You already ride upwind and link transitions, but you are not sure where to start to work towards jumping or to refine your style? This guide maps out the whole road, from the level required up to Big Air — whether you ride at our Leucate spot or on one of our clinics abroad.
What level do you need to start Big Air coaching?
The minimum level to start is being able to ride upwind and link transitions — you do not need to jump already. That is the only technical prerequisite before joining a coaching session, in Leucate or on a clinic.
Is Big Air coaching open to me if I cannot jump yet?
Yes. Jumping and tricks are learnt step by step, moving from Level 1 (Freeride) to Level 3 (Big Air). You do not need to have mastered a single trick to get started.
Is freeride coaching right for me if I do not want to do tricks?
Yes. Beyond jumping, kitesurfing opens a whole world to explore: foil, strapless, and plenty of moves right on the water such as toeside, blind or slides, none of which require a jump. Coaching adapts to your goal, not only to the road towards Big Air.
Foil and strapless: another road to progress in kitesurfing
The 3 levels of progression
Level 1 — Freeride. Polish your fundamentals and chart your own course: go deeper into pop, toeside, blind and slides, or explore other playgrounds such as foil and strapless. Each one widens your range and your style, with no hierarchy between jumping and free riding.
Level 2 — Old School. The bridge between freeride and Big Air. Build speed and amplitude, then grow your repertoire with rotations, grabs, one-foots and board-offs — moves that ask for more commitment.
Level 3 — Big Air. Learn the preload pop, add loops to your tricks, explore new variations on your rotations and fly your kite in strong wind. The playground of the adrenaline addicts.
How long does it take to go from Freeride to Big Air?
There is no fixed timeframe—it depends on the individual student: their practice frequency, natural rate of progress, and willingness to take technical risks. Some progress quickly with dedication, while others prefer to consolidate each stage before moving forward.
What gear should you bring for Big Air?
We recommend bringing your own kite, board, harness and bar, so you build your reference points on your own gear, along with a helmet and an impact vest for the airborne parts.
What gear for Big Air in Leucate?
Where can you ride with Big Air Coaching?
Leucate, our home base. Weekly sessions take place on the Leucate lagoon, famous for the tramontane — a strong wind, ideal for working towards Big Air.
Tramontane in Leucate: when and how to use it for Big Air
Flat water at La Palme: ideal ground for Big Air progress
The clinics abroad. Several times a year, coaching moves to international spots, combining intensive progress with travel:
- Dakhla, Morocco
- Blue Lagoon, Dahab (Egypt)
- Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka
Every clinic follows the same level-by-level logic (Freeride, Old School, Big Air), with coaching, video analysis and a daily debrief — wherever it takes place.
Ready to step up a level?
Book your coaching session in Leucate or join one of the next clinics, and work your way towards Big Air with one-to-one guidance at every step.
Discover our kitesurf coaching: in Leucate, online and on clinics.
Further reading