SA Kitesurf Adventures

Preston Morrison

2021-05

Took lessons with SA Kitesurf in Lyle, WA and had an incredible experience. The instructors are very experienced, patient, and they are very safety oriented. Dale and Erika were incredibly helpful and easy to work with. An absolutely beautiful location in the Columbia Gorge. I had Tanner for my first lesson and he went above and beyond in his guidance and feedback. You guys rock!!! I'd highly recommend them to anyone wanting to get into the sport.

Ali MirRasekhian

2023-05

Took 2 days of lessons with Dale and had a great time. He got me up riding in our first session and just continued to help me improve through the weekend. Had an incredible time and he didn’t a great job with ongoing coaching. Couldn’t recommend enough

Ben Jami

2023-07

Would absolutely recommend!! Fantastic beginner kiteboarding learning experience with SA kitesurf. The sandbar is just a great beginner spot. I drove from seattle and dale was flexible with scheduling lessons when there was wind. My instructor Tanner was absolutely great. I was flying the kite in less than an hour, body dragging in less then 2 hours and was able to get up and do several board starts in less than 6 hours(second day of lesson) and was SUPER stoked! I learned a lot. enough to be independent in less than 6 hrs.

Ian Bishop

2023-07

In 2019 SAK did an incredible job teaching me how to kiteboard so it only made sense to return to them this week and learn how to wing foil. The instructors at SAK Kite are outstanding. They are highly skilled, patient, and dedicated to ensuring that I felt safe and had an enjoyable experience on the water. Their knowledge and passion for wind sports is contagious. The equipment provided was top-notch, and the instruction was tailored to my skill level, allowing me to progress quickly. SAK Kite has once again exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking to learn wing foiling or kiteboarding.

Darrin Clay

2020-05

I highly recommend SA Kitesurf Adventure Kiteboarding School. I was up riding in a weekend!Coming from Seattle they were very flexible with the schedule and warned us in advance when the conditions were predicted to be not good for the first session, I opted to do a back to back afternoon and evening session on Saturday, which they didn’t recommend but I was stubborn because family came to watch. In retrospect it would have been better to move to another day or have at least a longer break between sessions. Because my brain knew what to do (thanks to Dale over the radio in the helmet) just my arms and legs were jelly by the second session. Whereas on the Sunday morning session I wasn’t as tired.Dale was an awesome instructor. He has a calm reassuring voice like Crocodile Dundee when you’re about to panic. As well as having knowledge and tricks to learning that I had not seen anywhere on YouTube. I came in thinking I wasn’t going to learn more than what I already saw but I was very wrong and the instant situational feedback made me progress so much faster.The equipment was great. The radio headset were a must when taking a class. I wouldn’t have thought that the zodiac would be as well. However it was because the zodiac made it so we could go way upwind in the deep water for nice long downwind runs where you’re up on the board, as it is whole another level to ride upwind. Without the zodiac you would have to walk upwind with the kite for every run, giving you less time, energy and distance to practice.The Lyle location with its wide flat waist deep sand bar worked great for the first part of learning to control the kite with one hand while getting your feet on the board and getting the beginning water start. A short crowded beach like Hood River would have been a lot harder and less safe.The photo option is well worth it too, all attached were taken by Dale.

Daniel Vidal

2021-05

SAK Is awesome. Dale and Erika are super awesome and the instructors they use have all been incredible. The whole team is super friendly and patient while still helping you progress. They all have incredible knowledge and make you feel very safe while beginning. Their spot in Lyle is incredible and Lyle offers a great spot for beginners or just in general. They also are extremely flexible always trying to get you in when there is enough wind. Overall, I would highly recommend them to everyone I know.Kiting has been an incredible journey and SAK is an awesome team to show you the ropes.

Halsey Schider

2023-07

I am a beginner / intermediate rider and new to riding in the Gorge so I booked a lesson with SA Kite Surf. The whole process was seamless and Erica, Dale and Tanner were all super! Scheduling was easy and the owner, Dale kept in touch before and morning off to confirm the conditions were ideal (which they were)! The instruction I received from Tanner was top notch - he’s a great teacher. We worked on setting up (I like his technique in running lines), worked on self launch / land, then worked on riding. Since I have ridden a hand full of times I really wanted to use the lesson to become familiar with the area and to figure out toe side riding and transitions, Tanner had me riding great - he was stoked for me and made learning super easy. Final note, Lyle Washington appears to be a perfect spot for all levels. The sand bar is perfect for newbies like me, you fall - no big deal, just standup! There is also deeper water and plenty of room accommodating for all levels. Thank you Dale and the entire SA team, y’all are great.

