What kite level am I?
The kite levels
Kitesurfing has a steeper early learning curve than most sports — and that’s completely normal. The first two days are mostly kite control on land and in the water (body dragging). Water starts happen around day two or three for most people. If you’ve already had some lessons elsewhere, find the description that sounds most like where you are right now. When in doubt, go lower — our instructors assess everyone on the first session and move people accordingly.
Find the one that sounds like you.
Never tried kitesurfing
You’ve never touched a kite. Zero experience is completely fine — our beginner programme starts with kite theory, safety systems, and kite control on the beach before you go anywhere near the water. Most people love the kite-flying phase more than they expected.
Had 1–2 lessons, understand kite control basics
You’ve flown a kite and you understand the wind window. Maybe you’ve done a bit of body dragging in the water. You’re past the very first steps, but you haven’t yet attempted a water start. This is normal — most people need 6–9 hours of instruction before a water start clicks.
Can body drag, learning water starts
You can handle the kite in the water and body drag with confidence. You’re attempting water starts — some go well, some don’t yet. You’re right at the most satisfying threshold in kitesurfing: the point just before everything clicks. Focused coaching in the right conditions makes a huge difference here.
Riding upwind, completing runs
You can water start independently, ride in both directions, and complete runs without losing ground downwind. Upwind riding is either there or just coming. This is where kitesurfing starts to feel genuinely free. A camp week at this stage will make your riding more consistent and open up better spots — including Meia Praia beach in Lagos.
Comfortable riding, want jumps or advanced skills
You ride confidently upwind and downwind and you’re ready to push further — small jumps, transitions, strapless, or foiling. You don’t need instruction to get in the water; you’re there for high-level coaching in a group of riders at the same stage. Meia Praia’s open Atlantic conditions are ideal for this kind of progression.
Which programme is right for your level?
Two routes, each designed for where you are right now. Not sure which side of the line you’re on? Tell us what you can do in the water — we’ll sort it.
Kite School
VDWS-certified instruction from complete beginner through to your first independent rides. Small groups, structured progression, and instructors who have taught kitesurfing in Lagos for over a decade. We work at Ria de Alvor lagoon — flat water, reliable wind, and the safest learning environment in the Algarve.
View Kite SchoolKite Camp
A full immersion week for riders who are already on the water independently. Morning sessions at Meia Praia or Ria de Alvor depending on wind and your goals. Camp includes accommodation, daily breakfast, dinners, and coaching — everything sorted so you just focus on your riding.
View Kite CampThe spots — and why they matter for your level
Where you learn and where you progress makes a real difference. Lagos has two distinct kite spots and we match you to the right one from day one.
Ria de Alvor Lagoon
Flat water, shallow entry, and consistent thermal winds. The lagoon is ideal for the early stages of learning — kite control, body dragging, and first water starts all happen much faster in flat water than in chop or swell. It’s also the safest environment for students: shallow enough to stand, no current, and no boat traffic during lesson hours.
This is where our Kite School operates for all beginner and beginner+ students.
Meia Praia Beach
A wide, open Atlantic beach just outside Lagos with reliable cross-shore wind and space to ride properly. This is where the Kite Camp sessions happen when the conditions are right — real chop, real swell, and enough runway to work on upwind riding, transitions, and jumps. For riders at Level 3 and above, this is where kitesurfing gets properly good.
Not sure which spot is right for you? Read the full kite spots guide or get in touch and we’ll advise.
Not sure where you fit?
The most common question we get: “Am I good enough for camp, or do I need more lessons first?” The honest answer is: if you can water start and ride upwind even inconsistently, you’re ready for camp. If you’re still working on water starts, you need the school first. That’s the clearest line.
If you’re genuinely on the fence, just tell us what you can do in the water — body dragging, water starts, upwind or not — and we’ll tell you exactly where to start.
Common questions about kite levels
Thinking about more than just kiting?
We run camps and schools for 6 water sports in Lagos. If conditions are light one day, or you just want to try something new mid-week — everything is on your doorstep.
Ready to get on the water?
You know your level. Pick the right programme and lock in your week in Lagos.
