Frequently Asked Questions

Save time! Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to help you find the answer you're looking for.

• Getting Started
• Lessons & Courses
• Booking, Cancellation & Weather
• Rental
• Safety & Insurance
• The Spot & Practical Info
• IKO Pro Courses

Getting Started

• Do I need any experience to start kitesurfing?

  No. Our beginner lessons and courses start from zero. Your instructor takes you step by step, from safety and kite control on the beach to your first rides on the board.
• Do I need to be strong or very fit?

  No. Kitesurfing is about technique and coordination, not strength. The harness takes the pull of the kite, not your arms. A basic level of fitness is enough, and your core will get stronger as you ride.
• Do I need to know how to swim?

  Yes. You don't need to be a strong swimmer, but you must be comfortable in deep water. You'll wear a helmet and a buoyancy vest during your lessons.
• From what age can I learn?

  Children aged 8 to 11 can join our kids’ lessons, taught with a playful approach. From age 11, children can join our regular lessons. The little ones must be able to swim and feel comfortable in deep water. A parent or legal guardian must authorise participation before the lesson.
• Which lesson or course should I choose as a beginner?

  If you want to try it first, book the Starter Kitesurf Lesson (2 hours). If you already know you want to learn, a course gives you more time and a better hourly rate: the Beginner Course (6 hours over 2 days), Zero to Hero (9 hours over 3 days) or the Master Course (15 hours over 5 days). See all options on our Courses page.
• How fast will I learn?

  Everyone progresses differently, depending on the wind, the number of hours and your own experience. We make sure each skill is mastered safely before moving on, so you build real confidence rather than rushing through exercises. Longer courses give you the best chance of riding independently.
• Is kitesurfing dangerous?

  Like any action sport, kitesurfing has risks. Learning with certified instructors, in suitable conditions and with proper safety equipment keeps those risks low. Our lessons teach you to assess the conditions, control the kite safely and react when conditions change.
• What should I bring to my lesson?

  Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water. We provide all the kitesurfing and safety equipment, including the wetsuit. You're welcome to bring your own wetsuit if you prefer.

Lessons & Courses

• Are lessons private or in groups?

  All our lessons are private: one instructor for one student. Semi-private lessons (one instructor for two students) are available only when you come with your own partner, friend or family member. We never mix separate bookings into a group. In semi-private lessons, your instructor decides on the day whether you share a kite, depending on your level and the wind.
• How long is a lesson?

  A single lesson lasts 2 hours. Course sessions last 3 hours per day. Each session includes a briefing before you start and a debriefing at the end. Lessons usually take place between 2pm and 7pm, when the thermal wind blows, and we confirm the exact time based on the forecast.
• What will I learn in my first lesson?

  Your first lesson starts with a safety briefing and an introduction to the equipment and the spot. You'll then learn to control the kite on the beach before moving into the water. How far you get depends on the conditions and your progress, and your instructor adapts the lesson to you.
• Will I have the same instructor throughout my course?

  Yes. Your instructor stays with you from the first to the last session, so they know your level and your goals.
• Do you film the lessons?

  Yes. During the lesson, your instructor records video so you can review your technique together at the debriefing. Seeing your own riding helps you understand and correct mistakes much faster. During the water stage, we also use walkie-talkies so your instructor can talk to you promptly while you ride. We only use your images for promotion with your consent.
• Do you offer lessons for intermediate and advanced riders?

  Yes. The Advanced Kitesurf Lesson (2 hours) works on specific skills, such as jumps or riding upwind. The Independent Kitesurf Course (6 hours) is for riders with some experience who want to ride confidently on their own. Every session is adapted to your level and goals.
• Can I use my own equipment?

  In beginner lessons, we use our own equipment, which is set up specifically for learners. You can bring your own wetsuit. From advanced level, you can use your own kitesurfing equipment.
• Do you offer instructor training courses?

  Yes. We run the IKO Assistant Training Course (ATC) and Instructor Training Course (ITC). You’ll find upcoming course dates and all the details in our Newsroom, where we publish our IKO Pro Course events.

Booking, Cancellation & Weather

• How do I book?

  Book online through our booking page, or contact us by WhatsApp, email or phone. You can pay online or by bank transfer. Your booking is confirmed once we receive the payment or deposit and send you a booking confirmation.
• How do I know my lesson will go ahead?

  Kiteboarding sessions depend on suitable wind and weather conditions. We’ll contact you before your scheduled lesson to confirm whether it can go ahead or needs to be rescheduled. If conditions are unsuitable, we’ll work with you to arrange an alternative in accordance with your booking.
• How do I book a rental?

