While the kite lies on the shore at Le Morne, the instructor takes its place. He helps rehearse getting up on the board — a movement that will later have to work in the water. On land, there are his hands to hold. In the lagoon, the pull will come from the kite.
The two begin the lesson together. Between preparing on shore and riding on water, they will have to bring several separate exercises into one movement.
While there is ground beneath them
He rehearses getting up with the instructor’s help. For now, he can concentrate on the movement. In the water, the board will no longer sit still, and he will have to fly the kite as he rises.
In the lagoon, they take turns with one instructor. While one practises, the other watches or rests.
Now she works with the kite. The instructor supports her while she practises controlling it. For now, the kite has her full attention; the board will be added next.
Bringing it together
At last, kite and board become part of the same task. Getting up is only the start: she needs to keep moving while flying the kite. Everything that could be practised separately now has to happen together.
The instructor is still close for the waterstart. Then she is riding across the lagoon: getting up has come together with flying the kite, and the board is moving across the water.
He rides too. His run recalls the beginning of the day: on land, the instructor’s hands supplied the pull as he rehearsed getting up. Now that same movement carries on across the water, with the kite.
Together again
After their rides, they pause together in the lagoon. On the water, they took turns. Back along the beach, they walk side by side.
Nine more frames from this session
The set-up, bar work, rides and the pauses in between. Swipe or use the arrows.
Photos: Agata Karaseva · Photographer’s blog
Frequently asked questions
A shared lesson works best with similar levels and goals. The instructor can adapt exercises for small differences. If one person starts from zero while the other already rides, it is worth discussing the lesson plan in advance.
The session includes shared preparation, explanations and turns practising with one instructor. Water time alternates with observation and rest; the length of each turn depends on the exercise and conditions.
Kite control, preparation for a waterstart, riding and controlled stops, depending on your current level. The photographs show one session. When each participant moves on to the next stage depends on experience, practice and conditions.
The instructor considers the wind, tide and participants’ levels. If conditions are unsuitable, the session is moved or cancelled. The rescheduling process is described in the booking and safety rules.
