From first lesson
to freedom on the water
10+ years teaching kiteboarding on the Gulf of Finland. IKO program, 3 languages, safety first — and fresh Core Kites gear at every session.
Pick your format
Every package includes gear, insurance and an instructor. Hours can be split across days to match the weather and your schedule.
Basic
- Intro to gear and safety systems
- Trainer kite control on the beach
- Wind window theory, launch and landing with an assistant
Short
Top pick- Water entry and exit, kite relaunch
- Body drag, including with the board in hand
- Preparation for the water start
Full course
- Water start in both directions
- Short controlled rides
- Ready for independent riding
Private
- Stable riding, tacking, upwind
- Turns without stopping, self-rescue
- Reading conditions and choosing a spot
Short
2G: Two-handed body drag and power strokes
Two-handed body drag to keep the kite stable. Power-stroke technique for moving through the water.
2H: Upwind body drag with the board and self-rescue
Body-drag upwind to return to the board. Self-rescue basics and the first steps of packing gear in the water.
2I: Right-of-way rules and the water start
Right-of-way rules on the water, the steady-pull («bulldozer») drill for constant traction, the water start and a controlled stop.
5 steps to your first ride
Wind window, right-of-way, signals, bar and kite hardware. 30–60 minutes on the beach.
Small kite on the beach — feel the wind and work the bar with no risk.
Launch, landing, body-drag. You are already in the water — but still without a board.
First start with the board. 3–10 attempts and you are riding. This is the tipping point.
Return to the start point on your own. From this day on you are a kiter.
All the gear is on us
Show up in whatever you have — we hand out a full kit. We use current Core Kites models in multiple sizes to match the day's wind.
Core Kites catalog- Kite, bar, board, harness, wetsuit, helmet, vest
- IKO-certified instructor
- Radio communication during water sessions
- Rescue boat / jet ski at deep-water spots
- Russian, English, Spanish
- Photos from the session to keep
FAQ
How many hours does it take to start riding?
On average 8–12 hours on the water. Progress varies a lot: some students ride in their 6th hour, some in their 15th. We do not rush you.
Do I need to swim?
Yes — you must be comfortable in open water. No swimming test, but you should feel calm in a vest and out of your depth.
What if there is no wind?
We move the session to the next workable day. Your money does not disappear. Check the forecast at /forecast — we plan together.
Is it suitable for kids?
From age 12 and ~40 kg of weight. Before that — SUP and wingfoil on calm water. Let's discuss details on Telegram.
Give the gift of wind
and freedom
A certificate for any discipline and any number of hours. Valid for one year from activation, transferable to another person, works in winter and summer. Time and spot — chosen based on the weather.
An Element5 kite school training certificate is a safe and quick path to learning kitesurfing. Lessons include personal instructor time and rental of all required equipment. The total training time is shown on the certificate. We teach both winter and summer.
- In 2 hours — getting to know how a real kite is built, piloting practice on the beach, safety systems and control elements. With solid theory, the second hour can be spent on the water.
- In 4 hours — controlling the kite in the water, body-drag, self-rescue; approaching the water start and, if athletic skills allow, the first 10–20 meters of riding.
- In 8 hours — guaranteed water start and short controlled rides, usually downwind. Eight hours without long breaks let you safely enter the world of kiting and start progressing on your own.
If you already know how to ride and need extra coaching or to fix mistakes — the certificate is great for further progress. The program is discussed in advance and tailored to you.
The certificate from activation, can be transferred to other people and used in winter. Time and place of lessons depend on current weather (in summer — wind at 5–9 m/s).