Mohamed AchhibatNational Kitesurf Champion · IKO InstructorHolding the waterstart but struggling to go upwind? Already riding but dreaming of getting airborne? Here is how to progress in kitesurf, step by step — and the mistakes that waste entire sessions.
The 7 steps of progression
- Master the wind window. Knowing where to place your kite to control power is the foundation of everything. We explain it in our article on the wind window.
- Waterstart both ways. Going left and right without thinking.
- Riding upwind. The real milestone of independence: getting back to your start point instead of drifting.
- Controlling speed and stopping. Managing the kite to slow down, stop and set off cleanly.
- Transitions. Changing direction without putting the board down.
- The first jump. Sending the kite at the right moment, taking off and landing softly.
- First tricks. Grabs, small rotations, then freestyle.
How long to progress
From waterstart to riding upwind on your own, plan 5 to 10 more hours after your first sessions. For jumps and tricks, a personalised kitesurf coaching session with Mohamed saves a lot of time. Starting from scratch? Begin with the beginner guide.
The mistakes that slow you down
- Looking at your kite instead of the horizon
- Over-steering: too many bar movements kill control
- The wrong kite size for the day's wind — see how to choose your gear
- Not enough consistency: two sessions a month is slow
Where to progress in Essaouira
Diabat is perfect for working upwind on open water. Moulay Bouzerktoun offers chop for first jumps. We pick the spot based on your goal of the day — see the best kitesurf spots.
Speeding up your progress
The recipe is simple: consistency, the right gear and an outside eye. Coaching with a national champion changes everything. To put it all in context, the complete guide to kitesurfing in Essaouira covers wind, spots and levels. Book via WhatsApp at +212 762-466351.