When choosing a kite course, one of the first questions is: do I want private lessons, or do I share an instructor with another student? Both options have their advantages and it depends on what exactly you’re looking for. Let’s break it down.
How It Works at Our School
We offer two formats:
Semi-private — maximum 2 students per instructor sharing one kite. Price: from 465 € for the 8-hour Basic I course.
Private — 1 student, 1 instructor, 1 kite. Price: from 695 € for the 8-hour Basic I course.
Important: “semi-private” with us does not mean a group of ten people with one instructor. It’s a maximum of two people, and they must be of similar weight (so they can share the same kite). If we don’t have a suitable partner, you go alone — at the semi-private price.
Semi-Private: Advantages
Price — roughly 230 € less than private. For 8 hours of instruction, that’s a noticeable difference, especially if you’re planning a longer course.
Rest — while your partner is riding, you’re resting. Kitesurfing is physically demanding and those little breaks between rides help. You can watch your partner, learn from their mistakes (that sounds harsh but it’s very effective), and recharge for the next round.
Social aspect — learning with someone is simply more fun. You share experiences, challenge each other, and laugh at your own falls. Many people find a kite buddy during the course for the rest of their stay.
Walkie-talkie — even in semi-private format you have a walkie-talkie on your helmet. The instructor gives you real-time guidance even while keeping an eye on your partner. So you don’t get much less feedback than in a private lesson.
Semi-Private: Disadvantages
Less time on the water — you share the kite with another student. In practice, this means that in a 1.5-hour lesson you get about 45 minutes of actual water time. In a private lesson, you get the full 90 minutes.
Pace adjusts — if your partner is slower (or faster), the instructor has to find a compromise. Usually this isn’t a problem because we match students by level, but occasionally one person is a step ahead.
Depends on the partner — if your partner doesn’t show up (illness, hangover, change of plans), it’s just you in the lesson. That’s actually an advantage — private lesson at semi-private price. But you can’t count on it.
Private: Advantages
100% instructor attention — the entire session, the instructor focuses solely on you. Every fall, every attempt, every detail. Nothing escapes them.
Double the water time — the full 90 minutes of each session, you’re on the water. That’s 3 hours of actual water time per day, compared to roughly 1.5 hours in semi-private.
Faster progression — more water time + more attention = faster learning. People in private courses typically reach upwind riding a day earlier.
Your pace — the instructor adapts exactly to you. Need more time on bodydrag? No problem. Want to practise waterstart for the entire session? Let’s go.
Flexibility — easier to schedule lesson times because we don’t need to coordinate two students.
Private: Disadvantages
Price — 695 € vs. 465 €. That’s not a negligible difference.
Intensity — 90 minutes without a break is exhausting. In semi-private you get natural pauses; in private you’re going the whole time. Some people find it more tiring than expected, and the second session of the day becomes less productive.
No comparison partner — you can’t watch someone else do it. Learning by observation is an underrated but effective method.
When to Choose Semi-Private
- You’re on a tighter budget and want quality instruction at a reasonable price
- You’re coming with a partner/friend of similar weight — a perfect combination
- You enjoy the company and social side of learning
- You have time — planning 5+ days, so slower progression doesn’t bother you
- You’re less physically fit and appreciate the natural breaks
When to Choose Private
- You want maximum efficiency — you have limited time (3–4 days) and want to learn as much as possible
- You prefer an individual approach without compromises
- You’re of atypical weight (very light or very heavy) — harder to find a suitable partner for semi-private
- You’re returning after a break (refresh) and want to get back into shape quickly
- You’re travelling solo and don’t want to depend on finding a suitable partner
What Both Have in Common
Whichever format you choose, you always get:
- IKO certified instructor — a professional, not a summer temp
- Walkie-talkie communication — instant feedback on the water
- Complete equipment — Flysurfer Indie kite (ideal for instruction), board, harness, helmet, vest
- Free IKO certification — after completing the course
- Rescue boat on the water — all day
- Equipment insurance — during lessons
Instruction follows the same IKO methodology, with the same instructors, at the same spot. The difference is in the level of personal attention and time on the water.
What About Groups of Advanced Riders?
Everything above applies to beginners — people who are still learning to control the kite. But once you can ride upwind and are independent, the rules change.
According to IKO standards, a higher-level instructor (Level 2+) can manage 2 kites and 4 students at once — if all of them can ride upwind. And a Level 3+ instructor with an assistant can handle 3–4 kites and 6–8 students, each on their own kite.
In practice, this means we offer kite camps and group coaching for advanced riders, where every participant has their own kite and the instructor coordinates the entire group. It’s a completely different format than beginner courses — more people, more action, more fun. And significantly more affordable per person.
Kite camps are ideal for groups of friends who want to ride together, improve, and soak up the atmosphere at the spot.
Refresh Courses — Same Choice
For refresh courses (for those returning after a break), you also have both options:
- Refresh 3h — from 175 €
- Refresh 6h — from 395 €
Both available in semi-private or private. For a refresh, we usually recommend private — you need as much water time as possible to get the technique back.
My Tip
If you’re coming as a couple or with a friend of similar weight and you have 5+ days — semi-private. You’ll save money, have fun together, and learn just fine.
If you’re coming solo, have 3–4 days, and want maximum results — private. You’ll pay more, but the extra water time and individual attention will show.
And if you’re really not sure, write us via contact — we’ll advise you based on your situation. A full overview of courses and prices on our kite courses page.