FAQ
Frequently asked questions
So you can kitesurf in London?
Many people come to drinks and say "I kitesurf but I left my gear at home because I didn't think I would be able to kitesurf in London". We always reply that London is a fantastic place to kitesurf — within 2 hours of central London you can ride on any wind direction and any tide level, from the amazing flat water of Uncle Tom's to waves on the south coast and spots with miles of waist-deep water just waiting for you to enjoy.
Yes, it can be colder than the tropics — but modern wetsuits are incredible, and a well-fitting wetsuit with boots for the winter means you can kitesurf all year round. There are hundreds of keen kite surfers ready to head to the beach each weekend (and sometimes on weekdays), and even in March we have had days with 20+ people at the same beach, meeting for a drink and some food after a session. An amazing way to make new friends and enjoy a brilliant sport.
Do I need to be a member to come to the socials?
No. Drinks are open to all — existing members, people who already kitesurf, people who want to know how to get into the sport, and every level of interest in between. There is no need to be a BKSA or LKSA member to participate. BKSA/LKSA membership is about safety and security on the water; drinks are just about meeting good people who share the same passion.
How do I become a member?
Membership is through British Kitesports (BKSA). When joining, select London Kitesurfers as your local group. See the membership page for a direct link to the BKSA join page.
I am a complete beginner — can I still join?
Yes, but we strongly recommend completing lessons with a qualified IKO or BKSA school before riding independently. LKSA is a social and community club, not a teaching organisation. Once you have your basic skills, joining the community is a great way to progress and find session partners.
What about lessons?
Kitesurfing is a sport with real potential for danger, and it is very important to have taken lessons to a level where an instructor believes you are capable of being self-sufficient — at that point, what you need is practice.
There are many BKSA-approved kite schools along the south-east coast who can provide training, or you might decide to go on holiday and take lessons in warmer waters first. There is definitely a learning curve, but once you are an independent rider you can safely practice — just make sure you do so at beaches that are suitable and where the walk of progress is manageable.
Please ask for advice from more experienced riders, and listen to it. Things can become dangerous when people take conditions for granted — the wind and sea are fickle and can change at a moment's notice. Know how your safety systems work, and check that they actually do work before you launch.
The Kite Spots guide includes a list of schools in the south-east of England.
When and where are the monthly drinks?
Monthly drinks are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at Shaws Booksellers, near Blackfriars (31–34 St Andrew's Hill, London EC4V 5DE). Check the socials page or Meetup for the next date.
How do I find out about sessions and trips?
Most session coordination happens through our community WhatsApp and Telegram groups. We have three WhatsApp groups: Crazy about Kiting (general kite chat, UK & worldwide), London Kitesurfing Only (day trips and sessions from London), and London 2nd Hand Kites (buy, sell & swap gear). Message us on WhatsApp and tell us which group or groups you'd like to join. Planned trips are also listed on the trips page.
Where can I kitesurf near London?
There are several spots within a couple of hours of London that LKSA members frequent. See the UK kite spots guide for a full list of spots with conditions and access information.
Where can I find safety and right-of-way information?
Our safety page covers the essential right-of-way rules and kite etiquette. For more detailed guidance, refer to British Kitesports and IKO.
Can I join the WhatsApp or Telegram groups if I am not a BKSA member?
Of course — the WhatsApp and Telegram groups are open to all active kitesurfers, regardless of membership. We do recommend being a BKSA member and/or having at minimum the correct third-party liability insurance in place, which you may already have through other sporting organisations in the UK or elsewhere in the world. If you are not sure whether your existing insurance covers kitesurfing, check with your provider. See the membership page for more on BKSA membership.
How do I get in touch?
The best way is to message us directly on WhatsApp. In your message, please say which group or groups you would like to be added to: Crazy about Kiting, London Kitesurfing Only, and/or London 2nd Hand Kites.