Here you will find answers to all your questions about kitesurfing trips, kitesafari, trip booking and other most important matters.
1. Until when can kitesurfing trips be booked?
The dates are open about a year before the departure. The latest booking date, if places are still available, is a maximum of one week before departure. In practice, available places run out several months before planned trips, so we recommend booking as soon as possible.
2. What does the booking process look like?
To reserve a place, it is best to contact our office by e-mail: office@kiteaway.pl . Each person who wants to travel with us fills out the registration form, then we prepare the contract. The guarantee of a place on the trip is a signed contract with an advance payment of 30% of the trip price (if there are more than 30 days to departure) or 100% of the trip price (if there are less than 30 days to departure).
3. By when do I have to pay the advance payment?
An advance payment of 30% should be paid immediately after signing the contract. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 30 days before departure. If the reservation was made less than 30 days before the trip, you must pay 100% of the trip price immediately.
4. Can I opt out?
Yes, you can cancel your trip at any time. This must be done in writing. Cancellation costs depend on the date of departure - in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions of Participation in the event.
5. What if I get sick before departure?
It is possible to refund the costs of the Event if cancellation insurance has been purchased (optional when signing the contract, cost approx. 3-5% of the event value). In such a case, the sick person reports to the insurer the reason for canceling the trip along with a medical certificate.
6. Can someone drive for me?
Yes, if someone cannot take part in the trip, it is possible to appoint another person at no additional cost, unless, for example, airline tickets or other named services have been purchased.
7. Can I go if I don't have a pair?
Of course. We try to connect people and if you are traveling alone, we are looking for a roommate. However, if you cannot find another person, you will have to pay extra for a single room.
8. Am I insured during the trip?
Yes, all our trips are covered by Wiener travel insurance with an increase for amateur sports, which includes kitesurfing.
The price of the Event does not include insurance against the costs of cancellation or interruption of participation, nowadays we strongly recommend purchasing such a policy when signing the contract.
9. Covid vaccination / Covid testing
People participating in the trip are required to have a valid vaccination certificate and/or coronavirus test. Depending on the country of departure and in the form required by it.
We communicate information about the requirements in a given country well in advance.
10. Are there age limits?
NO. If the trips are not dedicated to a specific group (e.g. +18 years), there is no age limit for either the trip or kitesurfing.
11. Who stores my data? (GDPR)
The administrator of personal data, in particular name and surname, address, PESEL number, e-mail address, telephone number, is Kiteaway sp. z o. o. based in Olszewnica Stara. Providing data by the Customer is voluntary and is tantamount to consent to their processing for the purposes of the Administrator in connection with the provision of tourist services. The customer has the right to request access to their data, rectify it, request its deletion and the right to withdraw consent to its processing.
1. Is the training included in the trip price?
Training and equipment rental are not included in the trip price.
2. What types of training are there?
We conduct training for beginners, intermediate and advanced students (Progress Camp) in small groups and individually.
3. What does basic training look like?
Training for beginners and intermediate users is carried out according to IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) standards, using a radio communication system with the instructor, progress analysis based on video and photos, using good and modern equipment.
4. Can I go if I have never tried kitesurfing before?
Of course. Most of the places we organize kitesurfing trips to are perfect for starting your kite adventure. To get started, all you need is clothing for water sports and willingness, and we will take care of the rest.
5. Is kiteing for me because I don't practice any other water sports?
General fitness is enough, but it is good to be familiar with water and be able to swim. Classes are conducted in compliance with safety rules, the equipment is equipped with the required systems and the instructors are very experienced. The level of training is always adjusted so that the learning process goes hand in hand with the participant's level of sense of security.
6. Individual or group training?
It depends. At the beginning, we definitely recommend group training, because the group consists of two or three people.
In the first days of learning, when the amount of information is really large, it is easier to learn in a small group, one person performs tasks, the other observes or assists. By changing the student's perspective, i.e. "I practice, you watch and then switch", learning is much more effective. By switching with a partner during exercise, we also have a chance to breathe, which means we can exercise longer during one session.
Individual training is recommended for people who already swim and would like to improve a few details in their technique or position, then a 1-on-1 lesson makes sense.
Warning: If, when booking a group training, it happens that we do not have a partner and we are alone in the group, the program and the cost of the training remain unchanged, but the duration of the course will be shorter.
7. What is PROGRES CAMP?
Progress Camp is an advanced training course taking place on our own equipment, during which we learn new things or improve already acquired skills. The trainers are people with extensive training and competition experience, often specializing in many kitesurfing disciplines: freestyle, oldschool, wake, strapless, foil, wing. The scope of the training is very extensive - from the switch, through the first jumps and rotations, to unhooked tricks. We also offer directional, foil and wing training. Classes are held in a group of max 10 people, but each participant determines their own tricks they want to learn and the issues they want to explore. The trainer leading Progress Camp focuses more individually on each person's program. For example, 2 people from the entire group want to learn e.g. frontroll, so the Instructor works on this trick with these specific people. During the trip, training is divided into several sessions a day on the water, video or photo analysis and theory.
