Learning kitesurf in Brazil
There
are many
kitesurf schools in Brazil in very different locations and after you
decide which part of the country you are going to, it's time to choose
a good and experienced instructor.
After two years teaching over 200 students here are some of my advices for persons interested in learning how to kitesurf safely and efficiently:
- First of all: if your portuguese is not that good, and you are not sure that you will understand everything your instructor is saying, please have lessons with someone who speaks your language. Kitesurf can be dangerous depending on where and how you practice it, and it is very important that you understand everything your instructor is saying.
- Choose an experienced instructor: Many kitesurf schools are hiring people without experience to teach kitesurfing. These people are able to show you how to fly a kite, but when it comes the time to teach you how to control speed, go upwind, deal with waves, advanced manouvers etc, they will not be able to help you, as they cannot teach something that they don't know how to do. Be aware that IKO assistants are not capable and have no authorization from IKO to give you a complete course. The instructor should be a full time professional, not someone earning some extra money on the holidays. Be sure that he or she is present at the school they own or manage.
- Choose a safe and easy spot to learn: you are looking for a place with shallow water, with small or no waves, with wind preferably under 18 knots, no people at the beach (lagoon), no kitesurfers on the learning area, a safe spot to drift to, among others things.
- Many people choose their instructors by the internet, remember that a good webmaster is not a good kitesurf instructor, try to know before hand, who is going to teach you. Is this person experienced? Does he or she speaks your language? Can he kitesurf at all??? Are you going to have individual lessons?
Good Luck or... Welcome to Buzios Kitesurf School.
Eduardo
Graf - info@kitenews.com.br
(Eduardo is involved with kitesurf since 2001 as the editor of kitenews.com.br,
is an IKO instructor level 2, speaks english fluently and is responsible
for Buzios Kitesurf School).
