Kitesurfing and Safe Maneuvers Course
This course helps you enjoy the sea with confidence and control by learning kitesurfing with safety at the center of every stage. It takes you from the fundamentals to more advanced techniques: kite control, body dragging, the waterstart and your first maneuvers, all built on a solid grounding in rules of conduct, weather and risk assessment. The aim is for you to become an autonomous, responsible kitesurfer who can plan a session, manage the equipment and react correctly when something goes wrong.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Kitesurfing and Safe Maneuvers Course?
This short course covers the knowledge a kitesurfer needs to progress safely. You will study how wind, kite, board and rider interact, the basic aerodynamics of the kite and the wind window, types of kites, bars, lines and safety systems, the main risks and the rules of conduct on the beach and in the water; equipment set-up, launching and landing, basic kite control and use of the quick release; riding technique, the waterstart, riding in both directions and power management; and intermediate and advanced maneuvers such as transitions, basic jumps, carving and kite control in demanding conditions.
What sets this course apart: it puts safety first at every step, from checking the equipment to recovering after a loss of control; it explains the physics behind each technique so that you understand why the kite behaves as it does; it teaches you to read wind, gusts, waves and currents before deciding whether and where to ride; it follows a clear progression from ground handling to jumps; and it ends with an integrative project in which you plan, carry out and evaluate a complete kitesurfing session.
Program highlights
- Kite aerodynamics: wind window, power zones, lift and control.
- Risks and rules of conduct: gusts, obstacles, currents, right of way and launch zones.
- Safe equipment set-up, assisted launching and landing and use of the quick release.
- Body position, waterstart, riding in both directions and power management.
- Transitions, basic jumps, carving and recovery after loss of control.
- Integrative project: plan, carry out and evaluate a complete safe session.
Syllabus of the Kitesurfing and Safe Maneuvers Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Foundations of kitesurfing, kite aerodynamics and operational safety basics
- 1.1. The concept of kitesurfing and the relationship between wind, kite, board and rider in generating traction and controlled movement
- 1.2. Basic aerodynamic principles applied to the kite: wind window, power zones, lift and kite control
- 1.3. Types of kites, control bars, lines and safety systems according to wind conditions and the rider's level
- 1.4. Identifying risks in kitesurfing: gusty wind, obstacles, currents, waves, loss of control and collisions
- 1.5. Fundamental safety rules on the beach and in the water: launch zones, minimum distances, right of way and responsible conduct
Equipment preparation, safe set-up and initial kite control on land and in the water
- 2.1. Components of kitesurfing equipment: kite, bar, lines, harness, leash, board and personal protective equipment
- 2.2. Setting up the equipment: inflating, connecting the lines, checking symmetry and inspecting the safety systems
- 2.3. Procedures for assisted kite launching and landing in controlled conditions
- 2.4. Basic kite control in the wind window: positioning, smooth movements and power control
- 2.5. Use of safety systems: quick release, safety leash and depowering the kite in emergencies
Riding technique, traction control and basic maneuvers with a focus on safety
- 3.1. Body position and board control while riding: balance, weight distribution and directional control
- 3.2. Waterstart techniques and controlled starts from the water with correct coordination between kite and board
- 3.3. Riding in both directions: holding a tack, changing direction and keeping a stable line
- 3.4. Managing kite power while riding to avoid overpowering, loss of control or falls
- 3.5. Safe basic maneuvers: simple changes of direction, speed control and recovery after a fall
Intermediate and advanced maneuvers with a focus on safety, kite control and stability in different conditions
- 4.1. Dynamic transitions between tacks: smooth changes of direction with power control and stability
- 4.2. Introduction to basic controlled jumps: preparation, execution and landing with an emphasis on safety
- 4.3. Carving maneuvers and line control in moderate to strong wind
- 4.4. Kite control in demanding conditions: gusty wind, rough sea and pressure changes
- 4.5. Recovery techniques after losing control of the kite or balance during maneuvers
Integrative project: planning, carrying out and evaluating a kitesurfing session with safe maneuvers
- 5.1. Defining the practice scenario: wind conditions, sea state, rider level and technical goals of the session
- 5.2. Full equipment preparation and safety check before going on the water
- 5.3. Designing a progressive riding and maneuver session focused on technical control and operational safety
- 5.4. Carrying out basic and intermediate maneuvers with power control, stability and awareness of the surroundings
- 5.5. Performance evaluation: kite control, execution of maneuvers, safety and decision-making during the session
Duration and format of the Kitesurfing and Safe Maneuvers Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Kitesurfing and Safe Maneuvers Course
Career opportunities after the Kitesurfing and Safe Maneuvers Course
Questions about the Kitesurfing and Safe Maneuvers Course
Safety. Every technique in the course is taught together with the checks, rules and emergency procedures that protect you and the people around you.
The strength and direction of the wind, together with gusts, waves, currents and obstacles. These determine whether conditions are suitable for your level and where it is safe to launch and ride.
The online course gives you the theory, technique analysis, safety procedures and session planning that make learning on the water safer and faster. Practice on the water should always take place with a qualified instructor and suitable equipment.
Not to follow the course. Module 2 explains the components of the equipment and how to choose and set it up, which is useful before buying or renting your own.
No. Navalis teaches the subject, but instructor qualifications are issued by the competent sports bodies after their own training and assessment.
You plan a complete session for a given scenario: conditions, rider level and goals, equipment and safety checks, a progressive sequence of maneuvers and an evaluation of control, safety and decision-making.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7. It comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with the integrative project.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at beginners who want to learn kitesurfing safely, intermediate riders who want to refine their technique, trainee instructors who need a deeper understanding of safety, experienced water sports enthusiasts and adventure travelers; good general fitness, the ability to swim confidently in open water and some experience of wind or water sports such as sailing, windsurfing or surfing are recommended.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a camera, microphone and stable internet connection and an up-to-date browser; for practice on the water, a wetsuit suited to the water temperature, an impact vest, sun protection and a medical check confirming fitness for sport are recommended.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.