Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A kitesurfing course in El Médano is training split into sessions in which you learn to handle a traction kite and then to ride a board. It is done with an instructor, equipment included and, at many schools, radio communication between student and teacher.
El Médano, in Granadilla de Abona, is the main wind sports spot in Tenerife. This page explains how a course is structured and what requirements are usually set.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Where | El Médano (Granadilla de Abona) |
| Wind | Very consistent; local schools speak of about 300 windy days a year |
| Structure | Course by sessions, usually of 2 hours each |
| Progression | Kite control on land → control in the water → first rides |
| Instructors | Certified by IKO or by the Real Federación Spanisha de Vela (Spanish Sailing Federation) at the schools reviewed |
| Requirements | Being able to swim; minimum weight of around 40 kg; children from about 12 years old |
| Equipment | Kite, board, harness, wetsuit and helmet included |
| Price | Depends on the hours, the format and the group size |
How a course is structured
| Session | What you learn |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wind theory, wind window, rigging the equipment, safety systems and kite control on the beach |
| 2 | Kite control in the water and being dragged through the water by the kite (body drag) |
| 3 | Relaunching from the water and first contact with the board |
| Following sessions | First rides, upwind riding and controlled stops |
The number of hours needed varies greatly from one person to another. Nobody rides independently after a single session.
Usual requirements
In the offers reviewed:
- Being able to swim.
- Minimum weight of around 40 kg.
- Age: from about 12 years old, with a responsible adult.
- Not suitable during pregnancy.
Who it suits
- Anyone who wants to learn a wind sport in stable conditions.
- Travellers spending several days in the south.
- Fit people without shoulder or back problems.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Very short stays: if you only have one day, there is almost no margin for the wind.
- Anyone expecting immediate results: learning takes several sessions.
- Beach zones and rules: kitesurfing has its own areas and times; always follow the instructions of the school and the lifeguard.
How to choose well
- What qualifications do the instructors have? IKO or federation.
- How many students per instructor?
- Do they use radios to communicate in the water?
- What equipment does the course include?
- What happens if there is no wind? Some schools reschedule or refund the hours not completed.
- Is there civil liability and accident insurance?
- Do they offer equipment hire after the course?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Kite, board and harness | Included | Equipment suited to your weight |
| Wetsuit and helmet | Included | Sizes |
| Radio | At several schools | If they use one |
| Insurance | Usual | That it is included |
| Rescue | Schools with support on the water | How it works |
Safety
- Learn and review the kite’s safety system before going into the water.
- Keep your distance from swimmers and other water users.
- Do not practise on your own until you are genuinely independent.
Wind and when to go
- El Médano is windy most of the year, with stronger winds in the summer months.
- Book your lessons at the start of your trip: if conditions are not right one day, you still have time to make it up.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- Number of hours or sessions.
- Group, semi-private or private.
- Equipment and insurance.
What to bring
- Swimwear, towel and a change of clothes.
- Water-resistant sun protection.
- Sunglasses with a strap.
- Water.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| A more classic wind sport | Windsurf lessons in El Médano |
| The newest, with a handheld wing | Wingfoil lessons |
| Waves without wind | Surf lessons in Tenerife |
| Calm water | Paddle surf in Tenerife |
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to learn kitesurfing?
Several sessions. The usual progression starts with the kite on land and reaches the first rides after several lessons.
Where can you learn in Tenerife?
Mainly in El Médano, the island’s main wind sports spot.
Is there a minimum weight or age?
In the offers reviewed, about 40 kg and from about 12 years old.
What happens if there is no wind?
Some schools reschedule the session or refund the hours not completed.
Do you need to be able to swim?
Yes.
Is equipment included?
Yes: kite, board, harness, wetsuit and helmet.