Nova Scotia Kitesurfing Lessons
Kitesurfing Lesson Package
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Cost: $800 including HST.
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Duration: 8 hours (3 or 4 sessions spread over 3 or 4 days. Approximately 2 hour sessions each day.)
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Overview: This lesson package includes 8 hours of classes and is recommended to be spread out over 3/4 days. You'll learn as much as you can possibly handle during this intensive course. This course includes all of the kitesurfing gear that you'll need (Except for a wetsuit rental, which is available for a nominal fee of $20 per lesson.) While everyone learns at a different pace, this is enough training for a faster learner to become an independent kiter. We have ongoing supported lessons available at a discounted rate if you require more training beyond this package. We want you to be successful!
Kitesurfing Lessons and Full Gear Package (New Gear)
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Lesson package of 8 hours $800. Complete gear package $3200. Summer wetsuit $200.
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Total price INCLUDING HST: $4200.
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Lessons are 8 total hours spread out over 3/4 sessions. Approximately 2 hour sessions each day.
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Overview: This lesson package includes 8 hours of classes and is recommended to be spread out over 3/4 days. You'll learn as much as you can possibly handle during this intensive course. While everyone learns at a different pace, this is enough training for a faster learner to become an independent kiter. We have ongoing supported lessons available at a discounted rate if you require more training beyond this package. We want you to be successful!
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Your gear package will include the following new gear:
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Gaastra kiteboarding kite and backpack.
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Gaastra Control bar and lines.
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High quality kiteboarding pump.
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Gaastra kite harness.
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Safety leash.
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Complete Gaastra kiteboard.
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Kitesurfing Lessons and Full Gear Package (Used Gear)
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Lesson package of 8 hours $800. Complete gear package $2000 - $2400. New summer wetsuit $215.
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Total price INCLUDING HST: $3015 - $3415 (Depending on condition of used gear).
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Lessons are 8 total hours spread out over 3/4 sessions. Approximately 2 hour sessions each day.
-
Overview: This lesson package includes 8 hours of classes and is recommended to be spread out over 3/4 days. You'll learn as much as you can possibly handle during this intensive course. While everyone learns at a different pace, this is enough training for a faster learner to become an independent kiter. We have ongoing supported lessons available at a discounted rate if you require more training beyond this package. We want you to be successful!
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Your gear package will include the following used gear:
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Gaastra kiteboarding kite and backpack.
-
Gaastra Control bar and lines.
-
High quality kiteboarding pump.
-
Gaastra kite harness.
-
Safety leash.
-
Complete Gaastra kiteboard.
-
Foil Lesson
Try the newest fad to hit the watersports market!
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Duration: 2 hours
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Cost: $300 including HST.
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Learn to foil with a short mast. This will accelerate the learning process immensely and make the wipe-outs far less dangerous. As you progress, you can slowly increase the length of the mast.
More Information
Is this a hard sport to learn? Yes and no. It does take a SIGNIFICANT commitment of time and resources to learn. However, if you're fully committed and have patience, almost anyone can learn. What I mean by patience is waiting for windy days and being alright with showing up for a lesson - only to have the fog blow in and turn the wind off. If that kind of fickleness bothers you - don't bother learning to kite around here.
The biggest challenge is the unpredictability of the wind in Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, we get the least amount of wind when most people are wanting to learn during the warmer months. During June-August we typically get 1-3 teachable days per week. From October-May you're looking at 2-4 teachable days per week. People definitely kite year round here, as most often the nicest conditions happen outside of the summer months. With the proper wetsuit, winter kitesurfing is now quite accessible. There are plenty of local kiters that log more than 100 sessions per year.
When we start to work with a new student, this usually turns into a 1-2 month++ relationship as we battle fickle wind, busy schedules and a short summer season. If you don't have at least 2-4 afternoons of availability per week, it's not worth taking lessons from us. It's a massive commitment to take a fresh student and train him/her to feel comfortable kiting on their own (which we call independent kiting). Hence, we don't take more students than we can comfortably train.
Our teaching setup is quality. We have access to excellent learning locations and we use radio helmets so that we can talk to each other throughout the entire lesson. This is a HUGE value compared to someone yelling at you from a windy beach. It's a challenge to learn so we go out of our way to make it as easy as possible for you.
See this page to learn more about gear and the costs involved:
https://www.halifaxkitesurfing.com/tips-about-gear
It may sound like we're trying to turn people away from the sport? No, just being honest and upfront about the challenge that lies ahead. Is it worth the hassle? Without question. Kitesurfing is a thrilling and incredible sport. There are literally hundreds of different places to enjoy this amazing sport in Nova Scotia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can we plan for wind?
Can I teach myself?
Yes. However, prepare for significant frustration and danger. You're also likely to cause damage to your gear while learning. It will take you 3-4 times longer to teach yourself. Also, the local kitesurfers don't have interest in risking their own safety in order to repeatedly help people who refuse to take lessons.
How many lessons will I need?
Huge variance here, but typically 3-5 lessons will get you to a level that you're comfortable to begin going to the beach on your own.
If I decide to buy gear, how much are we talking?
A new complete set with 1-kite will run you approimately $3100, including tax. Quality second hand will run you about $1800 - $2100.
How long is the kitesurfing season in Nova Scotia?
We get wind year round but I'd say April through November is the comfortable season.
How can we book a lesson based on unreliable wind?
You'd send me your availability for the week and I'd reply 2-3 days before your lesson with a tenative time. About 2 hours before that lesson, I will check the weather and let you know if we're on for the day. I try my best to save you a drive to the beach if the wind isn't likely to co-operate.
Does it count as a lesson if the wind doesn't blow?
No.
Will I need a wetsuit?
For sure. We rent them for $20 per lesson. We also have them for sale.