At Kite Centre Zanzibar we love getting kids out on the water.
With patient instructors, safe conditions and kid-friendly gear, we make learning kitesurfing fun, comfortable and exciting from the very first lesson.
We use smaller kites, short lines, helmets and impact vests to help children build confidence, always at their own pace.
The flat lagoon in Paje creates the perfect playground to learn safely while having the best time on the beach.
Minimum age: around 8 years old
Minimum weight: around 35 kg
Get to know the sport in a fun and safe way. This is the perfect location to get hooked. No experience required. Lessons in many languages possible, just ask us! we teach in blocks of 2 hours per day
We offer Kitesurfing Lesson for children who want to have a taste of this amazing sport or want to continue when they already had a course before.
Our focus is to listen carefully to the kid and parents and tailer our lesson to it, we normally do private lessons of 2 hours per day
We have special gear for children, smaller harnesses, vests, helmets, boards and kites.
Putting your child on a kite is a big trust step – we know that. We have been the family kite school on Paje since 2007, and over the years thousands of parents have walked us through the same set of worries. Here is how we earn that trust day after day.
– Maximum 2 kids per instructor. Real one-on-one time so your child learns at their pace, never feels lost in a group.
– Helmet, impact vest and short leashes – non-negotiable. Junior-fit safety gear, checked before every session.
– Smaller trainer kites. 2 m to 4 m kites built for kids, not scaled-down adult kit. Easier to control, safer if dropped.
– Knee-deep lagoon training zone. First sessions happen in water your child can stand up in – parents can watch from the beach 30 metres away.
– Rescue boat on patrol. Always within two minutes of every junior on the water.
– Multilingual instructors. English, German, French, Dutch and Swahili – we coach in your child’s strongest language.
– Short sessions, big high-fives. 60-90 minute lessons so attention spans stay sharp and the experience stays fun.
Every junior wears a helmet, impact vest and waist leash. The trainer kite has a quick-release that releases all power instantly. First sessions are always in knee-deep water, with the instructor physically next to your child. Our rescue boat sits in the lagoon throughout every session. Two decades on this beach without a serious incident on a junior lesson – we are obsessive about it.
We teach kids from 8 years old and a minimum 35 kg. The 35 kg threshold matters – below that, kids do not yet have the body weight to anchor against even a small kite. Younger or lighter kids can join “Kite Discovery” sessions on the beach, flying small trainer kites with us until they grow into the full programme.
Yes – that is most of our junior students. We follow the full IKO Discovery to Independent Rider progression, adapted for kids. Day 1 is land-based kite control, day 2 is body-dragging in the lagoon, day 3 is the first water start attempts. By day 4 or 5 most kids are riding short distances and grinning ear to ear.
Absolutely. We are an IKO certified school and we issue official IKO Junior Kiter cards once your child reaches the required skill level. The card is recognised worldwide and gets them rental access at most kite spots on the planet – useful for future family kite trips.
Of course – and we encourage it. Our beach setup has shaded loungers and a cafe with a clear view of the junior training zone. Many parents bring a coffee, watch the first session, and decide on the spot whether to join in with adult lessons. Family deals available if you do.
Boardshorts or a swimsuit, plus a long-sleeve UV rashguard (the equator sun is intense). Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat for between sessions, and a water bottle. We provide the helmet, impact vest, harness, kite and board – everything else can stay at the hotel.
No problem. We always start with a short 90-minute “first taste” session before booking a multi-day course – so kids (and parents) can find out if the sport clicks. If it does not, we swap the rest of the booking for SUP, swimming or beach games. The goal is fun, not forcing it.
Yes – and most of them prefer it. We pair siblings with a single instructor on the same kite, which keeps the dynamic familiar and the competitive energy productive. Family group rate applies. Mixed-age siblings (8 and 12, say) usually progress at different speeds, so the instructor splits time evenly across both kids.
Yes – a confident, comfortable swimmer is a prerequisite. They do not need to be a competition-level swimmer, but they should be able to swim 25 metres unassisted in the lagoon and tread water for a minute or two.
Yes. Junior sessions run 60 to 90 minutes max, with two natural water breaks built in. Kids learn fast when they are fresh and bored when they are tired – we keep things short, varied and packed with small wins.
Junior lesson packages run during both Kaskazi (December to March) and Kusi (June to September) seasons. We recommend booking at least four weeks ahead during peak family weeks (Christmas, Easter, July, August). To check availability and current rates:
– WhatsApp us at +255 777 846 083
– Use the booking form: /book
– Or message via the contact page: /contact
Looking for a family package with accommodation? Our Kite & Stay deal at Mr Kahawa Resort is family-friendly with kids’ pool, beach access and lesson discount in one bundle. Karibu Paje – we cannot wait to meet your little wind-chaser.
It can be busy at Kite Centre Zanzibar🔥 Especially during seasonal vacations. So book kitesurfing lessons and other services at least one week in advance (during vacation seasons maybe even a month) and you’re good to go!🚀
With children we prefer to give private lessons. This way we can fully concentrate on your child and keep their attention as well. But, you are free to choose whatever option suits you best. For instance, if you’d like both of your children have the same lesson at the same time.
It can be busy at Kite Centre Zanzibar🔥 Especially during seasonal vacations. Please book kitesurfing lessons and other services at least one week in advance (during vacation seasons maybe even a month) and you’re good to go!🚀
