Common Questions

Where can I Kiteboard?
How many Hours does it take to Kitesurf?
What is the difference between kitesurfing and kiteboarding
How much wind do you need to kiteboard
Where can I get gear
What is your address
Can I kite under the Golden Gate Bridge
How can I book a lesson

Where can I kiteboard?

Normally you can kiteboard just about anywhere that has consistant onshore or sideshore winds from 12 to 40 mph and space to launch your kite.

The San Francisco Bay can be a challenging place to kiteboard. Not only do you have to know the beaches that allow kiteboarding, but each location has special conditions that you need to understand before you go out.

Here at KGB Watersports & Kiteboarding, we session...

  • Toll Plaza Beach - The closest kiteboarding location to our HQ.
  • Crissy Fields (Golden Gate) - San Francisco's legendary kiteboarding location
  • Bodega Bay - Flat water perfection
  • Alemeda - One of the easiest locations to kiteboard. Many beginners come here
  • Ocean Beach - Wave sessions are the best
  • The Bay - There usualy is always wind in San Francisco. You just have to be able to access it. We use our watercraft to find the best wind in the bay everyday. Sometimes you can spot us near Alactraz!

To see a complete list of all the kitable locations in the Bay, visit ... www.kiting411.com .

This website was created by San Francisco Board Sailing Association

How many hours does it take to kitesurf?

Kiteboarding and kitesurfing is not an easy sport. It takes dedication, time and practice. It can not be learned in one weekend. Enjoy the journey... don't focus on the destination!

If you have solid watersports skills, knowledge, learn well in a changing environment, and have good balance... you will be a good candiate to pick up this sport quickly. If you don't... well that's okay. It means you also don't have bad habits!

Here's a breakdown of what to expect if you are a "Never-Ever" or a beginner...

  • First 2 Hours - During your first session, you can expect to learn and become fimliar with the equipment needed to kiteboard. You will also develop basic kite flying skills and understand the different theories of kiteboarding. We like to call the first 2 hours the Ground School.
  • 2 to 4 hours of progression - On your second and forth hour of kiteboarding. You will be using all of your skills that you developed during the Gound School in the water. In this environment, you will safely discover how to control the power of the kite. Sometimes we will have you do some drills to focus on building skills for your independance!
  • 4 to 6 hours of progression - Now that you have an understanding of how to control the power of the kite, you are ready to start to put your board on your feet and try your first rides (or what we like to call... a waterstart).
  • 6 to 8 hours of progression - You can now waterstart and experience uncontrolled rides, in these next couple of hours you will fine tune what you have experience. The goal is long controlled rides and stops (Maybe a transition!)
  • 8 to 10 hours of progression - It's time to prep you to be on your own! You have built some solid skills to start to practice on your own in beginner friendly locations. In these next hours we will will work on riding upwind, landing by yourself on a beach (Self rescuce), and maybe a transition.
  • 10 to 12 hours of progression - These hours are usually practice hours. Solidifing your skills and maybe working on Jumps!
  • 12 to 14 hours of progression - We will try to take you to a different area. So that you will test your ability.
  • 14 + hours of progression - Some times clients need some encouragement that they can kite on their own.

This is a very general learning process. You don't have have 14 hours of coaching, if you are willing to do your homework and practice on your own. Remember... kiteboarding is a journey not a destination.

What is the difference of kiteboarding and kitesurfing?

Some people call it Kiteboarding. Others call it Kitesurfing. Tomato or Tomato. lol

How much wind do I need to kiteboard?

There are many different disciplines to kitesurfing. Each discipline can be done in certain wind speeds. Kite Foiling can be done in as little as 8 mph!

If you are a beginner kiteboarder, try to stay in the range of 15 mph to 25 mph. This is the most comfortable. You can push this range if you want, but remember the lighter the wind... the more you will have to work the kite. The stronger the wind the faster the kite will react.

Where can I get gear?

You can find kiteboarding gear everywhere online. But it would be apprieated if you come to us! We are honest about pricing and want to get you out on the water with the right gear for you. If another shop has better pricing we will tell you about it. But we are very competitive and it is difficult to beat the pricing we will give you.

What is your address?

For the San Fransico Bay Area season

3310 Powell St. Emeryville, CA 94608

For the Baja location in La Ventana

Marlin Azul Restaurant, La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Can I kiteboard under the Golden Gate Bridge?

The Golden Gate Bridge is a serious location to kitesurf. You have to be mindful of the current, wind direction, weather quality and boat traffic. As you can see, you will need to be an advance kiter to take on the Golden Gate Bridge.

How can I book a lesson?

To book a lesson, please check out our schedule using our Facebook Booking Link. https://fb.com/book/KGBKiteboarding . One of our stoked staff members will be contacting you shortly.

If you would like to book your time using another way, please call us at (888) 411-0732 or email us at info@kgbswag.com.

If you have anymore questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. See you in the water soon!