Jeffrey Bride

2023-09

Our daughter (14 year old) did a 3 session kiteboarding package with Dale & Erika's team and it was exactly what she needed to get up on the board and start riding. SA Kitesurf has an excellent facility with easy access to a great sandbar: perfect for beginners. Excellent staff, very responsive and welcoming. We'll be back next summer!!

sefra alexandra

2023-07

It all makes sense why I have heard the legendary epic tales of the Columbia river gorge … glorious sunshine - endless wind & the best dang instructors in the country … to Dale / Ben / Tanner >>> you run a world class operation in the Valhalla of kiteboarding locations … paradise found <<< endlessly grateful! Blessins to all those who get to ride the glory of these winds + waters !

Anna Sibel

2023-10

In the beginning I was quite sceptical to go kiting in a river as a beginner. But it turned out to be awesome! With the constant feedback via the radio I was able to improve a lot within 2 lessons. Meanwhile my boyfriend rented some gear which was also super uncomplicated. And besides all the kiting Dale and Erika are just super friendly and welcoming which gives the school a kind of community vibe. In the evenings after kiting we sat down shared some stories and watched the sunset. Coming back again will probably take some time as we a visiting from germany but this was definitely not the last time we've been here. Thank you for making our stay so awesome!

Joshua Mcknight

2023-07

My girlfriend and I had a wonderful lesson with Dale, and Ben and Tanner. The sand bar is great for doing lessons and learning. Ben and Tanner were super nice and professional they were calm and super helpful and explained everything in ways we could understand. Being beginners. Their gear was nice and new and in great condition. We pretty much had the sand bar to ourselves for our lesson which was really nice. We’ve had a few lessons all over the place and these guys where top notch. Would highly recommend them! We will be back! Thanks again guys!

Ryan Megaw

2023-10

I had an amazing experience learning to kiteboard with SA Kitesurf Adventures this summer!! Dale is an incredible instructor....very knowledgable, always patient and he tailors his instruction to your own personal progression in the sport. Erika, with her always friendly and positive energy, was a pleasure to deal with in the office and on the phone when scheduling lessons. I interacted with the other instructors at the school and have nothing but good things to say about them all! I HIGHLY recommend SAKitesurf Adventures to anyone who wants to learn how to Kiteboard !!

Hilary Wahlen

2023-09

We had a hydrofoil with towline lesson on a no wind day.Perfect scenario to 1- get use to the foil but 2- to feel the optimal spot and height.Great option for a beginner foiler as you don’t have to struggle with the elements of the Gorge.The instruction with Tanner was spot on. He has been doing this most his life. I highly recommend for anyone wanting to figure the foil, or simply work their foil skills.

Phillip Dougherty

2023-08

What an excellent experience. Dale and Erika keep a great vibe in the shop for prep/breakdown, and the instructors are an incredible group. Props to Aiden, who kept joking with me and showing off some flashy moves to fend off frustration and keep the mood light. These guys know their craft, and have a great program.

Dwain Henderson

2023-05

Had four classes with SA Kite Boarding and it was awesome. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, patient and like to see the students progress. Would suggest this company and instructors to anyone who is thinking of taking classes. Edwin was my primary instructor and he is a class act. Very professional, awesome humor and technically proficient in all aspects. Good work team, I’ll be back for sure.

Charles Drummond

2023-05

I had an excellent experience training with Dale over 5 sessions. He was easy to coordinate with, and he effortlessly adapted his communication style to learners' needs during the sessions. He had a good feel for when to introduce new concepts and when to review previous concepts. He's patient and good humored, and clearly still loves the sport. I look forward to training with him again next time I am in Oregon or St. Petersburg.

Scott Hawken

2023-05

Highest recommendation for SA Kites, both for kiteboarding lessons and purchasing gear. They run a great business with an awesome sense of community. Everyone there is helpful and excited to make you better.Three of us each took 5 lessons in Lyle as complete beginners. We made a ton of progress and had a lot of fun. Afterward, we felt safe and competent enough to go out on our own; we have since been kiting together and having a great time. We worked with several instructions, all of whom were excellent, and primarily with Dale, Edwin, and Tanner. Erika was super helpful and organized working with our schedules and wind conditions.For gear, Dale gave us competitively priced quotes for new and gently used gear that got us started quickly and easily. As beginners, we’ve had a lot of questions, all of which have been answered thoroughly.Overall, the team at SAK has been a valuable resource for getting us into a new sport and a joy to be around; I can’t recommend them highly enough.

Mike Boyd

2023-07

Dale and Ben were amazing. Location is gorgeous and perfect for learning. Nothing but positive things to say about the whole experience. My son and I shared the “Let’s Ride” lesson and were both up on the board on day one. AMAZING!Also, Ocean Rodeo needs to sign Ben to a multiyear sponsorship now!

