For anyone who has tried kiteboarding, you'll agree that it is an epic sport. There's nothing better than gliding along on a windy day, launching off the water, getting some big air, or nailing your first trick. But you'll also know it can take some time to get the hang of.

Working on your skills and building some solid safety habits can help speed up your kiteboarding progress, helping you go from a beginner to a more confident rider this season. Read on for our tips to get you on the right track to progress.

1. Get comfortable with your gear

Before you even get on the water, understanding your gear - kite, board, control bar, and harness - is essential. Each part of your set up can affect your ride, learning more about each part will help you make quick adjustments on the go and handle new situations with confidence.

Tip: Practice setting up, packing down, and adjusting your kite on land to save time during each session. We offer Group Beginner Sessions every Sunday, covering all this and more, allowing you to ask all your questions to one of our experienced kiteboarding instructors. Check them out HERE.

2. Master the basics of kiteboarding

It's exciting to think about jumps and tricks, but mastering the basics first will set you up properly for ongoing progress. Once you have some of the essential skills like kite control, body positioning, and riding upwind down pat, you'll be ready to start thinking about more advanced techniques.

Tip: Try to practice small drills in each session to improve one area at a time, such as turning smoothly or keeping a steady stance.

3. Make safety skills a priority

If you want to kiteboard safely and confidently, you'll also need to work on your safety skills. Learn how to identify risks and get to know the local rules of where you are riding. Learning how to assess the weather is so important before you get out on the water. What is the wind direction? Cross-onshore winds are best for beginners. What is the wind strength? You need to be able to choose the right size kite for the conditions, your weight and ability. Practising self-rescue techniques can also be a massive help if you ever get caught off guard on the water.

Tip: Seabreeze is a good App to start with when learning to assess the weather as it is easy to use and covers many spots around Australia: www.seabreeze.com.au/weather/wind-forecast/perth

4. Practice regularly, even if only for short amounts of time

Consistency is key in kiteboarding. Short, regular sessions will help you progress faster than infrequent, lengthy ones. Consistent practice, weekly if possible, can help you build your muscle memory and confidence in handling various conditions.

Tip: If conditions aren't ideal for getting out on the water, practising specific skills (like kite relaunch or board starts) in calm weather can help prepare you for more challenging days.

5. Check out how other kiteboarders ride

Check out how more experienced kiteboarders ride, how they manoeuvre, change direction, and handle their kite in different conditions. You can pick up some great techniques and see how the pros face challenges like gusty winds or crowded spots.

Tip: Join a kiteboarding community (such as WA SURF's Social Club) to connect with other riders and gain inspiration from those further along in their kiteboarding journey. Learn more about the Social Club HERE.

6. Keep a positive, patient mindset

Kiteboarding has its ups and downs, and progress can sometimes feel slow. The best thing you can do is to stay positive and patient with yourself. Have a perfect water start or a smooth transition during your session? Keep your focus on the bigger picture and celebrate the small wins, each session adds to your progress.

Tip: Surround yourself with a supportive kiteboarding community. Sharing your experiences and challenges with others can motivate you and remind you that everyone goes through similar ups and downs.

7. Gradually start to challenge yourself

Once you're confident with the basics, try challenging yourself by practising in slightly stronger winds or learning a simple trick, like transitioning smoothly or riding toeside. Pushing yourself just a bit outside your comfort zone will speed up your improvement while keeping it exciting.

Tip: Set yourself a goal for each session. Whether you're hoping to nail a new trick or maybe just improve your technique, having a goal will help you stay focused and motivated as you challenge yourself.

8. Book some professional kiteboarding lessons

Although trying to learn on your own is tempting, working with a qualified instructor can massively improve your progress and help you avoid common kiteboarding mistakes. A good instructor will adapt lessons to your learning style and goals, keeping you safe while teaching techniques that are important to mastering kiteboarding basics.

Tip: Don't be shy about asking questions during your lessons. Asking your instructor about anything you're unsure of and working through any doubts will help you make the most of your time on the water.

Book a kiteboarding lesson with WA SURF if you're ready to progress!

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to work on your skills, our kiteboarding instructors at WA SURF are all qualified and highly experienced and know how to help you progress while making sure each session is a lot of fun.

Even after you've nailed the beginner skills, booking an occasional check-in lesson can be super beneficial. Your instructor can offer new ideas, correct any bad habits, and introduce new techniques to advance your skills.

Check out the range of kiteboarding lessons in Safety Bay we have on offer and reach out with any questions.