The Kite Progression Roadmap - Year 1 to Year 5

Learning 10 min read · Updated May 2026

What to expect year by year, what to learn in what order, and when to upgrade gear.

Year 1 - getting independent

Lessons. First independent rides. First upwind. Body drag rescue. Self-launch and self-land. By end of year 1: comfortable on a 9-10m kite in 18-22 knot wind.

Year 2 - jumps and tricks

First small jumps. Toeside riding. Powered transitions. By year 2 you should be able to ride in 15-30 knot conditions on the appropriate kite size, and your transitions are clean both ways.

Year 3 - kite quiver and conditions

Build a quiver - small, medium, large. Ride in different conditions: waves, gusty, light wind. Start riding directionals. Travel to a destination that pushes you.

Year 4 - specialisation

Choose your direction: freestyle (hooked tricks), unhooked freestyle, big air, wave riding, foiling. Each is a different discipline with different gear and progression.

Year 5+ - the lifelong path

By year 5 most riders have settled into the discipline that suits them and the destinations they love. Some teach. Some compete. Some just chase the next windy day. The sport never really ends.