* What is Freeriders Kiteboarding?
* Kiteboarding or Kitesurfing?
* Why do I need lessons in Kiteboarding?
* Can I learn?
* Is Kiteboarding safe?
* When are Courses run?
* How do I book a course?
* Where will I be taught?
* What happens if I want to cancel a lesson?
* How many other people will there be on my course?
* What level will I reach at the end of the course?
* How do I know if my instructor is fully qualified to teach?
* Why learn with an IKO qualified Instructor?
* What personal information do Freeriders need to know in order to book me in for a course & why?
* What do I need to bring for my course?
* Should I buy my equipment before taking the lesson?
* How do I cancel a course I've booked?
* How do I get further information?
* Kiteboarding or Kitesurfing?
* Why do I need lessons in Kiteboarding?
* Can I learn?
* Is Kiteboarding safe?
* When are Courses run?
* How do I book a course?
* Where will I be taught?
* What happens if I want to cancel a lesson?
* How many other people will there be on my course?
* What level will I reach at the end of the course?
* How do I know if my instructor is fully qualified to teach?
* Why learn with an IKO qualified Instructor?
* What personal information do Freeriders need to know in order to book me in for a course & why?
* What do I need to bring for my course?
* Should I buy my equipment before taking the lesson?
* How do I cancel a course I've booked?
* How do I get further information?
* What is Freeriders Kiteboarding?
Freeriding is a term used in Kiteboarding/Kitesurfing. It applies to a rider who just wants to cruise, kick back and enjoy the ride... no pressure, no restrictions... just freeride.
Freeriders Kiteboarding teaches Kitesurfing on the Sunshine Coast Queensland and is run by two kiting fanatics, click on this link for more info.
Freeriding is a term used in Kiteboarding/Kitesurfing. It applies to a rider who just wants to cruise, kick back and enjoy the ride... no pressure, no restrictions... just freeride.
Freeriders Kiteboarding teaches Kitesurfing on the Sunshine Coast Queensland and is run by two kiting fanatics, click on this link for more info.
* Kiteboarding or Kitesurfing?
It's a debate that pops up whenever the lack of wind pushes us over the edge. Technically Kiteboarding is on flat water. You are attached to a kite and a 'wake style' board, the kite is used to harness the wind and generate momentum.
Kitesurfing is.. well.. just that... the same, but incorporating wave riding.
But hey... who really cares... give us either we say!
It's a debate that pops up whenever the lack of wind pushes us over the edge. Technically Kiteboarding is on flat water. You are attached to a kite and a 'wake style' board, the kite is used to harness the wind and generate momentum.
Kitesurfing is.. well.. just that... the same, but incorporating wave riding.
But hey... who really cares... give us either we say!
* Why do I need lessons in Kiteboarding?
Kiteboarding is an extreme sport and can therefore be very dangerous if you don't follow and respect the basic techniques & safety rules that are taught by a qualified instructor. A Kiteboarding course, run by a qualified instructor, will greatly increase your rate of learning. Being taught by an unqualified person can also be dangerous. The equipment for powerkiting and kiteboarding is also very expensive and can easily be damaged while you are learning - this is a major advantage of learning kiteboarding with an instructor who will provide all the equipment during the course.
Kiteboarding is an extreme sport and can therefore be very dangerous if you don't follow and respect the basic techniques & safety rules that are taught by a qualified instructor. A Kiteboarding course, run by a qualified instructor, will greatly increase your rate of learning. Being taught by an unqualified person can also be dangerous. The equipment for powerkiting and kiteboarding is also very expensive and can easily be damaged while you are learning - this is a major advantage of learning kiteboarding with an instructor who will provide all the equipment during the course.
* Can I learn?
Yes! Yes! Yes!
It's all about commitment. We've ridden with and taught all kinds of people. The defining characteristic is that they want to learn and enjoy the process.
Kiteboarding is not hard on your arms and doesn't need alot of strength ( which is the common perception).
It may take you awhile to build up the stamina to Kiteboard for extended periods of time, but that will happen naturally as you progress. Kiteboarding is a fantastic aerobic excercise and low impact on your joints.
If you want to jump 30 feet it may be a different story... most riders just want to cruise... and why not?
For the kitesurfing courses you must be 18 years or over. If you are under 18 years old we will of course love to teach you, however you must be supervised by a guardian at all times.
You should also be able to swim at least 200 metres.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
It's all about commitment. We've ridden with and taught all kinds of people. The defining characteristic is that they want to learn and enjoy the process.
Kiteboarding is not hard on your arms and doesn't need alot of strength ( which is the common perception).
It may take you awhile to build up the stamina to Kiteboard for extended periods of time, but that will happen naturally as you progress. Kiteboarding is a fantastic aerobic excercise and low impact on your joints.
If you want to jump 30 feet it may be a different story... most riders just want to cruise... and why not?
For the kitesurfing courses you must be 18 years or over. If you are under 18 years old we will of course love to teach you, however you must be supervised by a guardian at all times.
