Lake Erie Kiteboarding (Lake Erie Watersports)

Lake Erie Kiteboarding, which runs the Lake Erie Watersports website, teaches kitesurfing on Lake Erie in Angola, New York, about thirty minutes southwest of Buffalo. All lessons take place at the mouth of Big Sister Creek at Bennett Beach, a very wide beach with a shallow, sandy bottom. Instructors are IKO certified and insured.

The programme includes a two-hour land-based intro (wind, trainer kite flying, set-up and safety of a four-line kite), then beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons up to the water start, upwind riding and first jumps. PWC-assisted private lessons and a supervision service for independent kiteboarders (launching, landing, rescue) are also available. Students wear a radio helmet.

The ideal wind is at least 12 knots from the SW, WSW, W or NW; offshore winds are no good. The centre also rents kiteboarding gear (on location only, with IKO level 3N or a checking lesson), paddleboards, kayaks and fat tire bikes.

Lessons by sign-up, depending on the wind (12 knots minimum, SW to NW directions).