Get Back into Kitesurfing After the Winter

There’s something truly special about those first days back on the water after winter.

No matter how much you’ve done to prepare your body over the winter, you’ll wake up sore everywhere!

There’s something truly special about that first session without a hood, boots, and gloves. And yes, it feels pretty crazy riding with boots in the summer too ;-)

Feeling the water spray, the wind on your skin, and the sound of gliding across the surface. A sense of freedom and presence. Connected with the forces of nature – that’s kitesurfing.

At the same time, you might notice that your body and mind aren’t quite in sync with the elements yet.

Don’t expect it to feel exactly the same as when you ended the season in autumn.

Don't get fustrated

Even if you’ve been kitesurfing for years, or maybe just learned last season, those first sessions of the new season can feel a bit off.

Maybe the kite doesn’t respond quite the way you want it to. Maybe riding upwind feels harder than you remember. Or your body gets tired quickly, even after a short session. You might even find yourself out of breath. That’s completely normal.

Instead of getting frustrated, it can help to see it as an opportunity to relearn. A chance to return to the basics and rebuild with a stronger foundation and a deeper understanding of the sport – the weather and your equipment.

Small mistakes you might be making on the water

Maybe you’re riding too tense, pulling your shoulders up toward your ears. You might be overusing your arms, pulling too much instead of letting them guide the kite while the power comes through your harness.

It could also be that you’ve forgotten your stance, and the board doesn’t cut smoothly through the water. Or maybe you’re trying – and expecting – to land the same tricks as before. Jumps, grabs, and rotations.

It’s important to rebuild your foundation to avoid injuries and have a better overall experience.

What to do before your session?

Always remember to check your gear before heading back out on the water. Make sure there are no knots in your lines and that they’re not too worn. Check your kite for any damage, including the bladder and valve. Look over your bridles and straps as well.

Visualize – or look at an image of – the wind window and make sure you understand it. Take time to read and understand the forecast. Think through your session: how you’ll launch your kite, walk into the water, and get your board on. How will you steer the kite to get up and riding? What will you do once you’re up? And if something goes wrong – what’s your plan?

Make sure your quick release is working, and that you know how to reassemble it. Practice your self-rescue.

Thinking through these things before your session will give you a sense of calm and confidence on the water.

Kitesurfing is not only physical and technical – it’s also mental. But often, theory and safety get overlooked. Do yourself a favor and stay on top of it. Don’t stay out too long – getting cold and tired makes everything harder, including getting back to shore.

Prepare your body by creating warmth and movement before you go out. Do a few squats, jumps, and upper body rotations. Practice yoga, pilates, or strength training to build a strong core, legs, and arms for better sessions on the water. A short stretch or yoga session after your ride will also help your body recover faster and get you ready for the next session.

I wish you a great season on the water, filled with fun and memorable moments both on the water and on the beach. Maybe I’ll see you out there – or at one of my kitesurfing camps with an amazing community!