Question for Kite Instructors

Sella · Wed Oct 01, 08 1:06 pm **Question for Kite Instructors**

Question for all certified instructors located anywhere in the world since lessons are the first step;

Out of 10 students what % of newbies do you believe will actively get the stoke and become proficient long-term and why?

I'm sure industry analysts at the kite companies and mags have growth projections so chime in also if you have data because when non-kiters ping us about the sport it would be helpful to give them realistic and somewhat accurate expectations.

Thank you in advance for any feedback.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

When I taught as part of a college club a few years back I'd say about 15-20% actually stuck with it. Kind of ungratifying considering how much time I invested for almost nothing. Not sure how this compares to commercial schools (main difference is they charge more and have better services I'm guessing), but thought I'd throw it out there.

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

id say prob half. some people have know idea what the hell kiteboarding is and when you introduce the sport to them they realize you can learn it in one day.

Suds · Since 25 Mar 2008 143 Posts Hood River Stoked

I would say half if not a little bit more. once they have felt the power of the kite thats when they get stoked.

KidCorporate · Since 10 Jul 2007 563 Posts Addicted

Sol-flyer · Thu Oct 02, 08 2:14 pm

I am not the most experienced kite instructor, I took the Pasa ICP course this summer. I was amazed at how much emphasis goes into understanding your individual student. You really have to be part psychologist/ part teacher.

I would say something like 3-4 out of 10 are going to be truly dedicated and into it. A small percentage does it for another "notch on the belt" and probably wont stick with it. There's a middle range of folks who love it, but just cant get the time to really make progress.

A good learning experience will make a huge difference. Thumb's Up

vangondc · Thu Oct 02, 08 2:24 pm

With my old business we had whitewater kayak lessons as part of it and I think we only had about a 15-25% rate. Most people love the romantic ideal but when they found out that it was more dangerous than the couch and actually required genuine physical activity they gave it up. However, some of them have become some of the better kayakers in the US, some just embrased it as a lifestyle and others just loved it to get out of the dailly grind, and all these people brought me more saticfaction than any disapointment from those that did not. It was especially great have both the did's and did not's come back in latter years and express how it changed the way they saw life from there new perspective.

marina c · Thu Oct 02, 08 3:29 pm

I'd say 1/3 to 1/4 max of total students stick with it. Life interferes and many people don't have the time/patience/diligence to chase the wind.