What is it?
Kitesurfing is an exciting fusion of ground, air and watersports, emphasizing the 3 dimensional space around the kiter. Forget surfing, in this sport the sky really is the limit, with high-flying kiters pulling off jumps, flips and spins to rival any trapeze artist. Feel the need for speed? Kitesurfing uses the awesome power of the wind, not only to lift kiters to dizzying heights, but also to blast along shorelines leaving surfers, kayakers and swimmers rubbing the spray out of their eyes.
The beaches in the north west region are unparalleled, with areas such as Rosses Point suitable for beginners and Strandhill for the the most experienced wave riders, as well as more than 5 other beaches in the area, offering suitable waters and winds to go with almost any weather conditions, making it the perfect place to start kitesurfing and to continue it for many years down the line.
Interested? The quickest, easiest and safest way to become a part of this fast-growing sport is by taking lessons from experienced and qualified kitesurfing instructors. Our British Kitesurfing Association approved team helped to bring the sport to the northwest coast and have been flying power kites since 1999 - they know their stuff. So come down and watch us as we dominate both the skies and the waves - we guarantee that this sport will satisfy even the most outrageous adrenaline junkie.
Beginner Courses
Our courses are run using 3 hour "sessions". A package of 12 hours is the minimum instruction period we recommend to people who want to start the sport. This is the minimum amount of instruction time for novice kitesurfers to be able to progress by themselves afterwards - in a safe and controlled way.
As with any sport, the basics have to be perfected before moving onto the more complex stuff. For kitesurfing, this means you need to have perfect kite control. Our courses recognise this and the first part of our sessions involves kite handling.
The first stage of our kitesurfing courses takes place on land. You will get to grips with your first power kite and explore new sensations of power and learn to control the kite in a safe manner. This usually takes up the first session.
Once you have mastered the basics, we get you suited and booted and ready for the water. We can provide all the necessary gear for hitting the waves. Using bigger, more powerful water relaunchable kites, you get to really feel the power that a kite can create. You will attempt body drags, using the kite to pull you through the water, in order to become used to the power and strength that the wind can provide. The sensation of using a kite on the water is very different and this usually takes up to two sessions for beginners to feel comfortable with it.
Then comes the kiteboard. When your instructors are sure you are ready for it, they will introduce the board. You will try your first board starts, using kite control to power up and be lifted out of the water. This takes a lot of practice but is a lot of fun, and the sense of achievement you get when you get your arse out of the water is exhilarating to say the least.
Before letting you go after each session,
your instructor will give you a personal debriefing, letting you know
how you got on, where you could improve and what you need to do next.
This rounds off the session and gives new kitesurfers the benefit of years
of experience, condensed into a few hours on the water.
Private Lessons
Got your gear but still need some help? Done your beginner lessons but still need a few pointers? We often get enquiries from people who have had difficulty setting up their gear or mastering a particular technique. A private lesson with one of our instructors could be perfect for your needs. The private lessons are done on a 1:1 basis and are tailored perfectly to meet your requirements. Private lessons are usually 2 hours, but this can be changed to suit you.
Advanced Kiteboarding Course
Once you have mastered the basics,
you may need a bit of help to push yourself onto doing more advanced tricks
and techniques.
You will be paired up with one of our instructors and receive their undivided
attention for two hours.
They will bring you through your setup to make sure you are getting the
most from your gear, and then discuss what tricks and techniques you want
to focus on for the day.
Our Advanced Instructor is the current Irish Champion, Eamon Armstrong, so you know your getting expert advice from one of the most experienced and enthusiastic riders on the water.
Prices
Our prices are as follows:
Intro to kiteboarding course (2 sessions / 6 hours): €210
Full kiteboarding course (4 sessions / 12 hours): €360
Private / Advanced Kiteboarding Course (2 hours, 1:1 with a pro rider):
€140
Insurance
Kiteboarding is an extreme sport and
it is essential to have insurance cover. You must have cover before the
course starts. There are two options for this - annual cover or cover
for the day.
The annual cover can be attained by joining the Irish Kitesurfing Association.
This association represents kitesurfers in Ireland and by joining you
will be helping to keep beaches open around the country. This is highly
recommended for anyone who thinks they will keep up the sport. For more
information see www.iksa.ie
The other option is getting cover for the duration of the course only.
You can get this insurance through Sportscover
Direct.
How to Book
To book a place on one of our courses, get in contact with us, either by phone on +353868051390 or email.
To book a course, you need to send in a booking form along with a deposit of €100 for one or two session courses and €150 for the full package.
Vouchers are available and will be sent out when we receive a booking form and the full cost of the course.
Read the booking conditions available here, download our booking form here, fill it out and email it back to:
info
[at] lsdkiteboarding.com
or post to
LSDKITEBOARDING
C/O Peter Armstrong
Ballyweelin,
Rosses Point,
Co. Sligo
Please remember that kitesurfing is a weather dependant sport.
