After thousands of students, the patterns repeat
We've been teaching kitesurfing in Salinas del Rey for years and there are mistakes we see over and over. Don't feel bad if you recognize some — we've all made them. The difference is you can avoid them before hitting the beach.
Mistake #1: Trying to learn alone (or with a friend)
This is the most dangerous and most common mistake. "My friend will teach me" or "I watched YouTube tutorials" are phrases we hear weekly. IKO data is clear: self-learners are three times more likely to suffer serious accidents.
Kiting isn't like cycling. It's a sport where one wrong decision can send you flying into a palm tree. Literally. A certified instructor knows how to read conditions, choose the right kite for your weight and the day's wind, and react if something goes wrong.
How to avoid it: Take professional lessons. Period. There's no shortcut for this.
Mistake #2: Choosing the wrong kite for conditions
Beginners who see an advanced rider with a huge kite and think bigger = better. Or worse: someone who bought used equipment without understanding sizes.
A kite that's too big in strong wind is a recipe for disaster. A kite that's too small in light wind is a frustrating waste of time.
How to avoid it: Your instructor chooses the kite for you during lessons. When you're independent, learn the size chart: a 75 kg rider in 20 knots needs a ~10-12m² kite. In 30 knots, drop to 7-9m².
Mistake #3: Skipping the pre-flight safety check
The urge to hit the water is enormous. But skipping the equipment check is like not wearing your seatbelt. 90% of the time nothing happens. The other 10% can be serious.
How to avoid it: Before every session, check: lines without knots or wear, chicken loop working, safety system unlocked, leash connected. It's 2 minutes that can save you hours in the hospital.
Mistake #4: Going to a spot that's not right for your level
There's a reason Salinas del Rey is ideal for learning: protected bay, flat water, side-onshore wind. But some beginners get excited and head straight to open sea, or choose a spot with strong currents, obstacles (rocks, boats), or offshore wind (which takes you away from shore).
How to avoid it: Always ask the locals. If you don't know a spot, don't go in alone. For the first months, stick to flat-water spots with shallow depth and wind that pushes you toward the beach.
Mistake #5: Wanting to jump before knowing how to ride
I completely understand: kite videos are 90% spectacular jumps. It's tempting to try taking off as soon as you can keep your balance. But jumping without mastering basic navigation is like trying to wheelie without knowing how to ride a bike.
How to avoid it: Follow the progression. First ride upwind. Then transitions. Then speed. Jumps come naturally when your body has the necessary muscle memory. Our Road Map exists exactly for this.
Mistake #6: Underestimating the sun
It's not technically a kitesurfing mistake, but it causes the most pain. You're on the water, there's a breeze, you don't feel hot... and after 3 hours you look like a lobster. In the Colombian Caribbean, the UV index reaches 11+ (extreme). Water reflection doubles the exposure.
How to avoid it: SPF 50+ water-resistant sunscreen, applied 30 minutes before entering and reapplied every 2 hours. UV-protection lycra. Hat or cap with strap when you're not in the water.
Mistake #7: Not asking for help launching and landing the kite
Launching and landing the kite are the most dangerous moments of a session. The kite is at maximum power and you're on solid ground (where impacts hurt more). Many beginners try to do it alone or with someone who doesn't know how to assist.
How to avoid it: Always ask another kiter or your instructor for help. Make sure the person assisting knows what to do — if not, teach them first. In Salinas del Rey the community is great about this: any kiter on the beach will happily help you.
The bonus mistake: giving up too soon
Kitesurfing has a steep learning curve at the beginning. The first hours can be frustrating. You'll swallow water. The kite will crash. Muscles you didn't know existed will hurt.
But if you push through that initial barrier, what comes after is addictive. The moment you do your first waterstart — when you stand up on the board and the wind takes you — is one of the most incredible sensations you can experience.
Don't give up in the first 3 hours. Give it at least 6. If after that it's not for you, that's perfectly fine. But give it a chance.
Book your class and avoid these mistakes from day one.