In twenty years in El Gouna, we’ve answered thousands of questions. And you know what? Most of them come up again and again. So here are answers to the ten most common questions we receive — honest and without unnecessary marketing fluff.
1. Which Course Is Right for My Level?
This is question number one. And the answer depends on where exactly you are.
Complete beginner — you’ve never stood on a kite board: Start with the Basic I course. It’s 8 hours of instruction covering everything from the basics — theory, kite control on the beach, bodydrag in the water, and finally your first attempts on the board. Price is €465 semi-private (2 students per kite) or €695 private (1 on 1).
Beginner with some experience — you’ve tried it but don’t ride yet: It depends on what exactly you can do. Write to us and describe your experience. You might need an Advanced course instead of Basic.
Advanced — you ride but want to improve: We have Advanced courses and open hours with an instructor.
Independent rider — you just want to ride: You don’t need a course, just a Kitepass or the rental with IKO Level 3.
Not sure? Write us a description of your level and we’ll recommend exactly what you need. We don’t want to sell you a course you don’t need.
2. Can a Couple Share One Course?
We get this mainly from couples on holiday. The answer: yes, but only if you have a similar weight. Why? Because kite size depends on the rider’s weight. If you weigh 60 kg and your partner 90 kg, you need completely different kites, and the instructor can’t effectively teach both at the same time on different kites.
If you have a similar weight (difference up to about 10-15 kg), a semi-private course works great. You take turns on the water, one rests and watches the other learn — and that’s actually quite valuable because you see mistakes you can’t spot on yourself.
3. Do You Have a German-Speaking Instructor?
Yes, we do. But — and this is important — capacity is limited. German-speaking countries make up over 50% of our guests (Germany 37%, Austria, Switzerland…), so the demand for German-speaking instructors is enormous.
If you want German instruction, book as early as possible. During peak season, that means weeks or months ahead. English is always available.
More about this topic in our article about German-speaking instructors.
4. How Do I Get From the Airport?
You fly into Hurghada (HRG) — that’s the nearest airport. El Gouna is about 30 minutes’ drive north. We offer airport transfer for €35-40 per person. We recommend booking in advance so someone is waiting for you right after you land.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi, but agree on the price beforehand. Or you can book a transfer through your hotel.
5. Do I Need an IKO Certificate to Rent?
Yes. To rent kite equipment you need at least IKO Level 3. We also accept other certifications (VDWS etc.), but you must prove you can ride independently and safely.
Good news: if you complete a course with us, you get IKO certification free as part of your training. It’s valid worldwide and for life.
6. What Should I Bring?
Minimum — and we mean it. If you’re renting equipment:
- Swimwear and towel — obvious
- Sunscreen with high SPF — the Egyptian sun is strong, even under clouds
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Light windbreaker — for winter months on the water
- Shorty wetsuit — for January-March, but you can also rent from us
- Water shoes — the bottom is sandy, but some people prefer them
What you don’t need: kite equipment (if renting), harness (we have them), lycra (we have them).
7. Where Should I Stay?
El Gouna offers accommodation from backpacker to luxury. A few tips:
- Budget: Airbnb in El Gouna, hostels, simple hotels. From about €15-25/night.
- Mid-range: 3-4* hotels, apartments with kitchens. €40-80/night.
- Luxury: 5* resorts right by the sea. €100+/night.
Our spot is in the north of El Gouna. The most convenient is to stay nearby — Downtown, Abu Tig Marina, or the northern part of town. You can get from the center to the spot by tuktuk for a few bucks.
Accommodation isn’t included in course prices, but we’re happy to advise. Write us via contact.
8. Is Winter Good for Beginners?
Absolutely yes. And in many ways, winter is actually better for beginners than peak season.
Why:
- Fewer people on the water — more space for learning, less stress
- Stable wind — January to March offers consistent conditions
- Lower accommodation prices — especially January and February
- More instructor attention — in off-season we have 8-10 instructors instead of 25
The only downside: it’s cooler. Air around 20-22°C, water similar. You need a shorty wetsuit. But on the water, when the wind blows and you’re riding, it doesn’t matter at all.
9. Can I Store My Equipment With You?
Yes. We offer short-term and long-term storage. From €13/day to €900/year. Many of our regular guests (and our return rate is 80-90%) leave their equipment here year-round.
Details are in our article about Kitepass and storage.
10. Should I Book in Advance or On Site?
In advance. Here’s why:
During peak season (October-April) we’re fully booked. Especially if you want:
- A specific date
- A German-speaking instructor
- A private course
- Rental during peak season
On site, you might have to wait a day or two for a slot to open up. And with instructors in a specific language, it could be even longer.
In off-season (May-September), it’s more flexible, but even then we recommend at least a week ahead. At minimum so we know you’re coming and have everything prepared for you.
Book your spot online — it’s quick and you’ll know right away that you have a place.
Bonus Question: Is It Safe?
We don’t get this one directly that often, but we know many people think about it. So:
El Gouna is one of the safest places in Egypt. It’s an enclosed town with its own administration, security service, and European-level infrastructure. You feel safe on the streets day and night.
As for kitesurfing — our spot offers:
- Shallow lagoon with sandy bottom (2-3 km)
- Rescue boat on the water at all times
- Walkie-talkie communication between instructor and student (during courses)
- Unlimited upwind — you can’t get carried away because you ride into the wind
We’ve been here since 2004 and we take safety seriously. That’s not a phrase — it’s the foundation of what we do.
Have Another Question?
This was the top 10, but of course we’ll answer anything else. Write to us via the contact page or directly by email. Lukas and Andrea respond personally and usually within a few hours.
And if you’ve found your answers and know what you want, book your dates and we’ll see you on the water.