Your first class is booked. Now, what do you pack?
Relax — you don't need to buy anything special. The school provides all the kite equipment. But there are things that make the difference between an incredible experience and a day of unnecessary suffering. This is the list we send to every student before their first class.
What the school provides
At Veronikites (and any serious school) you get:
- Kite appropriate for your weight and the day's conditions
- Board
- Harness
- Helmet
- Life vest
- Bar and lines
You don't have to worry about any of this. Your instructor chooses everything based on conditions.
What YOU should bring
Essential:
- SPF 50+ water-resistant sunscreen. This is not optional. In Salinas del Rey the UV index reaches 11 (extreme). Water reflection doubles the exposure. Apply 30 minutes before entering and reapply every 2 hours. Bring a generous bottle — you'll use more than you think. Look for reef-safe brands if possible to protect the corals.
- UV-protection lycra / rash guard. Even if it's hot, wear it. It protects from the sun and prevents the harness from rubbing against your skin. After 3 hours of harness without a lycra, you'll have a mark that looks like a seatbelt burn.
- Swimsuit underneath. Seems obvious, but someone always shows up in underwear thinking it's the same. A swimsuit or boardshort that fits well and doesn't slide down in water.
- Sunglasses with neoprene strap. Regular glasses fall in the water within the first 5 minutes. Period. Invest $20-30 USD in sport glasses with a strap or at least buy a neoprene strap for the ones you already have.
- Water and snacks. Kitesurfing dehydrates much more than you'd think. Bring at least 1.5 liters of water and some energy snack (fruit, granola, nuts). Eat something light 1-2 hours before class — not on an empty stomach, but not full either.
- Towel. To dry off after.
- Change of clothes. You'll come out wet and salty. Have dry clothes to change into.
Recommended:
- Water shoes or sandals with grip. The beach in Salinas del Rey is mostly sand, but in some spots there are shells and rocks. Cheap water shoes ($10-15 USD) save your feet.
- Cap or hat for before/after. While waiting your turn or resting between sessions.
- Waterproof phone pouch. If you want to bring your phone to the beach without risk.
- Cash. Not all spots have card readers. Bring cash for food, drinks, or transport.
What NOT to bring
- Jewelry. Rings, chains, bracelets — ALL stay at home. The harness can catch on chains (dangerous) and rings get lost in the water.
- GoPro (on your first class). I know you want the video. But on your first class you need to focus on learning, not filming. Your hands will be busy with the bar. If you want video, ask if the instructor can film you — at Veronikites we include video in the Waterstart course.
- Loose or baggy clothing. Nothing the wind can inflate or that can catch on the lines. No loose t-shirts, hats without straps, or sarongs.
- An "I already know" attitude. Come with an open mind. Even if you've done wakeboarding, windsurfing, or surfing, kiting is different. Let the instructor guide you from zero.
Physical preparation (days before)
You don't need to be an athlete, but these tips help:
- Hydrate well the 2-3 days before. Dehydration under the Caribbean sun is real.
- Stretch your shoulders, back, and legs. You'll use muscles you normally don't use.
- Sleep well the night before. Kitesurfing requires concentration — if you arrive tired, you learn less.
- Don't drink alcohol the night before. Hangover + sun + physical exercise = horrible day.
On the day of class
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early
- Eat something light 1-2 hours before
- Apply sunscreen before leaving your accommodation
- Bring the right attitude: curiosity, patience, and a desire to have fun
That's it. You don't need more. We provide the rest.
Ready? Book your class and we'll see you on the beach.