What kite level are you?
The kite levels
We use the VDWS international kite certification system — the same standard used at kite schools across Europe. Find the description that sounds most like you. If you’re between two levels, go lower — we assess everyone on day one and adjust from there.
Find the one that sounds like you.
Kite control on the beach
You can fly a four-line kite with control — one-handed, both-handed, wide window. You understand the safety systems and wind window theory. You haven’t been in the water with a full kite yet.
Body dragging
You’re in the water with a full kite. You can body drag upwind and downwind and recover your board. You can also relaunch the kite from the water. Water starts are the next challenge — you know what one looks like but haven’t landed one yet.
Water starts
Water starts are the main focus. You can water start — sometimes. You’re riding short distances but losing the board or drifting downwind. You’re also learning controlled stops. Consistency is the gap. Once you can ride reliably, everything else follows.
Riding upwind
You’re riding consistently and can make it back upwind to your starting point. You’re comfortable with kite position, edging, and controlled stops. You’re ready to push into new conditions and start working on transitions.
Independent rider
You ride confidently upwind in varied conditions and are fully independent on the water. You hold your VDWS Basic Kite License — or equivalent IKO Level 3 certification — which means you can rent equipment at kite centres worldwide. At this stage it’s not about learning the fundamentals anymore. It’s about having fun and progressing.
This is where the fun really starts — first jumps, riding strapless, or trying foiling. The sky is the limit now, because understanding the fundamentals means you can explore other disciplines safely, knowing you can always come back upwind (even with a body drag).
VDWS vs IKO — level comparison
We’re a VDWS-certified school — the standard used across kite schools throughout Europe. Many of our instructors also hold IKO certification, and we teach with both systems in mind: the same progressive safety pathway, whoever certified you. Here’s how the two systems map, so wherever you’ve learned before you can see exactly where you fit at AWS.
Advanced disciplines
Once you’re riding upwind consistently, the water opens up. Four directions to take your kiting.
Freeride
This is where most riders start pushing. First jumps, back rolls, jumping transitions — the flat water of Ria de Alvor is perfect for it. Soft landings, consistent wind, room to try and try again.
Freestyle & Big Air
Massive jumps, unhooked tricks, rotations, megaloop attempts. Ria de Alvor is the training ground — flat water, reliable thermals, no crowds. The kind of riding people film.
Wave Kiting
Start by figuring out how to ride a surfboard on flat water — no straps, different feel entirely. When you’re ready, Meia Praia brings the Atlantic swell. South wind days are when it gets good.
Kite Foiling
Flying above the water. Different technique, lighter kite, total focus. Foiling works in lighter winds that wouldn’t normally allow riding — a completely different feeling once you’re up.
Where you’ll ride
Two spots. We choose based on your level and the forecast.
Ria de Alvor
Flat water, shallow, consistent thermal wind. 15 minutes from camp. The ideal learning environment — no waves, space to practise, easy self-rescue. Most beginner and intermediate sessions run here in the mornings.
Meia Praia
5 minutes walk from The Kite House. Atlantic swell, side-shore wind, open ocean. Where intermediate and advanced riders push their riding — wave kiting in winter, flat-water freestyle in summer. One of the best kite spots on the south coast.
Common questions
Ready to book?
Lagos. Atlantic wind. VDWS-certified coaching. 20 years on the water.