Typically, Progress Camp lasts 5 days.
8. What level of skills is necessary to take part in PROGRES CAMP?
You do not have to be at a very advanced level to take part in the training. What matters most is independence, you need to be able to take off and land safely, sail freely into the wind, recover the board correctly and have basic knowledge of self-rescue.
Progress Camp itself is aimed at exploring and improving these skills, getting rid of the fear of e.g. deep water, strong wind, learning how to do self-rescue in practice, improving your position and, of course, learning the desired tricks or starting an adventure with a foil or a board. directional or wing.
9. Do I need to have my own equipment for PROGRES CAMP?
Yes, Progress Camp is training taking place on your own equipment. If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent it from us, provided you have the appropriate skills to sign up for Progress Camp.
10. Can I sign up for training during the trip?
Of course, this is possible, but since the number of instructors, and therefore the number of available training places, is limited, we recommend signing up for the training well in advance to guarantee a place. It may happen that Instructors' schedules are so full that they will no longer be able to join the training.
11. How many hours a day do training sessions take place?
Sessions are 1-2 hours at a time. Depending on the type of training and wind conditions, we also try to hold classes at least twice a day, e.g. one session after breakfast and another after lunch.
12. Can the equipment be used after the training?
If you complete the course and the instructor determines that you are able to exercise on your own, there is the option to rent exercise equipment for half price (if equipment is available). It is also a good option to have your own equipment so that you can exercise without restrictions after completing the course. However, we recommend that you consult us before deciding to rent or purchase equipment.
13. How does the rental process work?
Participants who want to rent equipment for kitesurfing trips should contact the office and the person who will help them choose it. This set is sent home by courier and upon return we return it in the same way. This involves registering your sports baggage and paying for it at the airport.
Cost, depending on the set and number of days - e.g. a week's trip: bag (quiver) + 2 kites with a bar + complete board + trapeze = approximately PLN 1200.
NOTE: People learning from the beginning have the equipment included in the price of the course. If someone wants to use the equipment after the course, please consult it with the person from the office when registering for the trip.
14. If I rent equipment and the wind is too strong/too small for the rented size, can I use the size available during the trip?
Yes, if additional equipment is available, the rental cost will be calculated based on the hours of use.
15. What kites should I take for the trip? (applies to people with their own equipment or renting it)
Preferably all that we have and can take. When packing before your departure, you can check the forecast and assume what kites you will most often need. But a forecast, as a forecast is, can play a trick on us. That's why we always recommend taking everything you can before leaving :) and, of course, consult us if you need anything.
16. Is there any free time?
Of course, time to regenerate the body and mind is an integral part of learning. In addition, we always set meal times and the start time of training sessions or free time the day before. Kitesurfing trips are, above all, entertainment and pleasure. If we feel too tired or do not feel up to it, we contact the Instructor to postpone the classes. You won't be forced to do anything, after all, it's your holiday too.
17. What do we do if there is not enough wind to conduct the planned activities effectively?
We try to use the wind as much as possible, but remember that there are a lot of elements in learning kitesurfing that we can learn when there is less wind. However, if there comes a time when it is not possible to conduct classes because, for example, there is too little or too much wind, we have several alternatives.
The first are classes related to kitesurfing, i.e. theoretical classes, such as the right of way, practicing "dry" tricks using e.g. a bar attached or held by the Instructor, and practical classes, such as setting up or repairing your own equipment, and self-rescue classes in deeper water.
If there is less wind, we can try to practice on a directional board, foil or wing if possible.
When there is no wind at all and the previous alternatives are used, we can engage in fun activities, e.g. Snorkeling (abc), swimming with dolphins, pulling a wake pontoon, banana boat, etc.
We often diversify kitesurfing trips with diving trips or organizing trips. We certainly won't be bored. Oh no!
18. Will I get a diploma or license after the course?
Roof. Each participant of courses and training will be registered in the IKO system (International Kiteboarding Organization) and receive a virtual card that determines his level, e.g. IKO 1,2,3,4,5. Having such a card with the appropriate degree is often required to, for example, rent equipment around the world.
After the course, you will also receive a course completion diploma.
1. What is Kitesafari?
Kitesafari is a cruise on a large, luxurious motor yacht on the Red Sea. Trips last a week and are 100% focused on kitesurfing. We live on the boat, we eat on the boat, we dance and we sleep.
2. What kind of boat are we sailing on?
Depending on the date, we have two boats at our disposal:
a) M/Y Captain Sparrow 5* – it is a 43-meter motor yacht with 14 cabins on three levels. The two staterooms on the upper deck are Master Suites, the 6 staterooms on the middle level with the option of twin or double beds, and the 6 staterooms on the lower level with twin beds.
Each cabin has a bathroom with hot water, a safe, a fridge and a TV.
The yacht has a jacuzzi, training and yoga accessories, a sauna and a masseur.
b) M/Y Turquoise 5* is a 45 m motor yacht equipped with 16 spacious cabins on 4 decks.
