Do you have to be fit and strong to kitesurf?
No.
We use different size of kites to adjust how much power the kite can create. It is mainly dependent on technique rather than strength or fitness. International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) recommends children to be over the age of 8 and weigh at least 35kg as minimum to begin learning.
How long does it take to become independent?
This depends on the individual but the average is between 6-10h of lessons. Check out Supervised Hire if you've finished taking lessons but need some supervision on the water! https://www.thezu.com.au/kiteboarding-equipment-rental-hire/
What happens if wind drops during my lesson?
We will give you credit for the remainder of the lesson time to be used on your next lesson.
Why does my lesson get cancelled?
This can be for various reasons but the main reasons are:
- The wind is not strong enough
- Too strong
- Wrong direction
There may be other reasons including the instructor is unexpectedly sick, injured, or needs to be tested for COVID-19 following Victorian Government guidelines.
Should I buy gear before lessons?
Generally the answer is no since there are many things you should look out for when you're buying gear as a beginner. We advise that you wait until you complete your lessons before purchasing gear.
One thing that you can buy before your lessons would be a wetsuit as this can provide maximum comfort during a lesson.
How do I know what gear to buy as a beginner?
We can recommend gear based on your skill level, budget, weight etc. Come talk to us and we can assist you with this!
Should I take all lessons sequentially?
You can book as it suits you. We are open 7 days a week, with time slot's at 10:30,12:30, 15:30 and 17:30. We recommend to finish all your lessons within 2 months.
What happens after I picked my dates?
75% of all the lessons will go ahead. Unfortunately we don't control the weather so sometimes we have to reschedule your lesson if the weather doesn't cooperate. The evening before your lesson, you will receive one of the following messages:
Lesson Approved - We anticipate that the lesson will go ahead based on the forecast. If you do not receive any further notification, your lesson is on. If the weather conditions turn out unsuitable on the day of your lesson, you will receive a notification to reschedule your lesson.
On Standby - You may receive this message because the forecast is looking uncertain on the evening before your lesson. You will receive another message on the day of your lesson (at least 2 hours before your lesson) to confirm whether your lesson will go ahead or not.
Lessons Cancelled - If your lesson is very unlikely to go ahead, you will receive a notification to reschedule your lesson the evening before.
Wind direction
As an International Kiteboarding Organization Certified school we are not allowed to teach in off-shore winds (dangerous). This means we can teach in South, South-West, South-East or Westerly winds. This South to South-West is the prevailing wind over summer in Melbourne and will blow about 75% of the time.
We will not teach over 30 knots and won't teach in less than 13 knots to make sure you get a quality lesson.
Can I reschedule my lesson?
You have up to 2 days before the start of your course to (re)schedule your classes. Within 2 days before your course starts, the date is booked and confirmed. After a lesson is cancelled due to the weather you will receive an e-mail with a link to prompt you to reschedule the lesson in your account.
For how long are my vouchers and/or lesson credits valid?
Typically vouchers and lesson credits will expire 1 year after the purchase date as outlined in our Terms and Conditions (https://www.thezu.com.au/about-us/warranty-terms/).
In case of unforeseen illness, injury or other circumstances whereby the customer is unable to complete lessons within 1 year after the purchase date, we will take special considerations when presented with documentation outlining said circumstances.