You should also be able to swim at least 200 metres.
* Is Kiteboarding safe?
Kiteboarding is an extreme sport, disrespect the forces involved and it can hurt you. The scary stuff aside; since the end of 2005 the industry saw the arrival of a new design in kites, the Bow/SLE (Supported Leading Edge) this gave the pilot the abillity to depower the kite immediately by letting go. Before these kites this was not possible and made an 'out of control' kite a very dangerous prospect. It's an exciting time for kiteboarding, advances in technology such as the Bow/SLE Kite now make this sport accesible to almost anyone willing to learn.Freeriders teach only with Bow Kites.
Kiteboarding is an extreme sport, disrespect the forces involved and it can hurt you. The scary stuff aside; since the end of 2005 the industry saw the arrival of a new design in kites, the Bow/SLE (Supported Leading Edge) this gave the pilot the abillity to depower the kite immediately by letting go. Before these kites this was not possible and made an 'out of control' kite a very dangerous prospect. It's an exciting time for kiteboarding, advances in technology such as the Bow/SLE Kite now make this sport accesible to almost anyone willing to learn.Freeriders teach only with Bow Kites.
* When are Courses run?
Kiteboarding courses are run from all year round, 7 days a week.
Lesson times are mostly between 10am and 5pm but can vary according to season & tide times.
Please be aware that all courses are weather dependent.
Kiteboarding courses are run from all year round, 7 days a week.
Lesson times are mostly between 10am and 5pm but can vary according to season & tide times.
Please be aware that all courses are weather dependent.
* How do I book a course?
To book a course with Freeriders simply fill in the on-line booking form and we will respond within a day or call (0448 689209) and we can discuss the best approach for you.
We can then find a suitable date and process payment. You will be required to complete a waiver form on the day of the lesson. This form also outlines the booking conditions of the course.
Full payment for the course will be required prior to the course start date.
A booking form can be downloaded by clicking HERE
To book a course with Freeriders simply fill in the on-line booking form and we will respond within a day or call (0448 689209) and we can discuss the best approach for you.
We can then find a suitable date and process payment. You will be required to complete a waiver form on the day of the lesson. This form also outlines the booking conditions of the course.
Full payment for the course will be required prior to the course start date.
A booking form can be downloaded by clicking HERE
* Where will I be taught?
The location in which the course is run is very much dependant on the weather, particularly wind direction and tide state for that day. Possible locations are: Cotton Tree, Maroochy Rivermouth, Lake Weyba and Caloundra.
The instructor will update all students on the location & weather conditions on the morning of the course. We cannot update any earlier as weather forecasts can change dramatically on a day to day basis. Wherever possible, lessons will be planned to suit the students. but students must be aware that we are at the mercy of the elements, winds can be unpredictable...WELCOME TO KITEBOARDING!!.
The location in which the course is run is very much dependant on the weather, particularly wind direction and tide state for that day. Possible locations are: Cotton Tree, Maroochy Rivermouth, Lake Weyba and Caloundra.
The instructor will update all students on the location & weather conditions on the morning of the course. We cannot update any earlier as weather forecasts can change dramatically on a day to day basis. Wherever possible, lessons will be planned to suit the students. but students must be aware that we are at the mercy of the elements, winds can be unpredictable...WELCOME TO KITEBOARDING!!.
* What happens if I want to cancel a lesson?
Freeriders will monitor the weather conditions prior to the course date. If the lesson is postponed due to weather conditions, the payment will then apply to the new lesson time agreed between the student and instructor. Suitability of the weather for kitesurfing lessons is decided by the instructor. If an alternative date cannot be organised for the immediate future a voucher (valid for the remaining season) will be issued which a student can use to complete the course or pass on to a friend.
There is a 7 Day cooling off period from the time of booking. Cancellations made in this time will receive a full refund (minus transaction fees). No refund will be available for cancellations after this time and the voucher system will be employed.
Learning kiteboarding takes commitment, students must be aware that we are at the mercy of the elements, winds can be unpredictable...WELCOME TO KITEBOARDING!!.
Freeriders will monitor the weather conditions prior to the course date. If the lesson is postponed due to weather conditions, the payment will then apply to the new lesson time agreed between the student and instructor. Suitability of the weather for kitesurfing lessons is decided by the instructor. If an alternative date cannot be organised for the immediate future a voucher (valid for the remaining season) will be issued which a student can use to complete the course or pass on to a friend.
There is a 7 Day cooling off period from the time of booking. Cancellations made in this time will receive a full refund (minus transaction fees). No refund will be available for cancellations after this time and the voucher system will be employed.
Learning kiteboarding takes commitment, students must be aware that we are at the mercy of the elements, winds can be unpredictable...WELCOME TO KITEBOARDING!!.
* How many other people will there be on my course?
Our Kiteboarding courses conducted one on one unless two people wish to learn together see the special rates for two people.
