Kids Kite Camp
Our Kids Kiteboarding Camp runs Monday–Tuesday–Wednesday each week during Summer (June, July, August).
Ages: Kids ages 9–16 years can participate in the camp.
Times: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM each day.
Location: Kanaha Beach Park (western end = Kite Beach).
Why a Kids Camp?
Kids are special and fast learners. They learn differently from adults and benefit from learning with other kids. We have extensive experience teaching kite flying to young children and provide specialized clinics, activities, and family sessions. Our instructors receive specialty training to prepare them for our kids’ programs.
Our Program
Our “Teaching Kiteboarding to Kids” course is recognized by the IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) and is taught at selected schools by specially trained kiteboarding instructors. Kids’ lessons are shorter than adult lessons, typically lasting one to two hours. Siblings, friends, and families can learn together as a fun group activity.
Kids are impressionable, and forming a positive first experience is vital in shaping their attitudes toward the wind and water for life. The first day is one of the most important in a child’s kiteboarding journey. At Action Sports Maui we know how important that first day is, and we do our best to ensure a safe, fun, and empowering experience.
About Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding isn’t particularly difficult, but it is technical. The kite acts more like a wing than a sail, so students need to master control before adding power. They must also learn to use the kite’s safety systems. Once they master the kite on land, they learn water handling, relaunching, and combining the board and kite. Kiteboarding combines two skills—kite-flying and board-riding. The board used is similar to a wakeboard or snowboard.
The Progression
The kiteboarding skills progression is a refined list of ordered skills developed over the last 18 years, adapted for children. Learning the basics typically takes 10–15 hours, which fits perfectly into multi-day courses or camps. Younger kids may need multiple camps to get their first rides, while older kids may progress faster depending on prior experience and water comfort. We never push students beyond their comfort or safety level.
Goals and Expectations
Kiteboarding is a technical sport combining two core skill sets: Board Skills and Kite Skills. Kids also learn wind awareness, weather reading, and water safety. Each student is unique—some arrive with related experience (skateboard, wakeboard, sailing, windsurfing), while others are starting fresh.
Parents should recognize that reaching “independent kiteboarding” often takes several camps—typically 15–30 hours of training. Kids should always be supervised by a responsible kiteboarder (teacher, coach, or trained parent). Parents who want their kids to progress faster are encouraged to take up the sport or a few lessons to help safely assist from the beach.
For a detailed overview of the learning process, visit our Kiteboarder Progression Page.
Lesson One – Kite Skills
We begin with a trainer kite on land to teach steering reflexes and wind awareness. The trainer kite is smaller and lets kids safely explore wind power and control. Students learn about wind direction, power zones, and flight patterns. Larger kids may also use a harness and safety systems at this stage.
Lesson Two – Water Skills
Next, students move to larger inflatable kites—these float and can be relaunched in the water. Kids learn setup, handling, and safety procedures. All students wear life jackets and harnesses. The instructor begins with a tandem demonstration before students practice body dragging, learning to control the kite in the water, steer downwind, and self-exit safely. Confident swimmers advance to single-handed flying using a harness.
Lesson Three – Board Skills
Kids learn board handling, deep-water recovery, and the theory of the water start—combining board and kite control. They practice steady pulls and short rides once they’re comfortable balancing both elements. This stage occurs farther from shore and is only suitable for strong swimmers.
Teaching Kids Lesson Program
The Teaching Kiteboarding to Kids Program, developed by our team, has been officially adopted by the IKO International Kiteboarding Organization for instructors worldwide. There is now a specialty training program for kiteboarding instructors to become certified to teach children. All instructors in our kids’ programs have completed this training as part of our ongoing commitment to professional education and quality instruction.
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call us to get on the list. Each participant must have a parent or guardian sign the release form.
Volunteers
Parents are welcome to watch but should not interact unless volunteering. Those who wish to help may speak with the Head Coach about volunteer opportunities.
Families
Kiteboarding is a great family sport, and kids benefit when a parent or sibling learns alongside them. Consider joining a parallel adult lesson to share the experience. Adults can participate in lessons during camp hours (but not in the kids’ camp group).
Friends
Kids love learning with friends! If your child wants to attend with a buddy, we’ll group them together whenever possible for motivation and fun.
Special Needs
Please let us know if your child has any special needs, allergies (EpiPens), injuries, or phobias. Children should bring any necessary medication. If your child feels unwell, please notify us—sick kids should stay home for their own safety and others’ comfort.
Health and Fitness
Kids must be physically fit for the activity. Please inform us of any relevant health issues. Kids with conditions like asthma should consult their doctor, as kiteboarding requires swimming and sustained exertion. Those with conditions such as epilepsy or other sudden loss-of-consciousness disorders unfortunately cannot participate due to drowning risk.
What to Bring
Kids should bring water, snacks, any required medications, reef booties, and a long-sleeve lycra rash guard or swimwear. Wetsuits (“shorty” or spring suits) are recommended, as children feel cold faster than adults due to lower body mass and higher surface-area-to-weight ratios. Apply sunscreen before arrival—especially on face, ears, neck, and legs—and bring extra for reapplication. Sunglasses and leashes are optional but helpful.
Preparation
No non-swimmers allowed. All participants must be able to swim at least 50 meters in deep water and be comfortable in the ocean. Life jackets are provided but are not substitutes for swimming ability. Students should arrive well-nourished, hydrated, and rested each day.
