You’ve decided you want to learn kitesurfing. Great. Now comes the harder part — choosing a school that will actually teach you safely, effectively, and without unnecessary stress. And this is where many people get stuck, because at first glance, all kite schools look similar. Beautiful photos, smiling instructors, “the best spot in the world.”
But there are huge differences between schools. And some of them you only discover when it’s too late — you’re standing on the beach with five other people, sharing one kite, and the instructor is shouting something from shore that you can’t hear.
That’s why we’ve prepared eight questions you should ask any kite school before you pay anything. They’re not trick questions. They’re simple. And the answers will tell you more than any advertising copy.
1. Is the School IKO or VDWS Certified?
This is the very first thing you should find out. IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) and VDWS (Verband Deutscher Wassersport Schulen) are the two main international organizations that certify kite schools and instructors.
What does that mean in practice?
- Standardized teaching — instructors have gone through rigorous training and must follow proven methods.
- Globally recognized certification — when you complete a course at an IKO school, your IKO card is valid anywhere in the world. You arrive in another country, show the card, and they immediately know your level.
- Insurance — certified schools typically must carry liability insurance, which protects you too.
- Regular inspections — IKO schools undergo audits and must meet current safety standards.
If a school isn’t certified, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s bad. But you have no guarantee. It’s like going to a dentist without a license — they might be skilled, but why take the risk?
Tip: Ask what level of certification the instructors have. In the IKO system, there are different levels — from Assistant to Head Instructor. The higher the level, the more experience and authority the instructor has.
2. How Many Students Share One Kite?
This might be the most important question you can ask. And the answer at many schools will surprise you.
According to IKO rules, a maximum of two beginners should be on one kite at a time. One rides, the other rests and watches. That means each of you gets real time with the kite during the lesson — not waiting an hour in line.
Unfortunately, many schools don’t follow this. We’ve seen schools where six people rotated on one kite. That means from a two-hour lesson, you actually had the kite in your hands for twenty minutes. At full price.
What to ask:
- How many students per kite?
- How many kites does the school have for instruction?
- How many instructors per student?
For more advanced students (IKO Level 2+), the situation is different — an instructor can lead a group of 4–8 people because everyone has their own kite and rides independently. But for complete beginners: two per kite, no more.
3. What Equipment Does the School Use and How Old Is It?
Kite equipment evolves incredibly fast. Kites that are five years old are like an antenna TV compared to a smart TV versus new models. New kites are safer, more stable, easier to control, and respond better to safety systems.
Equipment questions:
- What brand of kites do you use?
- How often do you replace equipment?
- How many kites do you have in different sizes?
- Do you track flight hours for individual kites?
Fleet size also tells you a lot. If the school only has a few kites in three sizes, you’ll probably be flying a kite that isn’t ideal for the current wind. A good school has a wide range of sizes to always give you a kite that matches the conditions and your weight.
Our fleet includes over 250 Flysurfer kites ranging from 2.5 to 21 m² and over 70 boards. Each kite has logged flight hours and is regularly rotated. That’s not bragging — it’s the standard you should expect from a school.
4. Do You Use Walkie-Talkie Coaching?
Imagine you’re in the water, 50 meters from shore, kite above your head, and the instructor wants to tell you something. Without walkie-talkie, they have two options: either shout at you (and you can’t hear), or wait until you come back to shore (and meanwhile you make the same mistake fifty times).
With a walkie-talkie system, you get instant feedback right on the water. “Pull your right hand down.” “Keep your body further back.” “Now! Stand up!” That’s a huge difference in learning speed.
Not all schools offer this because it requires investment in equipment and also places higher demands on instructors. But if you have a choice, always go with the school that has walkie-talkie.
5. Do You Have a Rescue Boat? And When Does It Run?
Water safety isn’t just about wearing a vest. A rescue boat is essential, especially if you’re learning in places where the wind can carry you away from shore.
Key question: Is the rescue boat available all day, or only during lessons?
Some schools have a boat only for students and only during teaching hours. But what if you rent equipment from the rental in the afternoon and get into trouble? Or what if you go back on the water after your lesson on your own?
A good school has a rescue boat available throughout operating hours — for students and for independent riders alike.
6. What’s Included in the Course Price?
This is a classic trap. The price looks great, but then you find out it doesn’t include:
- Equipment (you have to pay for rental separately)
- Certification (IKO card costs extra)
- Insurance
- Rescue boat
- Wetsuit or lycra
Ask for a complete breakdown:
- Is all equipment included?
- Is certification included?
- Are there any hidden fees?
A transparent price list is a sign of a serious school. For example, our Basic I course for 8 hours of instruction (€465 semi-private / €695 private) includes complete equipment, walkie-talkie coaching, rescue boat, and free IKO certification. VDWS certification is available for an additional €40 if you want it.
7. What Languages Do Your Instructors Speak?
It might seem like a minor detail, but it’s not. When the instructor is explaining safety procedures or giving you instructions on the water, you need to understand them. Kitesurfing has its own specific terminology, and explaining the correct body movement in your native language is incomparably more effective.
The more languages a school covers, the more professionally it approaches instruction and the broader clientele it serves. This usually correlates with overall quality.
During peak season, we have a team of up to 25 instructors who collectively speak seven languages. In the quieter season, it’s 8–10 instructors, but the language coverage remains broad.
8. How Many Instructors Do You Have in Season?
This question tells you a lot about the size and stability of a school. A small school with two instructors will have trouble covering peak season. A large school with dozens of instructors who come back year after year is a sign that it’s a good place to work — and to learn.
Also ask about turnover. Do instructors return from previous seasons? That’s a good indicator — if instructors come back, it means the school takes care of them and they’re happy. And a happy instructor = better teaching.
Our returning customer rate is 80–90%. That’s not a coincidence — it’s the result of twenty years of building a school that has been operating since 2004, with the northern position in El Gouna since 2016.
Bonus: Check Reviews — But Read Between the Lines
Reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, or in Facebook groups are useful, but take them with a grain of salt. Look for specific mentions of teaching quality, equipment, and safety. Generic “it was great” doesn’t tell you much. But “the instructor spoke my language, I had a walkie-talkie, and after three days I was riding” — that’s real information.
Also check the reviews directly on the school’s website. A serious school doesn’t hide behind its reviews.
Now You Know What to Ask
Eight questions. None of them is tricky or rude. Every good kite school will answer them gladly and openly. If a school avoids answering or reacts irritably — that’s your answer.
And if you’re wondering about our answers? You just read them.
Have more questions? Get in touch — we’re happy to answer anything you’re curious about. Or go ahead and book a course and come see for yourself.