About Lyle

Our kiteboarding school, nestled near the Klickitat Bridge in Lyle, Washington, is renowned as the premier beginner-friendly location in the Gorge. We offer a secure and enjoyable learning environment for kiteboarding and wing foiling enthusiasts at all skill levels.

Between the beautiful Klickitat and Columbia Rivers, our shop is your portal to the world of kiteboarding and wing foiling adventures. Our IKO certified instructors are committed to your safety and progression whether you’re starting from scratch or aiming to enhance your abilities.

The Lyle sandbar stands out for its optimal beginner conditions. The shallow waters and vast open area provide plenty of safe space for practice, away from the busy sandbar in Hood River, which is typically crowded during the summer season.

For those travelling from Oregon, getting to us is easy. Remember to carry cash for the toll when crossing the bridge from Hood River to White Salmon, which is $3.50 each way.

Our kiteboarding and wing foiling school is only 1.5-hour drive from Portland, Oregon. If you’re coming from Seattle or Spokane, Washington, we’re just about a 4-hour drive away.

About Lessons

• IKO certified instructors

• Latest gear provided

• Water craft support for all lessons

• Radio communication

• 5+ years experienced instructors

• Easy, safe and shallow location

• Less crowds than Hood River

• IKO certificate when complete

• Most reliable wind conditions

• Personalized tailored instruction

Whether you’re a complete beginner or eager to take your skills to the next level, we have the perfect course for you. All our single lessons are $350 for 2.5 hours, if you book our 3-lesson package, you can save $25 and if you book our 5-lesson package, can save $50. We do have 7.5% Washington sales tax added to the cost, but we have factored this in to remain competitive with other schools in the area.

Choose Your Course Level

• Discovery Lesson (2.5 Hours): The perfect introduction session for total beginners to experience the power of the kite.

• Let’s Ride Course (5 Hours): Dive deeper and experience the thrill of your first water starts on the board.

• Get Independent (7.5 Hours): Master the essential skills needed to become a self-sufficient kiteboarder.

• Confident Rider (12.5 Hours): Extensive training focused on mastering upwind riding and total board control.

• Next Level Rider (2.5 Hours): Refresh and refine your skills and smash through your current level with advanced coaching.

The SA Kitesurf Advantage: Advanced Instruction Technology

We don't just stand on the jet ski and shout. Every lesson includes:

• Two-Way Radios: We are the only school in the area providing uninterrupted, real-time radio communication. Your instructor is always in your ear with instant feedback, keeping you safe and accelerating your progress.

• Boat Support: Spend your energy riding, not walking back upwind. Our boat support ensures you get a lift back to where you started so that you can concentrate on perfecting your riding skills.

Why Train With an Official IKO Center?

As the area's only official IKO-certified center, we follow the highest global safety standards. Upon completion, you’ll receive an IKO Member Card, allowing you to rent equipment at any IKO-affiliated center worldwide.

Booking & Logistics

• Flexible Scheduling: Book as many sessions as you need via our secure online booking system.

• Bring a Friend: Choose a Private session or select the Group option and add a "buddy" during checkout.

• Questions? Reach out at +1 833-TRY-KITE (879 5483) or email sakitesurf@gmail.com.

Weather Forecast

Take a look at the weather forecast and determine what days you may be available to do lesson. In the Gorge we typically need around 15kt+ to be able to fly a kite, so look for higher wind periods in the day and book through our online booking system accordingly. If you're not sure, just give us call and we'll be happy to help you book over the phone.

Seasons Highlights

Frequently asked questions

Who can kiteboard?

You should be at least 12 years of age to learn to kiteboard, and you are never too old. In regard to fitness, people of all shapes and sizes kiteboard. Strength (especially in the core), flexibility, and endurance will help you to progress more quickly in the sport, but are not prerequisites for learning. In fact, kiteboarding is a great way to get into shape! The only physical requirement is the ability to swim. Beyond that, we match the appropriate kite to your size and the wind conditions. In a nutshell, with the same wind speed, the bigger the person, the bigger the kite, the smaller the person, the smaller the kite. Don’t worry, you’re not going to fly away. You’ll be perfectly safe as long as you listen to your instructor.

Do you provide equipment?

Yes! We provide all the latest equipment including, kites, harnesses, floatation vests, wetsuits, shoes and kiteboards for all your kiteboarding lessons. We also provide two way radio communication so that you stay connected to your instructor at all times and either a boat or a jet ski to transport you upwind when you get to the water start stage. We do recommend bringing your own wetsuit and water shoes if you have your own.

What do I need to bring?

We do provide wetsuits but we recommend bringing your own as sizing can be an issue for some people. Also, water shoes (if you own them), hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water. We provide the rest!

Why should I take lessons from an IKO affiliated kiteboarding center?

IKO, International Kiteboarding Organization, is the world’s largest kiteboard training organization. To become an IKO affiliated center, kiteboarding schools must meet high standards of set criteria that ensure their commitment to quality and safety. IKO instructors are trained to teach using IKO’s safe, progressive method which helps you to reach your goals faster and with confidence. We do not recommend taking lessons from your kiteboarding friends or schools without certified instructors.

How long will it take me to ride on the board?

That all depends on you! Each person’s kiteboarding progression is different. If you excel at the sport, we will not hold you back, and if you need more time to feel comfortable, we will not push you. On average it takes about 6 hours to stand up on the board and ride a short distance. We recommend 12.5 hours, however, to increase your confidence, ensure safety and become fully independent.

The IKO progression is as follows: In your first lesson you will learn kite setup, safety and begin to master your kite control. In your second lesson you will begin to use the power of the kite to pull your body through the water and learn the body dragging technique. In your third lesson you will put the board on your feet and attempt your first water starts. Most people can only ride in one direction at this point and don’t necessarily feel confident to go out on their own. After 12 hours of training you should be riding in both directions and will fully understand safety and self-rescue techniques to avoid emergency situations.

Short on time? We can combine two lessons into one day and fast track you to the board!

What is the IKO progression?

The IKO progression is as follows: In your first lesson you will learn kite setup, safety and begin to master your kite control. In your second lesson you will begin to use the power of the kite to pull your body through the water and learn the body dragging technique. In your 2nd-3rd lesson you will put the board on your feet and attempt your first water starts. Most people can only ride in one direction at this point and don’t necessarily feel confident to go out on their own. After 12.5 hours of training you should be riding in both directions and will fully understand safety and self-rescue techniques to avoid emergency situations.

Do you want to fast track your progression? We can combine two lessons into one day and get you on that board a little faster.

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