Before booking a first lesson, one question comes up again and again: do you already need your own gear? The short answer is no — here is why, and when that changes.
What is provided during your lessons
Kite, board, neoprene wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy vest, harness and radio are provided for every session. Your instructor matches the gear to your level and to the day's conditions.
Do you need to buy your own gear to start?
No. As long as you are taking supervised lessons, you need not invest anything. It is actually better that way: the gear changes as you progress, and an instructor adjusts the kite size to the wind and to your level — a judgement that is hard to make on your own early on.
When should you invest in your own equipment?
The right moment is usually when you become fully independent — on average after about ten sessions, once you ride upwind and link transitions without help. Before that point, owning your own gear brings no real advantage to your progress.
How do you choose your first kite?
Three main criteria:
- Size, set by your weight and by the average wind strength at your usual spot
- Kite type : depending on the kind of riding you want to do
- The twin-tip board, symmetrical and versatile, remains the best all-rounder for a first setup
What to budget for a complete beginner setup
As a rough guide, a complete new setup (kite, bar, board, harness) usually costs between €1,500 and €2,500, and considerably less second-hand. These figures vary a lot with the brand and the condition of the gear — professional advice remains the best safeguard before a first purchase. Do ask your instructor: he can often find good second-hand gear at a low price.
Not ready to invest yet?
Keep progressing with our supervised lessons, gear included, and move to your own equipment at the right moment rather than too soon.
Further reading
Learning to kitesurf in Leucate: the complete guide
