There is so much going on when you first learn to kitesurf that I think so many crew make it much harder for themselves by tying to learn in the choppy ocean.

It seems they spend most of there time trying to negotiate the chop and swell and therefore can’t seemed to set them selves up to learn the basics.

If they learnt on flatter water first and then brought those skills to the ocean I think it would make for a much better kiting journey.

On flat water you have time to learn how to edge harder, ride up and down wind, do some back and forward rolls, do these with transitions and learn how to jump big.

I think that this is such a great part of kitesurfing that so many people are missing out on in there eagerness to get to the waves, which are quite often over rated anyway (well especially in Perth)

Sure some people just want to ride the waves and that’s ok, or maybe they have not access to flat water – but for most of the people coming on stream - get the basics first as that is where the best initial stoke is and it is also going to make you a better rider in the end.

p.s

I am biased as this is how I first learnt – on a flat water estuary and then progressed to the ocean. – 8 years latter and still loving it !