Women Kitesurfing After 40 (50 or 60!): Why It’s Never Too Late to Learn

Wondering if you’re too old to learn kitesurfing? Here’s why women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are thriving at women’s kiteboarding retreats — plus fitness and mindset tips to get started.

“Am I Too Old to Learn?”

This might be the number-one question women ask before booking a kitesurf lesson — and one of the questions we receive the most.

If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it’s easy to think: “That’s a sport for twenty-somethings.”

But let me tell you a secret: some of the most determined, graceful, and successful kitesurfers I’ve taught started after 40. So, let’s start this blog with an affirmation: No, you are not too old. You are 40 years young and ready to shred on the water.

Why Age Isn’t a Barrier

You can absolutely learn kiteboarding in your 40s, 50s, 60s — even 70s.

Kitesurfing isn’t about brute strength. The harness takes the pull, and the kite’s power is adjusted to your size and the conditions.

What matters most is technique — and that’s something women excel at when they allow themselves to learn patiently.

In fact, many women over 40 have an advantage: maturity, patience, and the ability to focus with the goal of understanding, not just pushing. Looking at the sport in a more integrated way is more important than being “super athletic.” Trust me. These qualities often mean smoother progress than younger, adrenaline-chasing beginners.

Fitness Basics That Help

You don’t need to be an athlete to start. But a little preparation helps your body feel more confident and allows you to actually enjoy the learning curve. You don’t want your body holding you back — and there are simple things you can do before your first lesson or before joining a women’s kiteboarding camp.

• Core strength: Pilates, yoga, or even planks at home. Core is the base of any sport. It will help you start physically centered and allow your body to respond to the kite’s demands.
• Flexibility: This will help with moving around in the bulky beginner gear (harness, flotation device, etc.) and especially when you start with the board. Try yoga or stretching sessions.
• Shoulder mobility: Resistance bands or light weights are perfect. Even 2–3 pound dumbbells at home make a difference.
• Cardio: Walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging builds endurance. Walking 3–4 times a week before you start kitesurfing helps a lot. Why? Because when you start, there’s a lot of walking — at the beach, to get your kite, or to return from an exercise.

These aren’t strict requirements, and most women over 40 are already doing some of them. I know you’re busy. This isn’t restrictive — it’s simply preparation that will make your kitesurfing journey smoother and more enjoyable.

The Mindset Shift

Perhaps the biggest key is mindset.

Instead of thinking, “I need to master this in three days,” try: “What can I discover about myself today?”

At women’s kiteboarding retreats, we celebrate small victories: your first walk at the beach controlling your kite, your first body drag, your first steady board start, your first ride down the water. Each milestone matters.

It’s not about the goal — it’s about the journey. The learning curve of this sport is fun, challenging, and ever-changing. Every morning there’s something new to discover, a new exciting challenge to achieve. And as I always say: this is the kind of challenge that’s exciting — because it’s about kiteboarding, not your job or your daily responsibilities. You are not expected to reach the goal every day. Your life doesn’t depend of this.

Real Stories, Real Women

I’ve seen women in their 40s and 50s arrive nervous, worried they’d be “the slow one.” By the end of the week, they were not only riding but also leading the evening celebrations.

One of the things I love most about our women’s kitesurfing camps and retreats is the mix of women of all ages and experiences. Some have been riding since the early days of the sport, when safety systems barely existed and there was even something on the bar called the “oh shit!” handle (imagine that!).

Others have been kiting in many destinations with solid experience. Some have been learning on and off for years, maybe struggling with confidence, bad teaching experiences, or simply life getting in the way.

And then, of course, we have our true beginners — where we can start from zero. We call it a “white board” moment: a chance to teach, explain, build confidence, and work on safety and technique from Day 1. This is powerful, because it avoids the obstacles and fears that often come from incomplete or unprofessional teaching. It’s one of the reasons why many people drop the sport — they never feel safe.

Why Retreats Make It Easier

Learning at a women’s-only kitesurf retreat removes many obstacles:

• You don’t have to worry about gear.
• You’re in beginner-friendly conditions.
• You’re surrounded by women who believe in you.
• You are guided by an experted team commited to your safe learning and enjoyment.

That’s why so many women over 40 find retreats the best way to learn kiteboarding.

One of the most frequent questions I get from beginners is: “Which one of your kiteboarding camps is best for beginners?” At Kite Sisters, all of our destinations are beginner-friendly, because we always teach in safe spots with a professional and experienced team.

But if you want the perfect place where everything comes together — shallow waters, warm weather, a private spot, and amazing views everywhere you look — then this should definitely be your next Women’s Kiteboarding Camp to sign up for.

Conclusion

You are not too old. Kitesurfing at 40, 50, or beyond is absolutely possible — and deeply rewarding.

In fact, starting later often means appreciating it more. It’s not just about the ride — it’s about courage, growth, and joy. It’s about a new discovery journey.

Thinking about trying?

Explore our women’s kitesurf and kiteboarding camps and discover just how empowering learning kitesurfing after 40 can be.

Author: Chelu Guardati. Kite Sisters Co-Founder and IKO Kitesurf Instructor since 2010. IKO License: 12558