Intro lesson
Practice1 hour
Theory10 minutes
- For those who are not sure yet and want to try
- A general idea of kitesurfing
- Safety rules
- Basic kite control
6,000 ₽
Book now
Kite-Leto school · Sestroretsk
Kitesurfing lessonsin St Petersburg
A kite school on the Gulf of Finland: learn to kitesurf from zero to the international IKO standard. Modern equipment, a personal instructor and kite rental in Sestroretsk.
4.8 on Yandex MapsIKO standardPersonal instructorEquipment included
since 2010
teaching people to kite
4,000
students have graduated
IKO
international teaching standard
Lessons
Kitesurfing lessons: prices
Choose a course and book a lesson. All equipment is included; theory alternates with practice.
2-hour lesson
Practice2 hours
Theorymixed with practice
- A full session with an instructor
- Launching and landing the kite
- Kite control on the beach and in the water
- For beginners and for continuing your training
10,000 ₽
Book now
Basic course
Most popularPractice6 hours
Theorymixed with practice
- All the basic kitesurfing knowledge and skills
- Launching, landing and self-rescue
- Kite exercises in the water
- Your first metres on the board
30,000 ₽
Book now
How the lessons work
- 1Theory and safety basics — about half an hour.
- 2Flying a small kite on the beach: launching, landing and self-rescue basics.
- 3A bigger kite and water exercises that prepare you for the board.
- 4Getting up on the board and riding, then upwind riding. Finally an exam and your IKO certificate.
Rental
Kite and board rental in Sestroretsk
Modern kites and boards from Naish, Cabrinha, Slingshot and North. You can change sizes while you ride.
1 hour
- Kite2,500 ₽
- Board1,500 ₽
- Wetsuit1,000 ₽
- Harness1,000 ₽
1 day
- Kite7,500 ₽
- Board4,000 ₽
- Wetsuit3,000 ₽
- Harness3,000 ₽
Rental rules
- We rent equipment only to riders who ride confidently and can go upwind.
- You can change kite and board sizes while you ride.
- If equipment is treated carelessly, we may end the rental without a refund.
- If equipment is damaged, you pay for the repair or replacement, as decided by the school.
Why us
Why our school
Our main goal is to make learning fun and safe.
We do what we love
We won't just teach you to ride — we'll introduce you to the world of kiteboarding.
Teaching since 2010
Our method is refined: no time wasted on useless drills, every step is planned.
IKO certificate
It's like a driving licence: with it you can rent a kite in any country.
Instructor
Alexander Kovalenko
Head instructor
IKO Level 3 instructor with more than 1,000 hours of teaching. Teaching kiteboarding since 2010: summers in St Petersburg, winters in Vietnam.
IKO Level 31,000+ teaching hoursRussian and English
Instructor's Instagram
Photos
Our spot in Sestroretsk
Reviews
What our students say
4.8 on Yandex Maps
15 reviews
Sestroretsk
Reviews from Yandex Maps, translated from Russian.
★★★★★
«Heartfelt thanks to Sasha, who helped me have a positive experience with kiting. The lessons were as effective as possible (I have something to compare with). I started progressing from the very first lessons. Even after the course, Sasha gave advice and genuinely cared. Thank you for such a caring approach — I definitely recommend it! The gear was great too, even the wetsuit was perfect, although they are usually very worn.»
★★★★★
«Bro, thank you for putting a kite in my hands) A wonderful school for everyone! A pro instructor, safety-first training, and there is always the right equipment for any height, weight and wind. All in all, I recommend learning here) … This sport has given me a sea of positivity, adrenaline and energy…»
★★★★★
«We chose this school for our first start on a kite and have no regrets!) Alexander explained the theory very clearly, step by step, and in practice he also got everything across clearly, easily and understandably. After the lessons I felt inspired and wanted to keep learning! …»
★★★★★
«Kitesurfing is unbelievably cool! And the instructors of the Leto kite school will teach you to ride well! A great attitude to students from both the management and the instructors will leave a wonderful impression and let you master kitesurfing in just a few lessons! Good luck!»
