NICEKITE (Nice Kite Kagoshima)

NICEKITE is a kitesurf shop and school in Kagoshima on the island of Kyushu, with lessons held on the region's wide sandy beaches facing the Sakurajima volcano. The website has been running since 2010 and the school welcomes students from primary-school age to people in their seventies.

Lessons come in several formats: a 30-minute dry-land kite introduction, a one-hour trial, a two-hour in-depth trial, a master course, a course that continues until the student can ride, and a stay package with accommodation. The shop also offers private stand-up paddle sessions and e-foil.

NICEKITE repairs kites and wings, sells new and used gear, and publishes wind forecasts for the local beaches on its website.

Closing days vary: the shop is often on the water when the wind blows, so please call before visiting.