You’ve planned your kitesurfing holiday, you’ve made all the necessary arrangements and figured out what you’re going to bring. Now it’s time to finally enjoy yourself! Here are some final tips for making the most of your time on your first kitesurfing holiday! 

First of all...take cash (both USD and the local currency). Some smaller towns in foreign countries have awesome kiting, but they don’t always have a reliable cash machine and they may not take credit cards. It’s a kitesurfing holiday, but you’ll be in a fun new place and will want to try the local cuisine and non-wind activities. That all costs money, so make sure you have some on you!

Mix, mingle and make friends from all over the world! An IKO Center isn’t just a place for lessons! Most Centers have areas where you can chill, talk to people, and make new friends. You’re on a kitesurfing holiday, and so are most of the people around you! It’s not unusual to make friends that you’ll travel with on future holidays or keep in touch with for years to come!

Photo: White Dune (Morocco)

Try out different gear. If you’re a beginner, you’ll be using the gear available at the school. Make note of the brand and model of the kite and board you’re learning on. It’s always good to know what gear you’ve tried, so you are familiar with brand names when you go to buy your own equipment. 

If you’re an experienced kiter, definitely try out the IKO Center’s gear if it’s a different brand or model than your own. This is a great way to “try before you buy” your next kite or just expand your knowledge of the available equipment out there.

Pace yourself and stay healthy! You’re on vacation and will probably want to kite more than you usually do at home, but try not to overdo it. You don’t want to miss a day of kiting on your vacation because you’re exhausted, sunburned, dehydrated, or worse -- injured. Remember to pace and take care of yourself! Drink lots of water. Stretch before and after your sessions. Consider taking a half or full-day off and see the area, give your arms and legs and abs a break. 

No-wind activities! Kitesurfing is done in some of the most beautiful places in the world. Make sure you explore the area and see what no-wind activities are available for you in paradise! Some IKO Centers offer no-wind needed services including guided tours, fishing excursions and other fun things! Make sure you inquire about what they have going on. 

Progression. This is a kitesurfing holiday. It’s time to relax, play in the water, and take the opportunity to experience different conditions and maybe try new styles of riding .Some of the best kiters on the water set goals for each session, so maybe consider setting some objectives of your own for your vacation? Do you want to be able to kite upwind? Do you want to start your first jumps? Maybe some toeside riding? It doesn’t matter what the goal is, even if it is just to relax and sit in the sun -- while wearing good sunblock, of course! 

Photo: White Dune (Morocco)

Your first kitesurfing holiday is something you will always remember! Whether you’re learning the sport at an IKO Center or just kiting away from home for the first time, make sure you follow these tips and prepare everything ahead of time so your trip goes as smoothly as possible. We bet you’re going to have a blast, and chances are, you’ll be thinking about your second kitesurfing trip even before the first one is done!

Banner photo: H20 Extreme (Kenya)