The Beaches on Gotland are idyllic havens. Nestled far away from the hustle and bustle of the medieval town, the beaches we teach at are often located within quiet nature reserves
The journey to the beach will have you driving along through an incredible landscape of farm fields, limestone rauks, grazing sheep, fishing villages and white limestone grusvägar (gravel roads).
Our lessons usually cover:
- Wind and environment
- Rigging the gear
- Safety gear and procedures
- Navigation: How to steer the kite
- Control: Understanding how the kite flies and generates power
- Launching and landing the kite with and without assistance
- Body dragging: Getting around in the water without a board
- Water starts with the board
- Kiteboarding on your own!
Our lesson begins with some theory on the beach, learning how to assess the weather and beach conditions, we go over the safety systems and learn some of the basic rules, and then we set up and take the kite into the water.
You get to practice with the kite in the water, with hands-on assistance from the instructor. Once you are comfortable, you will then start learning how to ride the board.
Our 3-hour-long lessons are the international standard, anything longer only introduces a rapid decline in focus and performance which always results in frustration. We prefer to end our sessions on a high note!
80% of all students get their first rides in before the day is done!
Our Lessons follow the IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) structure and are tailored to each student's ability and progression.
IKO Introductory lesson:
As a beginner we start with a little theory, learning how to assess the conditions, and then safely set up and fly a kite. We then introduce you to the handling of the board and various rescue and relaunching techniques and end off with some riding.
IKO Intermediate Lesson:
Your second lesson consists of a shorter introduction, and lets you choose your own setup area on the beach, you are encouraged to be more independent, while the instructor ensures your and the surrounding's safety. You will go straight into the water, and start practicing where you left off from your previous lesson.
IKO Advanced Lesson:
After a few more lessons you will be near the stage of independence, comfortable to set up on your own, launch, land, and walk with the kite. You will be able to ride in both directions and understand the right of way rules. Most importantly you will have serious amounts of fun.
We are currently looking at pick-up options. For now, you will need to arrange your own transport. All the kite locations are within a 1 hour drive from Visby.
Sunscreen
Towel
Water
Snacks / Lunch
Bathing Suit
Kite, Kite Bar, Harness, Helmet + Wetsuit.
Feel free to come and hang out while we set up - usually around 15 minutes before the start of the lesson.
We always choose the best possible beach according to the wind and weather. We won't always be at Kovik - you will be updated 24 hours before your lesson on the chosen kite spot.
All the kite spots are on the main island, and within an hour's drive from Visby. The kite spots are beautiful, worth the drive, and family-friendly - don't forget to pack warmer clothes and extra food and water. Some of the locations are easily accessible although fairly remote, so there are no places to buy food.
Call or text Flo up to 24 hours before your lesson to reschedule or cancel.