: What does your company offer?

We are a kite & watersports school and shop running kitesurfing, powerkite, kite buggy, kite land board, stand up paddle board and wing sports lessons. We also offer equipment hire and a range of the best equipment and beach accessories to buy in our shop.

Q: How long is each day session?

All of the information about our sessions can be found here. The course times work around the tides so don't be alarmed if it's starting in the afternoon as the lesson duration will still be the same.

Q: What time do I need to arrive for my lesson?

To ensure we can get you kitted out and on the water at your allotted lesson time , we prefer students to arrive with plenty of time to check in, meet their instructor and get ready.

If your lesson is held at Camber then 1 hour prior to the start time. If the lesson is held at Greatstone then 1hour 15min minutes prior to the start time.

Q: Are all lessons held at Camber Sands?

We've got two epic kitesurf spots: Camber Sands, home of the Kitesurf Centre, and Greatstone Beach, just a 15-minute drive.

• If your lesson is at Greatstone, you'll need your own transport. Come to The Kitesurf Centre first to pick up your gear.

• If you're not driving, you can get a Taxi from Rye Train Station. You can ask the Taxi to stop off here first to grab your gear and then head over to Greatstone. Please let us know in advance, so we can ensure your gear is ready for you.

• If your lesson is at Camber Sands, you can take a bus from Rye Train Station to the Centre. The bus stop is a 10 minute walk from the Centre.

• The Kitesurf Centre postcode is TN31 7SB, and there's plenty of free parking right next to us.

• Heads up: the car park has a height barrier. Campervans or tall vehicles should use the layby behind the Centre (if space allows) or find a spot a little further out - we can't open the barrier.

• Regardless of the lesson location, please arrive at The Kitesurf Centre 1 hour before your lesson start time.

We will confirm the day before via text message which location your lesson will be held at based on the most up to date forecast.

Q: What if the conditions aren't suitable on the day of my lesson?

The wind is our boss! Due to this, we're only able to confirm your lesson and the spot around 5pm the day before your lesson is scheduled. Please keep an eye on your emails and once confirmed, book travel accordingly. Get stoked to ride when the conditions line up!

If we need to reschedule due to the forecast then you have 12 months from the date you made the booking to reschedule.

Q: Are kite sports dangerous, will I be blown away?

Thanks to massive design improvements of the kites in recent years, the sport has become much safer. We only use the latest and safest equipment, all of which have 'let-go' safety systems that kill 100% of the power of the kite on demand.

In the early 2000's when kitesurfing was new and developing at a fast pace, the safety system and instruction was not what it is today! The Youtube videos you may have seen are probably from a long time ago and accidents are far rarer.

Q: Are the instructors insured and qualified?

All of our highly experienced instructors are BKSA (British Kitesurfing Association) or IKO (International Kiteboarding Organisation) trained and qualified, with current powerboat licenses and first aid certificates.

The school is one of the biggest in the UK and a BKSA national training centre; proving we have the required safety levels and equipment.

Each instructor and participant are covered by our comprehensive insurance, covering personal accidents and third parties.

Q: How long does it take to learn to kitesurf?

Everybody learns the sports at different rates, but our 5 session deal is designed to get you be an independent, safe & confident kitesurfer as quickly as possible.

Q: Do I need any previous experience?

For our beginner courses you don't need any experience, just turn up and we'll do the rest. If you're unsure of your level have a look here

Q: I've done some kitesurfing before, what lesson should I book?

No worries - we'll help you pick the session that's right for you.

• Book Intro to the Kite if it's your first time. Get the basics dialled in - rigging up, kite control, safety, relaunching, and powering up.

• Hit Bodydrag Basics to cover all the essentials - downwind, crosswind, upwind, and balanced bodydrags - so you're fully prepped to get the board on.

• If you can fly the kite and complete all bodydrags confidently, First Rides is your next stop - get on the board and start gliding!

Or, grab the Beginner Bundle and cover all three steps. It's incredible value and makes sure no gaps are left in your progression.

Not sure which lesson suits you best? Give us a shout and we'll match you to the session that'll get you riding faster and stoked for more.

Q: What do I need to bring?

Everything is supplied for the courses; all students are given wetsuits, buoyancy aids, harnesses and a helmet as well as the kitesurfing equipment. We don't supply neoprene boots or gloves, we have a wide range in our shop to suit all budgets.

Please bring some warm clothes as it's almost always windy and can be cool even on a sunny day.

If kite buggying or landboard bring clothes that will keep you warm from the wind, make sure you don't mind them getting a little sandy, please also wear trainers not flip flops or open toe shoes.

Bring sun cream, sunglasses (cheap ones, the sea has claimed too many!) and a towel. Plus any food, drink or snacks you may want.

Q: How many people are in a group and will I get enough attention to learn sufficiently?

Beginner Kitesurf Group Lessons

Kickstart your kitesurf journey with lessons full of stoke, value, and hands-on action. Come solo or with friends - you don't need to create your own group. Book individually and we'll match you with a small, friendly crew.

Why Group Lessons Absolutely Rip

Group sessions are the best value way into the sport. Loads of kite time, shared energy, and top coaching - all at a super friendly price. Bring mates or join others... either way, you're sorted.

Q: Do you use radio headsets?

Yes, By arrangement and only for private lessons where the student may be remote from the instructor.

These are a fantastic way to keep in touch with your instructor, even if you are at a level where you can kite quite far away.

All of our instructors have radios to be in constant communication with the centre so we can save time changing kites if the wind conditions change.

Q: Do I have to be physically strong?

Although it looks like you need to be strong when kitesurfing it is actually more about technique and you'll be wearing a harness which takes almost all of the power rather than using your strength. We set you up with the correct sized kite so you won't feel strained. We have had customers well into their 70's out on the water!

Q: Do you have a safety boat?

The way we run our lessons, the conditions we teach in and the shallow beach mean that we would almost never need to deploy our safety boat. This said, we do have a safety rib with an outboard ready to deploy in case of an emergency.

Q: Do you offer any discounts?

We have verified used packages, ex-demo and used school equipment for sale.

We also offer a trade in service if you want to upgrade to the latest gear.

The latest deals can be seen here...

Q: What is the minimum age?

For our group kitesurf lessons, the minimum age is 16. This helps us match riders by weight for the right equipment and ensures everyone gets the best session possible.

If you're creating your own group of 4, we can welcome under 16s - the minimum age in this case is 12.

• 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult taking part in the same lesson.

• Ages 13, 17 need an adult nearby for the duration of the lesson.

Any questions feel free to call us!

Q: Is there parking?

Yes we are located at the end of a very large car park which has free parking for all.

Q: Are there places to stay locally?

The area is very popular with tourists and there is a wide range of accommodation available from camping, B&B's & hotels to suit all budgets. Please see our recommendations here.

Q: Where are you located?

Take a look at our location page, the main centre is right on the beach (the extreme sports end) in the South East of England at Camber Sands. We also teach from Greatstone beach when the wind is Northerly so make sure you can get to both locations!