On the top deck there are 2 Master cabins, on the upper deck there are 2 Double cabins and 6 cabins with single beds, on the middle deck there are 4 cabins with single beds, and on the lower deck there are 2 cabins with a double bed and 1 cabin with two single beds.
The yacht also has a jacuzzi, a sun deck, plenty of space to relax, and a bar with an ice maker.
3. Where do we sleep?
We sleep on the yacht. After reaching our destination, we moor near the kitesurfing spot, in a place where there are no or minimal waves, imperceptible to a person sleeping on a large yacht.
4. Can you get seasick?
The size of the wave that we may encounter during the trip depends on the strength of the wind; if it blows very strongly, waves will actually appear. However, we can actually feel it only when covering the first section of the route, from the port to the first island. Later, we move in rather sheltered waters, so the "rocking" of the boat is minimal and practically unnoticeable when the boat is moored.
5. What will the spot look like? How do we get to it from the boat?
The spots are islands in the Red Sea - uninhabited sandy areas with the wind from the shore - so in each place, depending on the tide, we have a perfect flat. At each spot there is a beach to which we swim in pontoons and set up our equipment there. The choice of spots and the time we stay in one place depend on the current wind conditions, tides and how many boats there are at the spots, which is why individual kitesurfing trips differ from each other.
In addition to kitesurfing equipment, we also bring umbrellas/tents where you can rest in the shade, as well as cold drinks and snacks.
6. Where do we take off and land the kites?
We take off and land kites from land, not from a boat! We have compressors, pumps for inflating the equipment, and crew assistance in take-off and landing.
7. How many spots do we visit during kitesafari?
Kitesurfing trips are concentrated in several spots we sail to - the famous Tawila, several spots on Geisum, Ashrafi and Abu Mongar, the closest to Hurghada. The number of spots visited on kitesafari depends on wind conditions, tides and the number of other boats. It happens that we visit 4 spots during a week, but it also happens that due to the best conditions at one of them we stay there for the whole week.
8. How many hours do we swim?
We have three sessions during which you can swim:
At sunrise (6 a.m.) - we do not train at this time, it is a session for those interested.
After breakfast – approx. 9/10 to 13-14 p.m.
After lunch around 15-17/18.
This means we spend about 6-7 hours of swimming per day.
9. What wind conditions can we expect?
On the northern islands of the Red Sea we find the best wind in all of Egypt. Thanks to the location of the islands and wind effects, there are often several knots more wind than on the mainland. So the probability of wind is much greater. But in Egypt we can really expect anything. A week with 35+ winds and low wind days.
10. Are the spots characterized by shallow or deep water?
The places we visit are shallow, and depending on the specific location and water level, the size of the shallow area changes.
However, the shallows do not occupy the entire spot - a little further from the shore it gets deep (this distance varies depending on the spot), so people swimming on foils will also find a place to have fun.
11. What does rescue look like if you go downwind further from the shore?
The spots are characterized by offshore wind. The crew and instructors observe you on the water and, if necessary, take you back to shore and help you.
12. What do we do in the event of an accident?
If these are small scratches or lacerations, we have a first aid kit on the boat. However, in the case of more serious injuries, we organize the transport of the injured person to land, most often to a private hospital in El Gouna, where health care is at the highest level.
13. How quickly does help arrive?
Organizing transport to land takes about 1-2 hours, depending on where our yacht is moored.
14. Is there anyone on the yacht who can provide first aid?
The boat manager, who is often a diving instructor, is trained in first aid. The first aid kit is equipped with the basics - plasters, bandages, disinfectants and dressings, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, ointments for bruises, etc. “Pharaoh's Revenge” is very rare, but it happens. We also have medicines for this condition in the on-board first aid kit.
15. Is there Internet on the boat?
We have access to Wi-Fi from a mobile network on the yacht. As you might expect, we have the best coverage when we are close to land. The further north you go, the less regular the coverage, but still enabling Internet communication. If someone really needs to use the Internet, we recommend getting your own SIM card at the airport.
16. Is the flight included in the trip price?
No, the flight is paid separately, the cost is approximately PLN 2000.
17. What do we eat and when?
The dishes served by the Chef are a mixture of Arabic and European cuisine. The menu is very diverse, lots of seafood, fish, vegetarian dishes and a variety of desserts. Meals are served buffet style. Coffee and tea, soft drinks and snacks are available at all times. Coffee from an espresso machine is charged extra. Thanks to this, kitesurfing trips are also a great culinary adventure.
18. Is there alcohol on the boat apart from what we order?
Usually, there is no extra alcohol available on the yacht, so it is worth considering your order before leaving and bringing an extra bottle with duty free.
19. What should we take with us?
Lycra long sleeve, shorts.
Shoes – very important, with a thick sole for lessons or when we walk a lot on the bottom. They may be a little more gentle if we swim and are independent
Foam – regardless of the season, it is worth having at least a thin wetsuit for sessions at sunrise and sunset.
Good cream sun protection or zinc pomade, polarized glasses,
Blouse in the evening until May and from October.
Water bottle – we want to reduce the number of plastic bottles, so it is worth having your own water bottle that you refill.
