HELM of Sun Valley » Kite Lessons
Kiteboard & Windsurf Lessons
Whats all the commotion about?
You've seen it at the beach, or maybe while on vacation, or even on TV. Kiteboarding is an exhilarating, dynamic new sport that is captivating tens of thousands of people around the globe. Here at Helm of Sun Valley's Kiteboarding School, we'll help you convert from spectator to kiteboarder and teach you everything you'll need to know to be safe and have fun in this incredible sport.
All of our instructors are local kiteboarders, and have been trained and certified through the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO). In addition to our knowledge and experience, we share our passion and enthusiasm for kiteboarding with our students.
Following is our efficient approach to help you learn the sport. By following these steps, you'll be taking the fastest and safest route to becoming a competent kiteboarder. We look forward to helping you have fun on the water!
Step 1
PURCHASE A TRAINER KITE
The trainer kite is an invaluable tool in the learning process and will help to prepare you for kiteboarding. A trainer kite is a small 2-line kite that is designed to teach you kite control and flying skills on land. It simulates the experience you'll have with the bigger kites you'll use in kiteboarding, but since the trainer is small, you won't suffer any damage to yourself or your gear while learning how to control the kite on land. It's essential to learn kite skills on land with a trainer kite before taking the land or water lesson with a larger inflatable kite.
With adequate time on the trainer kite you will gain skills that will allow you to progress further through your lesson. Time flying the trainer kite is essential. It is something that you can learn on your own and more importantly you will become familiar with the wind window and control bar. The ability to steer the kite should be second nature by the time you come to your first lesson. So if you have logged the hours with the trainer kite you wont have to spend valuable time and money during your lesson learning the very important basics. Kiteboarding is said to be roughly 80 percent kiting and 20 percent board skills. To maximize your progress during the land and water lessons, we highly recommend that you first buy and use a trainer kite. Helm recommends a 2 meter kite for training purposes. We carry HQ Powerkites which come with the control bar, kite, lines, and a nice carrying bag ($129.95). The durability of the HQ Powerkites is recommended because your kite will experience abuse. Setting up and using the trainer is very simple, you'll be able to hone your kite flying skills in virtually no time at all! Plus, flying a trainerkite is fun for the whole family! (Helm's instructors recommend you log approximately a minimum of 3-6 hours on the trainerkite prior to booking a lesson)
Step 2
PURCHASE "Progression: Beginner" DVD
We feel "Progression: Beginner" is the best instructional kiteboarding DVD/Video on the market. It is a very comprehensive learning tool, starting with trainer set-up and flying, going all the way up to intermediate kiteboarding. Viewing this DVD multiple times will allow you to progress quickly through the land lesson. You'll want to view it again before your water lesson so that you'll get the most out of this lesson too. After the water lesson you'll find that it is an invaluable source for tips and instruction and at $34.95 it is a cheap investment that you'll use over and over again.
Step 3
TAKE A LESSON WITH HELM
So you've learned kite control on the trainer kite and watched the video. Now you're ready for a bigger kite and you're ready to get on the water. Helm's instructors are some of the best in the country and will cover everything you need to know to be up and riding! A typical Land and Water lesson will take you to the point where you should be able to purchase a kite package and start kite boarding on your own.
All of our instructors are PASA certified. As well as certified in CPR, RedCross first-aid and boating saftey. All of our water lessons are Jet Ski assited. Lessons take place at 3rd Avenue in Foster City, which is one of the most popular kiting and windsurfing spots in the Bay Area.
Lesson Rates
The Basic Lesson package consists of two parts: land lesson and water lesson.
Cost:$450
Land Lesson:
This lesson runs 2 hours with one of our professional kiteboard instructors, and covers everything from making the transition from trainer kites to inflatable kites as well as understanding the wind window, basic rigging, line management, site orientation, wind theory, general safety, and much more. We provide all the equipment (except for booties and wetsuit, which are required).
Water Lesson:
After successfully completing the land lesson, it's time to get wet! During the water lesson (approx. 3 hours), you will practice kite launch and landing, water re-launching, body dragging, power stroke, self rescue, water start and more. We'll provide all the equipment.
Custom Instruction
$100 per hour.,(3 hour min.) This type lesson is intended for learning tricks, jumping, staying upwind, etc.
To schedule a lesson, call 650-344-2711
Lesson Rates
Beginner Lesson Package -- $450 for 5 hrs
Custom Instruction -- $100/hr (min. 3 hrs)
All lessons are private. (1 instructor and 1 student)
All water portions are jet ski assisted.
to schedule a lesson
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