  Book online on our Rent & Ride page at least 2 hours before you want to ride, or arrange it directly with us by WhatsApp and pay by bank transfer. Rental periods and prices are on the Rent & Ride page.
• How do I book the course?

  The easiest way is to create a free account on the IKO website, select 24Kiteboard as your school, and follow the steps to register for your course and complete the payment. If you have any questions or would like guidance before registering, feel free to contact us directly. We’ll be happy to help you through the process.
• Can I book at the last minute or on the day?

  Lessons must be booked in advance, so we can reserve your instructor and equipment. Equipment rentals can be booked up to 2 hours before you want to ride, subject to availability.
• Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?

  Yes. Contact us as early as possible through the channel you used to book. For direct bookings: • More than 24 hours before the start: 100% refund. • Less than 24 hours before the start: 50% refund of the first day's price, and 100% refund of any following days. • No-show without notice: no refund for the missed session. For example, if you cancel a 3-day course 12 hours before the first lesson, you get 50% of the first day and a full refund for days 2 and 3. For online bookings, the online booking and payment fees may be deducted. Rescheduling is always subject to availability.
• What happens if there's no wind or the weather is unsuitable?

  No teachable wind, no lesson. Your safety comes first: if the wind, weather or sea conditions aren't suitable, we postpone or cancel the activity and let you know as early as possible. This also applies if you've already arrived at the spot. You can then choose to reschedule or get a refund: • Paid by bank transfer: full refund, with no fees deducted. • Paid online: refund minus the online booking and payment-processing fees actually charged by our providers. Late-cancellation charges never apply when we cancel because of the conditions.
• What if I can't finish my course?

  If the weather prevents us from completing your course within your dates, you can reschedule the remaining hours or get a refund for them. If you decide to stop after the course has started, we refund the lesson hours you didn't use. In both cases, the refund is calculated in proportion to the hours not delivered.
• When will I receive my refund?

  We first agree the refund amount with you. Once agreed, we start the refund within 1 to 5 working days, normally to your original payment method. The time for the money to reach your account depends on your bank or payment provider.
• How long are my booked lessons valid?

  Lessons and courses are valid until the end of the calendar year in which you booked them. Book your dates early, especially in the best wind season from April to October.
• I booked through another platform. Which conditions apply?

  Bookings made through third-party platforms follow that platform's cancellation and refund conditions. Please send any cancellation or refund request through the platform you booked with.
• What is the 24Kiteboard Club, and what are the benefits?

  The 24Kiteboard Club is our membership for riders who kite with us regularly. You'll find all the details and how to join on our Club page.

Rental

• Who can rent equipment?

  Our rental is for independent kiters who can ride safely on their own. You don't need to book a lesson to rent. If you're not yet independent, the Independent Kitesurf Course or an Advanced Lesson is the right choice.
• What's included in the rental?

  A full setup: kite, bar and lines, board, harness, wetsuit, buoyancy vest and helmet. Our rental wetsuits are 3mm to 4mm full suits.
• Which kites and boards do you have? Can I change size if the wind changes?

  Our rental fleet is dedicated to rental, separate from the school equipment, so you always get gear chosen for you rather than what's left over. We have recent kites and boards from Core and Cabrinha in a range of sizes. Our team helps you choose the right size for your weight and the conditions, and you can swap sizes during your session if the wind changes, subject to availability.
• How do I book a rental?

  Book online on our Rent & Ride page at least 2 hours before you want to ride, or arrange it directly with us by WhatsApp and pay by bank transfer. Rental periods and prices are on the Rent & Ride page.
• What happens if there's no wind for my rental?

  If there isn't suitable wind to ride, you can reschedule or get a refund. If you paid by bank transfer, you get a full refund with no fees. If you booked online, you get a full refund minus the online booking and payment fees.
• What if I damage or lose equipment?

  You're never charged for normal wear and tear, existing damage or equipment failure that isn't your fault. If equipment is damaged or lost through misuse, negligence or not following instructions, we assess the actual repair or replacement cost fairly, taking the age and condition of the equipment into account. We'll explain the assessment and give you the chance to respond before any amount is final.

Safety & Insurance

• What safety measures are in place?

  Our instructors are IKO and FPV/IPDJ certified. Every lesson starts with a safety briefing and an assessment of the spot and conditions, and we only teach when conditions suit your level. You wear a helmet and buoyancy vest, your instructor supervises you throughout, and we have clear emergency procedures. The safety briefing is required before every session, even for regular riders.
• Is there a lifeguard at the spot?

  Yes, lifeguards are always nearby at Fonte da Telha. Your instructor also stays with you throughout the lesson and is trained in emergency and rescue procedures.
• Am I insured during my lesson?

