Kite skiing and kiteboarding are exhilarating sports that offer unique experiences amidst nature. To make the most out of your course, it’s crucial to prepare carefully. In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know before arriving for the course.
Not familiar with the sport or want more detailed information? You can find more about kite skiing here and kiteboarding here.
The Day Before the Course:
Make sure you know exactly where the course will be held. Often, these spots might not be typical destinations, and it’s good to figure out, for instance, the car parking in advance. Also, check the weather forecast, especially the temperature, so you can prepare with appropriate clothing.
Before the Course: What You Need
Participating in the course requires a few basic items that you’ll need to bring along:
Winter Course
- Skis/Snowboard: Depending on your preference, you’ll need either skis or a snowboard. Ensure they are in good condition and suitable for you. We recommend starting the course with skis if possible. However, if you have a strong snowboarding background, learning the sport with a board is by no means too challenging.
- Boots: If you’re coming for skiing courses, bring sturdy winter boots because in the initial stages of the course, you won’t be wearing skis yet, and walking on ice with just boots might be uncomfortable. Snowboard boots are suitable throughout the course.
- Helmet: Safety first! A helmet is essential and a requirement for participating in the course. If you don’t have a helmet or can’t get one, contact your instructor before the practical lessons.
- Other Protective Gear: Besides a helmet, you might want to use knee and elbow pads and protective shorts for impact. They also provide good insulation.
- Weather-appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers and choose weatherproof outdoor clothing. Remember, the weather can change rapidly, and the biting cold of the wind might catch you off guard. A helmet liner/buff-style scarf is excellent to have with you to protect your neck and face.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Spring sun on snow can be surprisingly intense, and a long day on the ice can surprise you. Also, when flying the kite against the sun, it can be quite glaring./li>
- Water and Snacks: Ensure hydration and maintain your energy levels during the course. For example, having a protein bar in your pocket is a good addition!
Summer courses
For summer courses, you can come with much lighter gear. Here are the required items.
- Swim trunks/swimsuit/bikini to wear under the wetsuit
- Towel
- Great vibes!
Safety and Insurance
Safety is of paramount importance in kite sports and forms the foundation of our courses. However, please note that Lappis’s courses do not include accident insurance, so check your own insurance before attending the course. While accidents are rare, it’s essential to be prepared for all situations. Participation in the course is always at your own risk. The most crucial aspect contributing to course safety is a thorough review of the virtual course and online study material. There, we cover information and skills to minimize the risk of accidents.
Acquiring Equipment After the Course
After the course, it’s time to gear up, and you’ll likely want to acquire your own equipment. At Lappis, we assist you in choosing the gear that suits you best. We offer a wide range of new, last-season, and used equipment. Remember, choosing the right gear is the key to enjoying the sport. It’s highly recommended to get in touch with us so we can figure out what suits you best and ensure your equipment is safe.
Acquiring Equipment Before or During the Course
Although owning equipment is not a prerequisite for participating in the course, there are several advantages if you decide to acquire them before or during the course. Getting your own gear can enhance your learning experience and help you adapt to the sport more quickly.
Benefits of Acquiring Your Own Equipment Before the End of the Course
- Tailored Instruction: Having your own equipment allows the instructor to customize the teaching specifically to the gear you’ll be using. This enables a more efficient and personalized learning experience.
- Adaptation to Equipment: Using your own gear during the course helps you adapt to them better. This is particularly useful when learning the basics of the sport and aiming for quick progress.
- Detailed Guidance: Introducing your own gear, such as the bar and harness, during the course allows for more detailed guidance in their use. The instructor can provide tailored tips and advice that align with your specific equipment.
- Potential Self-Study During the Course: Especially during summer courses, there’s often a phase when the course is ongoing, but it’s already possible and safe to practice the sport independently. If you have your own equipment, you can review the topics covered in the course before the next session, maximizing the benefit from the instruction. You can discuss with your instructor if you’re ready for independent practice.
While using your own equipment is recommended, during the course, we use the school’s kites to ensure that your personal gear doesn’t get damaged, particularly during early stages of learning. However, if you have your own bar and harness, it’s beneficial to start using them immediately so that we can go through their usage in detail during the course.
Interested in equipment? Send a WhatsApp message to Harri and get started! :)
Ensure you get the most out of your course!
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