★★★★★
«Organisation at a high level, a responsible attitude to the process and to students’ time. All the equipment is there and in excellent condition. The instructors ride themselves and compete, placing in competitions, not just teach you to stand on a board. Progressing riders will also have plenty to learn. In short — I recommend it, one of the best schools in St Petersburg.»
★★★★★
«One of the best kiteboarding schools in St Petersburg. Instructor Alexander will teach even the most hopeless properly, and shows a beautiful riding style on the water himself. … Everything is clear, competent and to the point. All in all, I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn kiting safely — this is the place.»
★★★★★
«The guys are the best! I was terribly scared, but they taught me to control the kite very attentively and carefully and helped me overcome my fear. Kite is love! I highly recommend this school ♥️»
★★★★★
«A great school! The guys are always positive. Instructor Alexander explains everything very patiently and clearly. With his advice my progress went faster.»
★★★★★
«Great guys! I learned with them in the summer, they provide the equipment and take the training seriously — everything is clear and understandable. They are nice to talk to, which matters. I’ll be glad to continue!»
★★★★★
«Responsible and caring instructors, professionals. They will help you choose gear. The warm attitude of the management won’t let you freeze on windy Baltic days.»
★★★★★
«A great school, they taught me kiteboarding from scratch. Pro instructors.»
★★★★★
«A very good, super-positive instructor, Alexander — he helped me learn kitesurfing quickly)»
About kitesurfing
Kitesurfing in St Petersburg: where and when
Kitesurfing (also called kiteboarding or kiting) means riding a board pulled by a kite. You do not need to travel to the sea to learn: the Gulf of Finland is right next to the city, so you can learn to kite in St Petersburg itself.
Our kite school works on Sestroretsk beach in the Kurortny district. It has a wide sandy shore and shallow water, so beginners can take their first steps comfortably and safely: launching the kite on the beach and learning to control it in the water.
The season on the water runs from late spring to autumn. We ride on windy days and choose the time by the wind forecast so that every lesson is worthwhile.
We teach complete beginners to the IKO programme, help those who started at another school to finish their training, and rent kites and boards to confident riders. In winter the school moves to Vietnam, where there is wind all year round.
FAQ
Kitesurfing in St Petersburg: FAQ
How much does it cost to learn kiteboarding in St Petersburg?+
An intro lesson (1 hour) is 6,000 ₽, a 2-hour lesson 10,000 ₽ and the basic course (6 hours) 30,000 ₽. Equipment is included.
Where do the lessons take place?+
On Sestroretsk beach (Kurortnaya street, Sestroretsk), on the Gulf of Finland. We ride on windy days.
What equipment do I need to start?+
Nothing. The school provides all the equipment and it is included in the price.
Can I learn without being physically fit?+
Yes. You hold the kite with your body weight and harness, not arm strength. Kids and women learn easily and then ride on their own.
Can I study the theory remotely?+
Yes, you can read materials or watch video lessons in advance — it speeds up learning a lot.
Can I continue after another school?+
Yes. You can finish your training with us on good terms without repeating the hours you have already done. Message us on Telegram for details.
How many lessons do I need to learn?+
Usually about 10 hours with an instructor to start riding on your own. The basic course (6 hours) covers all the basics and your first metres on the board; then you can add 1–2 hour lessons.
When is the kitesurfing season in St Petersburg?+
On the water, the season runs from late spring to autumn. We ride on windy days and agree on the time in advance based on the wind forecast.
How do I book a lesson?+
Message us on Telegram @kifesurf or email kiteleto2010@gmail.com and we will pick a windy day and a course for your level.
Can I learn on my own?+
It is possible — there is plenty of material online. But counting the time, the risks to you and others and the cost of gear, self-teaching makes little sense.
Contacts
Book a lesson
Message us on Telegram or by email — we will pick a windy day and a course for your level. Lessons run on windy days.
Opening hours
Windy days