  Yes. 24Kiteboard holds personal-accident and public-liability insurance covering students, staff and third parties, subject to the terms and limits of the policy. You may also want personal travel or medical insurance for extra cover.
• What happens if I get injured?

  Tell your instructor immediately. We follow our emergency procedures, call the emergency services when needed and notify our insurer. Please report any accident, injury or equipment problem straight away, so we can help you and record what happened.
• How do you keep the beach safe for other people?

  We teach in a dedicated area, keep launching and landing away from swimmers and beach users, and teach every student the right-of-way rules from the first lesson. Respect for other beach and water users is part of every safety briefing.

The Spot & Practical Info

• Where do lessons take place?

  Our main spot is Fonte da Telha, Costa da Caparica, a great place to learn thanks to its small waves and steady thermal winds. When another nearby spot has better or safer conditions, we may move the lesson there and let you know in advance. We meet you at the spot in Fonte da Telha.
• Are you open all year round?

  Yes, we teach all year round. The best wind season runs from April to October, when the Atlantic thermal winds are most consistent. Lessons usually take place in the afternoon, between 2pm and 7pm.
• Is accommodation included?

  No. Costa da Caparica has options for every budget, and we're happy to recommend places close to the spot.
• Can I store my equipment at 24Kiteboard?

  Currently, we do not provide an option for permanent storage of personal equipment at 24Kiteboard. However, we do offer full set rental for use on the day of your visit.
• How can I contact you?

  The fastest way is WhatsApp at +351 922 242 522. You can also email contact@24kiteboard.com or use the contact form on our website. For partnerships, training camps or product collaborations, please email us.
• Can we host a training camp?

  The 24Kiteboard Spot is a versatile facility, making it an ideal location for professionals and training camps. With a variety of different conditions and easy planning, the 24Kiteboard offers the right support for holding a training camp on the highest level. We are happy to receive your specific needs and group sizes.
• Can we offer our products in your kiteboarding school?

  If you see an ideal opportunity between your products and our school, feel free to contact us. For inquiries regarding cooperation with 24Kiteboard, please send us an email to contact@24kiteboard.com.

IKO Pro Courses

• What level must I be before starting the ATC?

  You should ride independently at IKO Level 4 or equivalent, including riding upwind consistently, performing transitions, and completing a self-rescue. If you're unsure, send us a video, and we'll give you a level assessment.
• Do I need to do both courses (ATC + ITC)?

  The ATC is an IKO prerequisite for the ITC. You can take the ATC alone to start working as an Assistant Instructor. If your goal is to become a fully certified instructor, we recommend completing both courses back to back.
• How do I book the course?

  The easiest way is to create a free account on the IKO website, select 24Kiteboard as your school, and follow the steps to register for your course and complete the payment. If you have any questions or would like guidance before registering, feel free to contact us directly. We’ll be happy to help you through the process.
• What are the online IKO course fees?

  The online module fees for the IKO Assistant Training Course (ATC) and Instructor Training Course (ITC) are set by IKO and may change. These fees are paid directly to IKO during registration and are separate from the on-site training fee paid to 24Kiteboard. Please check the IKO website for the latest fees.
• Do I need my own equipment?

  Yes, instructor candidates are expected to bring their own kite, bar, board, harness with leash, helmet, and impact vest. If needed, rental equipment can be arranged in advance, just contact us before the course.
• What happens if I don't pass the ITC?

  Your examiner will work with you to identify the areas that need improvement and guide you through the relevant subjects and skills until you meet the required assessment criteria. The focus is on helping you develop the competencies needed to qualify as an IKO Instructor.
• Is the IKO certification recognised worldwide?

  Yes. IKO certification is recognised in over 60 countries and more than 350 affiliated schools. Once certified as an Instructor Level 1, you can apply to teach at IKO centres around the world.
• Can I work abroad with this certification?

  Yes, many instructors work internationally in destinations such as Portugal, Brazil, Greece, and the Caribbean. While visa requirements vary by country, your IKO certification gives you access to a global job market. We’re happy to guide you on common pathways.
• Can I work at 24Kiteboard after certification?

  Outstanding graduates may be considered for positions at 24Kiteboard. While certification doesn’t guarantee a job, it opens the door. We also support graduates with job opportunities across our network of partner schools.
• How much can I earn as an IKO instructor?

  Earnings vary depending on the location, season, experience and type of lessons offered. Building experience, developing your teaching skills and working in established kiteboarding destinations can create opportunities to grow your career as an instructor.
• What happens if the weather is bad during my IKO course?

  Each course includes a buffer day for wind variability, and IKO guidelines allow flexible scheduling so you complete all required training.