Our Kiteboarding courses conducted one on one unless two people wish to learn together see the special rates for two people.
* What level will I reach at the end of the course?
The levels reached will vary according to the ability of each student. The courses follow the IKO syllabus and card reward scheme whereby each student will receive an IKO card which indicates the level they have reached. We aim to give students a taste of getting up on the board, if you are serious about taking up Kiteboarding we recommend a minimum of 4 hours of lessons .
Everyone is different, it depends on previous board sport experience, kite flying, fitness & above all... the right attitude... SET OUT TO ENJOY YOURSELF!
The levels reached will vary according to the ability of each student. The courses follow the IKO syllabus and card reward scheme whereby each student will receive an IKO card which indicates the level they have reached. We aim to give students a taste of getting up on the board, if you are serious about taking up Kiteboarding we recommend a minimum of 4 hours of lessons .
Everyone is different, it depends on previous board sport experience, kite flying, fitness & above all... the right attitude... SET OUT TO ENJOY YOURSELF!
* How do I know if my instructor is fully qualified to teach?
You can find all IKO qualified Instructors by clicking HERE.
You can find all IKO qualified Instructors by clicking HERE.
* Why learn with an IKO qualified Instructor?
The courses are IKO standardized, this means that instructors in over 22 countries use the same methods which are internationally recognized and proven. The organization is mostly concerned with the safety and safe practises of students, the affiliated instructors follow the norms and standards rigorously set by IKO.
When you finish your course you will receive your IKO Kiteboarder Card, establishing the level that you achieved, so that you can keep learning in any other IKO school around the world right from where you finished your last lesson. Many hire centres and beaches also require this card as proof of competency.
Setting up Kitesurfing equipment properly and operating it safety is crucial to the well being of the student. Untrained instruction is often lacking in these key areas.
The courses are IKO standardized, this means that instructors in over 22 countries use the same methods which are internationally recognized and proven. The organization is mostly concerned with the safety and safe practises of students, the affiliated instructors follow the norms and standards rigorously set by IKO.
When you finish your course you will receive your IKO Kiteboarder Card, establishing the level that you achieved, so that you can keep learning in any other IKO school around the world right from where you finished your last lesson. Many hire centres and beaches also require this card as proof of competency.
Setting up Kitesurfing equipment properly and operating it safety is crucial to the well being of the student. Untrained instruction is often lacking in these key areas.
* What personal information do Freeriders need to know in order to book
me in for a course?
It's very important to let us know of any health issues, special requirements / disabillites? eg. Asthmatic. Also an email address and phone number.
It's very important to let us know of any health issues, special requirements / disabillites? eg. Asthmatic. Also an email address and phone number.
* What do I need to bring for my course?
Students are expected to show up 15 minutes early, make sure you have a decent sleep and have eaten before your lesson. Alcohol cannot be consumed during the lesson. A couse will be cancelled and no refund given if a student is suspected of being intoxicated.
Bring drinking water, a hat, water resistant sunscreen, sunnies, towel. Board shorts and or a wetsuit (swimmers are not suitable - rashie and board shorts are best). Wetsuits are not provided, and may be required in the colder months (Sep, Oct & May).
Something to nibble on to keep energy/sugar levels up.
Footwear for use in and out of the water.
Freeriders will provide insurance, tuition, all safety equipment in order for you to undertake the course effectively and safely (harnesses, helmets, buoyancy aids, kites and boards).
Students are expected to show up 15 minutes early, make sure you have a decent sleep and have eaten before your lesson. Alcohol cannot be consumed during the lesson. A couse will be cancelled and no refund given if a student is suspected of being intoxicated.
Bring drinking water, a hat, water resistant sunscreen, sunnies, towel. Board shorts and or a wetsuit (swimmers are not suitable - rashie and board shorts are best). Wetsuits are not provided, and may be required in the colder months (Sep, Oct & May).
Something to nibble on to keep energy/sugar levels up.
Footwear for use in and out of the water.
Freeriders will provide insurance, tuition, all safety equipment in order for you to undertake the course effectively and safely (harnesses, helmets, buoyancy aids, kites and boards).
* Should I buy my equipment before taking the lesson?
It is better to buy the equipment after taking the classes, and with the help of your instructor, determine which kite and board are better for your weight and the conditions of where you plan to sail. We can also assist in getting you a good deal with local retailers.
By all means, if you have some kit, bring it along and we'll help you set it up correctly.
* How do I cancel a course I've booked?
By phone or email. Freeriders will offer an alternative date or issue a voucher valid for the remaining season.
It is better to buy the equipment after taking the classes, and with the help of your instructor, determine which kite and board are better for your weight and the conditions of where you plan to sail. We can also assist in getting you a good deal with local retailers.
By all means, if you have some kit, bring it along and we'll help you set it up correctly.
* How do I cancel a course I've booked?
By phone or email. Freeriders will offer an alternative date or issue a voucher valid for the remaining season.