Trips available October thru May

Wind Forecast
(forecasts 1 week ahead; hit refresh to replay)

INFORMATION REQUEST FORM

HOW KITEHOUSE COMPARES
		Other Camps	Other Boat Trips
Instructor to Student Ratio	1 to 1	1 to 2	1 to 3
Total Time	5 days (20 hrs)	3 days (18 hrs)	over a week's span (15 hrs)
Water Vehicle	26 ft Kite Boat	Jet Ski	Small Boat
Goodie Bag	Yes	No	No
No Wind Charge	Pay Nothing	Full Charge	Full Charge
Tech Support After	7 days/wk	None	None
Price	$1095	$1095	$890

COURSES/PACKAGES OFFERED

THIS IS OUR BEGINNER COURSE – You have the choice of a 2-day Course: Includes 3 hours of instruction per day, use of all equipment, boat support, drink and snack plus the KiteHouse goodie bag OR a 5-day course: Includes 2 days of one to one instruction followed by 3 days of assisted riding and instruction, use of all equipment, boat support, drinks, snacks and goodie bag

Beginners,
Lets face it, Key West is a great place to come and learn or ride. Most people will tell you that you need lessons by the hour or couple of hours. We have been teaching since 1999, thousands of students. You will need 8-9 hours to be up and going one direction and the other direction SAFE.

The word safe is the key word here. You need to build a confidence in kite flying skills as well, you need to develop muscle memory. That way you will react without as much thinking, and your skills will become subconscious. We teach in a friendly safe environment. What direction is the wind blowing in Key West? WHO CARES! Its an island we can go to any side and get the wind. We also train instructors for PASA so you know you are getting experience, plus we like to do things at night too. So if you want to use the latest gear, use a boat to get around, have fun and enjoy your vacation you can take our 2-day course or make it the whole week.

REMEMBER - never buy gear until after you have had a lesson, you will be wasting your money!

THIS IS OUR INTERMIDIATE COURSE* - You have the choice of 2-day OR 5-day course. Both include assisted riding and instruction, use of equipment, specific training for getting on the board, upwind drills, turning, independent kiting, boat support, drink & snack.

THIS IS OUR ADVANCED COURSE** - This classed is geared after Paul Menta the founder of The Kitehouse. Riders learn to jump, do flips, transitions, kiteloops, and any trick they would like to do. We set goals and progress you as you ride for the day.

RIDERS – We also invite any Riders to come out and ride using our equipment. This inlcudes drink & snack, but no instruction.

*Intermediate riders must know self rescue, upwind body drag and be able to ride in both directions.
**Advanced riders must be able to stay upwind in both directions.

Example of a 2-Day Class

• Student understands the wind window and can demonstrate where neutral, landing zones, power zones, and key points off the window are. Understands too little and too much wind.
• Student understands how to steer a kite and correct body movement and positions, and is able to show use the safety system before flying the kite. Can activate, and restore safety.
• Correctly preformed pre-flight check for kite solo launch:, firm bladders, bridles untangled, flying lines untangled, bar is free from tangles and obstructions, safety system in good working order. Un-hooked launch.
• Student can secure area is clear of people, objects and understands a good and safe launch area, and rules of the road.
• Student can maintain the kite in neutral can land the kite assisted, and launch back to neutral slowly and controlled.
• Can perform the following kite flying tasks: neutral, landing, self launch, fly right side power zone, left side power zone, fly hooked in (not on land), activate the safety system, land tack left, land tack right.
• Student can simulate and perform a water re-launch of the kite on land or shallow water in 2 positions.
• Student can use safety system and roll up lines while kite is disabled as if they landed the kite in the water and preformed a self-landing.

Water Class

• Student can show self-rescue and assisted rescue.
• Student can perform body drags in a series where they can only go left and then only go right. Can cup and twist to correct body position
• Student can body drag up-wind hooked in on both sides. Can retrieve board by dragging for it.
• Student can set up a 4-line kite and perform preflight check, not using the de power loop.
• Student can simulate a water start in shallow water, in a sitting position.
• Student understands how to take twists out of lines while in the water.
• Student can put board on (no leash)
• Student and instructor do assisted water start, and first movement on the board.
• Student does solo water starts, and is able to stand up on the board.
• Student stands up and is able to continue powering the kite with good body position.
• Student and instructor have set goals and reviewed kite and boards sizes for where they will ride in the future.
• Student has passed a test given by the instructor

FLIGHT DETAILS

You should book any necessary flights into Miami. You then have the choice of catching a connecting flight down to Key West (40 mins) or renting a car and driving (3-4 hours). Driving is the most economical way. We also have a shuttle from Miami for 75.00 that brings you directly to us.

WHAT TO BRING

Its always a good idea to bring a rash guard (if not, we sell them), water shoes (booties) and sunscreen.

LOCATION

We can kiteboard no matter which way the wind blows. Warm water, palm trees and water so clear you can see the bottom. All gear is included. Click on the image to the left for a map of the boat pick-up location and surrounding landmarks.

MAP & DIRECTIONS TO MARINA

SCHOOL DETAILS

Equipment
We use Cabrinha kites and we keep other demo kites in stock to try out.

Boards
We use Cabrinha boards and other custom brands made for us.

Affiliations
The Kite House belongs to the following associations. Click the logos for more information:

ACCOMODATIONS

Check out KEY WEST INFO
Ask for Julie. She is great and will get you exactly what you want.

Other Options:

Guest Houses
For a friendly, comfortable and reasonably priced guest house we recommend The Popular House, Angelina Guest House or The Wicker Guest House.

For Groups
For groups you may prefer to rent a house, studio or condo in which case you should try keywesthideaways.com. The people to contact there are Cindy and Norman, both really helpful and if you tell them you are with the KiteHouse you may be eligible for a 10% discount. They also have some reasonably priced motel rooms.

Tight Budget?
For those on a tighter budget we suggest the Youth Hostel which also offers private rooms.

WEATHER DETAILS

Waters - Shallow, warm waters with an average year round water temperature of 74 degrees. Winds - average 10 - 15mph and there are generally a couple of days a week with 20mph winds. Being an island means that whatever way the wind is blowing we have a suitable spot to kite.

Weather Forecast

MORE INFORMATION

Things to Do
Click here to download a printable sheet to take with you.

Trips & Excursions
We will take you to the back country, ship wrecked boats, white sand bars, and flat flat water. Great for a snorkel too.

Other Activities
snorkel, diving, kayak, eco tour, dolphin watch, sunset cruz, and more...

Nightlife
This is one of the best party spots anywhere. You won't believe your eyes. There are over 120 bars on a 4-mile long by 1-mile wide island. Every night's a party on the island, with lots of choices depending on your personal taste.

INFORMATION REQUEST FORM