Am I too old to learn kitesurfing? Can a 60-year-old learn to kite surf? Why everyone in Central Florida should consider kitesurfing lessons.

How old is too old to learn kiteboarding? Is there an age limit to kitesurfing? Simply put, no there is no age limit. Kitesurfing can be physically demanding but it doesn't have to be! It’s a sport of finesse, not muscle.

Many people see kitesurfing and want to get in on the fun. Watching kiters sailing into the sunset, getting air, and having the best time of their lives. Best of all, kitesurfing is only as intense as you want it to be.

That means it's one of the best sports for anyone regardless of age. You could learn at 16 and enjoy this sport into your 80s and beyond. I’ve taught many people in their 70s, and 80s. 

What are the benefits of learning to kitesurf at an older age? 

• Kiteboarding is a low-intensity exercise. 
• Kitesurfing is a community-based sport. 
• Learning new movement patterns is good for the aging brain. 

It’s no secret that people who stay active and have a sense of community and purpose live longer enriched lives. Kitesurfing checks many boxes needed for well-being as we age. 

Do you have to be strong to kitesurf? 

Kitesurfing requires little strength. There are many styles of kiteboarding. The competition side takes a certain physicality. For 90% of people who want to get out on the water or jump big, it’s more about kite control. You’re harnessed into the kite so you won’t need any arm strength to kiteboard. 

If you are out of shape, the first kite lesson will be a light workout. You would adapt quickly and find that it’s a fun low-intensity activity similar to power walking and light stretching. 

A benefit of kiteboarding is spending time outside, using your body. There’s a joy to time spent in the sun and on the water. We’ve been teaching kitesurfing in Tampa Bay for a long time. We’ve taught teenagers, young adults, middle age people, and many seniors. 

Kitesurfing is a community-based sport in Tampa Bay. 

One of the best aspects of kiteboarding is the community. When I got into kiteboarding, my friend group expanded exponentially. I went from being among peers to kitesurfers of all ages and backgrounds. 

In Tampa Bay, we’re lucky to have one of the largest communities in kiteboarding. Everyone socializes on the beach and takes care of each other. We often have local events and downwinders put on by Elite Watersports. A downwinder is an organized event where riders start on one beach and sail with the wind to another spot in the bay. Outside of organized events, you will always find kiters on the beach when there is wind. 

As we get older, our circles tend to get smaller. If you’re based in Tampa, Clearwater, or St Petersburg, I encourage you to join the fun and take a lesson with us. Imagine, having a morning cup of coffee with scenic views of the Skyway Bridge. You’re eagerly pumping up your kite and getting ready for a session with newfound friends. You spend the afternoon experiencing total freedom with the kite. Maybe you even send a few solid jumps! Afterward, you’re back on the beach. Salty, satisfied, and rolling up your kite. This is what a day in the life of a Tampa Bay kitesurfer looks like. 

You’ll find a healthy mix of kiters of all ages on our local beaches. Since moving here, I have had friends in every decade of life now. Some are engineers, pilots, students, teachers, or living the retired life in Tampa. Many like to socialize more than they like to ride.  

Learning new movement patterns is good for the aging brain. 

As we age, it’s important to stay physically and mentally engaged. Kitesurfing is a sport with never-ending progression. It takes about three to nine hours of kitesurf lessons to be independent. And thirty hours after lessons to master the fundamentals like riding upwind, jumping, and learning your first tricks. 

Kitesurfing is a multifaceted sport. You don’t have to practice difficult tricks! Simple jumps, basic rolls, and more are accessible to most. You could spend time learning to ride different kinds of boards too. For example, you could practice jumping with a twin tip. One of my good friends is 60 years old and often up there with the big air kids.

You could also pursue kitefoiling. Imagine riding in a mellow light wind. Hyrofoiling is low impact and something we can do in the lightest of wind. There are many skills with that aspect alone to keep you entertained for years. 

Where can I learn kitesurfing in Tampa Bay? 

We teach lessons almost daily at Skyway Beach in St Petersburg. Our team of passionate and experienced kiteboarders are here to guide you on your kitesurfing journey. If you are curious about this amazing sport give us a call. Our kitesurfing shop and school is based in St Petersburg Florida. 

Tampa Bay is one of the easiest places in the world to learn kiteboarding. We have forgiving conditions here. Skyway Beach has a large sandbar that keeps the waters calm. Most of the riding area is knee to waist deep. This allows us to take students out via a Jet Ski to the sandbar. You'll learn faster here than most anywhere in Florida. 

Not sure if kiteboarding is for you? Try a taste test! 

Designed to be fast easy and fun. We will focus on getting you on a kiteboard quickly and safely. We won’t cover everything needed to ride on your own. This lesson is to help you decide if kiteboarding is a good fit for you. if you want to continue lessons most of our students come back for more. 

• 2 hours
• All kiting gear included
• Bring a friend for +45/hr but we suggest doing three hours
• Jet Ski support is not needed or included. See jet ski info below.
• Get Hooked on Kiteboarding

We don't just teach. We can also help build a customer kiteboarding package or rent kiteboarding equipment after your lessons. Swing by our shop or give us a call. 

 (727)-800-2202