Kitesurfing Initiation in the Magdalen Islands with Plein Vent les îles
- Plein Vent Les Iles
- Mar 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Looking for a unique activity in a paradise setting, or ready to formally dive into the world of kiteboarding? Our initiation session is perfect for you, and we can’t wait to share our passion with you!
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect during your kiteboarding initiation.
What to know before you start:
Duration: 3 hours.
Location: The day before, based on the wind forecast, we’ll send you a text to confirm the meeting spot. We always select the best site with shallow water to ensure a safe and easy learning environment!
Booking options: You can choose between private, duo, or group sessions (note: duo and group bookings must be made together).
Our Kitesurfing Training Process
Learning kitesurfing with us means choosing an experience that combines safety and fun. As the creators and trainers of the instructor program for the Fédération Québécoise de Kite (FQK), we have designed a structured path to allow you to progress effectively, at your own pace, in the heart of the shallow lagoons of the Magdalen Islands.
Welcome to Plein Vent : Greeting and Outfitting (15-20 minutes)
We’ll meet you at the Plein Vent van to get to know each other. You’ll then have a moment to read and sign the waiver and meet your certified instructor, who will be by your side throughout your entire experience.
We provide all the gear you’ll need for your lesson:
4/3 Wetsuit;
Neoprene booties;
Flotation vest;
Helmet;
Harness.
We even have you covered for cooler days with neoprene beanies, gloves, and hoodies available if needed.
We recommend bringing:
Sunglasses with a strap;
Towel;
Sunscreen;
Water bottle.
If you already have your own wetsuit and/or neoprene boots, feel free to bring them along. You can wear your swimsuit or athletic shorts under the wetsuit.
BB Talkin Communication Helmet
Right from your first lesson, we equip you with a two-way communication helmet. It’s a real game-changer that allows us to stay in direct contact with you while you’re on the water. We can give you real-time tips and coaching, which is incredibly reassuring and helps you progress much faster.
Beach Theory: Rigging and Safety Systems (30-40 minutes)
What we’ll do together:
S.E.A. Assessment: Analyzing the wind and the surroundings of the practice site.
Gear Preparation: We’ll pump the kite, teach you how to handle it, and set up the control bar together.
Safety Systems: We’ll explain and demonstrate the three main safety steps in kiteboarding.
Assisted Launch: This is a key moment where you’ll assist your instructor in launching the kite.
Once the instructor has launched the kite, it’s time for action!
On-Water Practice: First Steering and Kite Traction (1:45-2:00)
This is where the magic of the Islands happens! Thanks to the unique topography of our lagoons, we practice in calm, shallow water. It’s the dream location to learn: you can stand up to stay focused on your kite.
Your instructor will be right there with you during your first steering maneuvers to help you develop the right reflexes. You’ll then learn to master the kite using both one and two hands without generating power.
Now that you’re steering like a pro, it’s time to truly glide! We’ll move on to downwind bodydrag. This is often the highlight of the lesson: using the kite’s power to pull you through the water. This unique sensation allows you to fine-tune your steering precision while having a blast!
Introduction to the Board (10-15 minutes)
Thanks to the safe environment of the Islands, an introduction to the board is possible! You’ll have the chance to combine the board with kite steering for some initial traction exercises. If conditions allow and your instructor feels your control is sufficient, you can put the board on your feet and try a waterstart (getting up and out of the water on the board)!
Please note: Most students are not quite ready for the waterstart during their first initiation session. This is completely normal! Many students actually choose to spend more time on body dragging exercises instead of the waterstart to solidify their steering skills and savor that unique feeling of gliding across the water in full control.
(For group initiations of 3 or 4 people, the session focuses on alternating steering and body dragging. To maximize everyone's practice time on the essential basics, the board step is not included in this formula.)
End of Lesson: Gear Pack-Up and Feedback (10-15 minutes)
We take the time to pack up the gear together while discussing your session. It’s the perfect moment to review your progress, ask any questions, and plan your next steps toward independence!
Private, Duo, or Group Lessons: Which option is right for you?
Your choice depends on your personal goals and what you’re looking for. Regardless of the format, each session includes one instructor and one kite shared among participants.
We always choose the kite size based on the wind strength and the rider's weight. For safety reasons, if there are multiple participants, we select the kite size for the lightest person. If there is a significant weight difference between you and your partner, the heavier participant may feel less traction than they normally would.
Three options are available for your initiation:
Private Lesson (1 Instructor / 1 Kite / 1 Student): This is the formula for those who want to progress as quickly as possible. The instructor’s focus and the total practice time are 100% yours throughout the lesson.
Duo Lesson (1 Instructor / 1 Kite / 2 Students): The perfect option to share the fun with a friend or loved one while benefiting from a better rate. This format covers almost all the same exercises as a private lesson. The rotation periods are valuable: they give you time to recover while allowing you to watch your partner's movements and better absorb the instructor's tips.
Group Lesson (1 Instructor / 1 Kite / 3 or 4 Students): Want to experience your first kite thrills with friends or family? This friendly format is primarily a discovery activity to enjoy as a group. Since the lesson duration remains the same (3 hours), the program is streamlined to focus on steering basics and the joy of gliding through the water (body dragging). It’s a great, simple entry point into the world of kiting.
Book with your crew!
For our duo and group options, we let you form your own team. This is our way of guaranteeing a 100% relaxed and shared experience with people you know, without having to share your lesson with strangers.
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