T. M.

2021-05

Fantastic team & great location! I had taken a few lessons prior but this was my first visit to Hood River and the wind was gusting close to 40mph on my first day so wanted some expert guidance to start things off. I booked a 3-session package online and got a call shortly after and they were able to work me into the schedule right away. Erika handled coordinating all the shifting schedules (due to wind) with enthusiasm and aplomb. I took lessons with Dale, the head instructor/owner and Edwin. The instructors provided pinpoint feedback via the radio helmet to tweak my riding. I probably could have "survived" on my own but feel like I made quicker, safer progress with the lessons and it was great fun. Highly recommended!P.S. I was staying in Hood River but it was well worth the short drive up the Gorge to their location in Lyle. The Lyle sandbank is similar to the Hood River one and ideal for launching and training plus way less crowded... but same amazing landscape.

Scott Winters

2023-05

Great experience for a trio of first timers. Erika was excellent in communicating and explaining the classes and setting us up for success. Dale, Edwin, and Kathy were awesome getting all of us boarding in both directions. Will be coming back. Location was much less busy than up in Hood River. Nice sand bar.

Seth Andersen

2023-05

Just finished 3 days of instruction with SA Kite in Lyle. We had limited time in the area and they were great about working us in the schedule to get as much time on the water as possible. It was nice to have different instructors to be exposed to a variety of techniques and tricks. Edwin, Tanner, Dale and Erika were great!

Allie Vaandering

2022-05

Everyone at SA Kite is SO wonderful! I took a strapless clinic with them and they all went above and beyond to make sure I had a great experience and received adequate attention to work on my skills. Tanner is an awesome teacher and Erika was super helpful with everything! The crew is extra friendly and helpful down on the beach and respectful of other kiters during their lessons. Definitely take kite lessons with them!!!

David Patrick Lorenz

2023-05

I had an awesome two days with Dale. This was my 8th time out kitesurfing but my first in Tampa with SAK. Dale was the best of the 4 instructors I have had. He had me confidently riding upwind and working on turns by the end of our second day. In addition to the excellent instruction, I appreciated the time spent on kite set up/take down and on safety. Amazing location, looking forward to coming back.

Bruce Nielsen

2021-05

Me and my wife took five days of lessons up in Lyle, Washington. Dale was our instructor and he did an amazing job teaching the entire process; the safety practices, how the equipment worked, kite control, body dragging, to eventually getting up and riding upwind. It was an absolute blast learning with Dale and I would highly recommend SA Kitesurf Adventures for anyone looking to learn or improve their skills in a beautiful part of the country!

M Evans

2022-05

Great experience and I really felt the progression over the 3 lessons. Getting up and riding felt amazing!Erika, Dale and instructors Ben and Ruben were all great to work with. Relaxed atmosphere and well worth the extra 20 minute drive from Hood River. Consistent conditions and large sandbar are as advertised. SAK in Lyle is the place to go for kiteboarding lessons!

Reuben Rentas

2021-05

SA Kitesurf Adventures is a great school to take lessons. Dale and Erika have done an amazing job finding experienced and friendly instructors. Everyone at the shop is willing to help answer questions and as a beginner, I always felt comfortable out in the water during lessons. I highly recommend!

Katie Maureen Goodwin

2019-05

Highly recommend SA in Lyle for beginners or those who need some tuning up. I had taken a few lessons but still wasn’t feeling comfortable to go out on my own. Dale and John were patient and were able to help me gain the confidence to get out there riding alone finally! I have already recommended them to friends. It’s a great spot to learn and they are great people.

Connor Eggerman

2020-05

I’ve taken a handful of lessons from SA Kitesurf and keep coming back for more. I haven’t taken lessons from anywhere else – I don’t plan to either – but I’ll go out on a limb and say they’re the best in the biz.I’ve had lessons with Dale, Tanner, and Kit, all of which have been amazing. Their patience with newbies is unreal, they’re excellent communicators, and they’re just all around good people. Erika who handles client communications is more than helpful and accommodating, which makes my life much easier. It also doesn’t hurt that Lyle is also one of the most ideal places to learn and these guys have the best location for it. Save yourself some time Googling around for other schools and just hit up SA Kitesurf Adventures. You’ll be happy you did.

matthew White

2021-05

I’ve taken classes in Hood River and Seattle, but hands down SA Kitesurf is the best instruction I have had. Not only is their operations spectacular (Erika is on it!), but their instruction is incredible. I had Dale and Tanner, both break down your body movements real time, and give you easy to follow progressions that match where you are at. I felt safe, had a blast, and will definite come back!

Carl Norman

2023-08

I took lessons with Aiden, Dale, & Tanner. All great coaches. I can't wait to see these guys again, I'm almost there!Safe, friendly, empathetic, and really damn good at kiting.