Teaching and Learning

Kitesports method of teaching is based on mastery learning. Techniques are broken down into sequential levels and competence at each level is required before introduction to the next stage (no time restrictions). This format encourages confidence and promotes safety as students gain skills and experience in measured stages.

Kitesports

Level 1
Introductory Lesson

  • Demonstrate with student basic kite control moves.
  • Explain what they will feel and demonstrate arm movements for control
  • Introduce handles, hand placement using demonstration with mainline pressure
  • Relax, hands together, hang from the handles
  • Rehearse kite control with arm movements

Launch the kite

  • Stand behind the person, assist with launching.
  • Go through the basic moves; left/right, figure eights, parallel.
  • As students gain control they should demonstrate precision in turning.

Independent Control

  • Self launch, 360º, stall/land and safety procedure; let go
  • Assessment of student’s skill/ability. Identify and correct.
  • Check students ability to respond to instruction

Time to practice

  • Unpack/pack the kite demonstrations x3
  • 1st  instructor,    2nd assist,    3rd independent unsupervised
  • Supervised self launch
  • Revise day 1 objectives
  • As skills improve introduce break turning

Equipment Used:

  • 1.5 to 3m foils with safety.

 

Level 2 (choice of Power or Speed/Direction Lesson)

Power Lesson

  • Control of the Power
  • Increase kite size to max. 3m
  • pack up; line management, kite maintenance
  •  Q&A session

Equipment Used:

  • 1.5 to 3m foils with safety, if conditions allow, student should be encouraged to fly largest foil as possible i.e. Up to 5m, 4 line foils (confidence building).

Reading the Conditions

  • check and explain conditions
  • encourage student’s input and participate in reading the conditions and approximate safe flying conditions

Development of Power Control Skills

  • Choose a kite and launch unassisted
  • Introduce harness and bar
  • Sand dragging and body drag, small brake jumps
  • Play
  • Total independent pack up

Equipment Used:
1.5 to 3m foils with safety, if conditions allow, student should be encouraged to fly largest foil as possible i.e. Up to 10.5m 4 line foil (for confidence building).

Speed/Direction Lesson
Once you have mastered the use of your kite and are able to adapt it to the wind conditions you are ready to get on a mountain board.  The use of a mountain board will give you an idea of how to use your kite for sideways movement. Introduce Mountain Board (no foot straps). Point the board down wind, stand on the board and fly the kite. As you move instructor will assist verbally on how to gain speed and direction. 

  • Once you have launched your kite maintain the kite at the zenith and step onto your board. Once you have launched your kite maintain the kite at the zenith and step onto your board.
  • Start sweeping your kite in the direction you wish to go but only in a half figure eight motion.
  • To slow the kite down or to stop at any time simply bring the kite back up to the zenith slowly and you will slow down and come to a stop.
  • To change direction take the kite in the direction you want to go and continue with the half figure eights.
  • Always maintain an awareness of your environment and of any possible hazards, be extra careful of bystanders. 

With greater independence and confidence introduce buggy.
Interchange mountain board and buggy with larger kites up to 3m.
Introduce small depowerable kites up to 6m.

Reinforce above objectives, build confidence with practice, encourage independent learning.
Pack up and debrief – reaffirm, assess, encourage self confidence.

 

Equipment Used:

  • 1.5 to 3m foils with safety, (if conditions allow, student should be encouraged to fly largest foil as possible i.e. Up to 10.5m 4 line foil or depowerable kites for confidence building).
  • Mountain board
  • Wide axle buggy
  • Helmet and body protection.

 

Level 3

Water Lesson (optional)

Warm Up

  • On the beach, fly small kite for, then increase kite to max. 5m. body drag, sand drag. (for skill and confidence building)

Get Moving on the Water

  • I

Theory Lesson
-         setup of water kites specific to kite requirements including safe kite handling and management, site choice, conditions and weather

Practical Lesson

  • Deep water start, stabilizing techniques, self launch, self land, self rescue, emergency procedure
  • Board recovery, body drag upwind,
  • Choice of equipment, familiarize with all relevant equipment including harness, impact vest, boards, bars etc.

Equipment Used:

  • Skim board with foot straps.
  • Small 4 line foils

Kitesurfing; dependant on customer preference and apply appropriate techniques for specific equipment.
It is highly recommended that each stage be mastered before commencement of the next stage, which will require lots of time and practice.

 

Skatesports
Skatesports introduces new, safe and fun ways for people to get active. Our activities are designed for all ages to enjoy but we do appeal to youth and promote healthy lifestyle for young people. Based on sequential learning, our products can be utilised by children as young as three and yet still challenge sports “experts”. All safety gear is provided for users including helmet and safety pads.

 

The board lessons  

Starts with the new 4wheeled street surfer, this board is extremely easy to master it will not take more than 15min to be able to ride with confidence.
After one hour of riding the supervised lesson is over.

Second lesson : Warm up on the 4 wheeled board for 15min then move to the 2 wheeled version. Student will need support, but within a very short time they are on there way with confidence. 1 hour supervised and 1 hour unsupervised practice.

Third lesson : Warm up 4 wheeled board for 5 min then the 2 wheeled board for 5min then we can introduce the Xliders. With the connecting band on and with support the student is instructed how to maneuver. This is a much more difficult board to master so once shown how to step off the board the student has supervised instruction for 1 hour and 1 hour unsupervised if possible. It is recommended about a week of practice 2 hours a day.

Fourth lesson:  Warm up on the Xliders. Introduce the Freeline skates. With support the student is shown the dynamics and similarities to the Xliders and with practice the student will understand the principals within 1 hour.  1 hour of instruction only and support is recommended because Freelines sap loads of energy and fatigue increases risk of injury dramatically.