How I started kitesurfing as a total beginner with The Beach

If you'd told me three years ago that I’d spend a Saturday afternoon being dragged across the sea by a giant kite, I would’ve laughed in your face and gone back to my book and my beach towel. Fast forward to now, and I’m knee-deep in water in Littlehampton, trying not to get catapulted, grinning like a Cheshire cat, and loving every second of it.

It all started a couple of years ago when I met my boyfriend, Jamie, a pro windsurfer who’s not just stupidly good at all the freestyle tricks in the book, but also sponsored by The Beach. Suddenly, I got launched (quite literally) into this unfamiliar world of windsports – I didn’t even know what upwind and downwind was. I found myself tagging along on trips to all these incredible windy corners of the world – Cape Town, Greece, Egypt – places I would’ve probably just been visiting for their beaches and food. Now, I’m heading there for the wind.

I’d watch Jamie and his pals study the wind forecast every minute of the day, and then drop everything in a heartbeat to get out onto the water. As much as I loved seeing how much they all got from it, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy and frustration. I’m not the kind of person who likes to be sitting on the beach while everyone else is out there doing the cool stuff. I wanted to get stuck in, and that’s when I decided I needed to learn a wind sport.

My boyfriend’s a professional windsurfer – perfect, I thought, he can teach me. But as soon as I started telling people my grand plans to become the next big windsurfer, they all said the same thing: “Don’t bother with windsurfing – try kitesurfing instead. You’ll progress a lot quicker”

Spoiler alert: “quicker” absolutely does not mean “easier.”

Kitesurfing is my first real windsport. I’ve never wakeboarded, flown a kite, or done anything remotely similar, so it’s fair to say I started completely from scratch. The first few sessions felt more like crash courses in how not to get launched by the kite (though honestly, it’s kind of fun). The hardest part was just getting started – I didn’t know a thing, and I had a million questions.

Luckily, I wasn’t doing it alone. Mikey and Emma from The Beach have been amazing – taking me out for one-on-one lessons, cheering me on even when I feel like I look like an idiot, teaching me safely, and most importantly, helping me stay calm when I start to stress out. Mikey pushes me just enough to get out of my comfort zone without sending me into panic mode.

The whole crew have really welcomed me in – they're not just there to rent you gear and wave you on your way; they want to spread their love for the sport and encourage people to give it a go. They’ve helped me figure out exactly what I need as a total beginner: suitable kites for my weight and ability, a big enough board that won’t throw me off at the first gust, and a harness that actually feels comfortable, not like it’s trying to chop me in two. They explain things without making you feel stupid and cheer you on when you finally manage to stand up and ride for more than a few seconds. To me, this is the stuff that makes all the difference, and it’s the reason I want to continue learning.

Kitesurfing’s still a work in progress for me. I’m just getting started, but I’m in it for the long haul, and it’s good knowing The Beach has my back. I love that I’m not just watching from the sidelines anymore, I’m actually out there, and whether I’m wiping out or flying high, at least I’m doing it.

Thanks to The Beach, I’ve gained confidence, a better understanding of the wind (finally!), and have the freedom to make the most of all these breathtaking destinations I’m lucky enough to visit.

So, if you ever find yourself sitting on the beach wondering whether to give kitesurfing a go, do it. It’s hard, yes, and at times frustrating, but if I can go from sun soaker to (semi-functioning) kitesurfer, anyone can. And if you’re anywhere near Littlehampton, The Beach has you covered – they’ll have you flying before you know it. Bonus: it’s also a lovely spot for a post-kite coffee or beer. Find out more about kitesurf lessons at The Beach Watersports here or send us an email at thebeachwatersports@gmail.com

Girls in the sea

Girl flying the kite over the sea

Flying a kite