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 |  | Introductory Class: $125-$320 Per Person |  | Three-Day Session: $450-$1,200 Per Person |
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Kitesurfing -- also known as kiteboarding -- combines a small surf or wake board with an inflatable kite that is harnessed to the boarder as a sail. Although typically accomplished over water, the wind will also pull the boarder over water, grass, snow or other large open spaces. The kites remain the same, but the boards used on water have a keel-like fin that helps control direction where the flat-bottomed snowboard is used on solid surfaces.
Typical costs: | - Introductory group classes two to three hours long cost about $125-$320 per person for a semi-private session with two to three people, depending on length and location. Most classes include kite equipment, helmet, integrated impact vest and harness. Initial instruction typically covers choosing a safe location, setting up a kite, understanding wind and kites, safety systems, launching, landing and basic kitesurfing etiquette. Preliminary training typically starts on the shore and then advances to deep water. Many companies use a radio-equipped helmet to ensure instructions are heard over the sound of the surf.
- Intermediate lessons cost about $95-$100 per hour and teach the boarder body dragging upwind, using a harness, relaunching and self rescues. Advanced courses cost about $100-$200 per hour, depending on location and teach how to jump, spin, and roll over waves.
- Private lessons typically cost about $75-$100 per hour or $225-$250 for three hours, depending on location and length of class.
- Three-day session packages of about three hours each cost $450-$1,200 per person, depending on location. For example Cascade Kiteboarding[1] in Stevenson, WA, offers a 10-hour water class over a four-day period for $1,200 while Malibu Kitesurfing[2] in Southern California offers a 10-hour package for $695.
Related articles: Windsurfing, Whitewater Rafting, Swimming Lessons
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What should be included: | - Beginning and introductory lessons generally include all necessary equipment and use of a small training kite as they learn about kite safety, wind and launching.
Additional costs: | - Purchasing a kite[3] typically costs $150-$2,000. Typically the smaller beginning kites cost less than advanced skill models. For example, the Epic 2011 Tutor 25 trainer kite costs about $500 while the 2012 North EVO kite is priced $1,930 for the largest size.
- Experienced kitesurfers and kiteboarders will have multiple kites for specific wind conditions. The less wind there is, the larger the kite will need to be. Boards cost about $250-$800 or more, depending on the manufacturer. For example, the Crazyfly Allround 2012 Kiteboard[4] costs $370-$610 at independent retailers.
- Harnesses typically cost $150-$260, depending on manufacturer.
Discounts: | - Some companies offer group introductory classes[5] for about $60-$100. These short courses answer many of the questions about kitesurfing, but may only allow short contact with the kite, depending on location. Participants are able to learn what is involved in the sport inexpensively before harnessing into a program.
- Two people signing up together for private lessons can save half off the second person or about $125 for a three-hour session.
Shopping for kitesurfing: | - The international kiteboarding organization IKO offers a list of affiliated US training locations[6] .
- Check for local kiteboarding regulations[7] and specific safety zones before kitesurfing.
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External Resources: | - cascadekiteboarding.com/lessons/
- www.malibukitesurfing.net/
- www.powerkitesdirect.com/kitesurfing-kites/
- www.crazyflykites.com/cf2012/board.php?id=allround
- www.sportx.co.il/int/product.asp?product=29
- ikointl.com/kiteboarding_centers/centers.php
- www.chicagokitesurfing.com/safety.html
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