April marked the start of kiteboarding season. Who knew? The folks at KGB Kiteboarding offer lessons and rentals from April through October. The Emeryville location is one of four that they operate in the Bay Area.

Kiteboarding, also called kitesurfing, is growing in popularity along the California coast. You strap a board to your feet and a harness around your waist from which lines extend to a giant kite that pulls you along the ocean surface. Advanced riders can lift off to do flips and spins, floating down like parachutes.

The souped-up KGB Kiteboarding trailer at the Emeryville Marina has everything you need to get started in the sport. And the San Francisco Bay offers up a world-class vista to take in … if you can get your face out of the water, that is!

You don’t need to be a super-athlete to try kiteboarding, but you might expect a few face-plants before you’re flying.

“Anyone is capable, even the most uncoordinated, out-of-shape people, but it’s a tough sport for beginners to master,” said Jason Reyes, an instructor with KGBT Kiteboarding. Many people start to command the kite in their fifth or sixth hour, Reyes noted.

If you’re still a bit wary of kiteboarding, KGB also offers paddle boarding equipment for rent, a somewhat gentler alternative.

To learn all you need to know, check out KGB’s FAQ here > And, don’t forget – to fortify yourself before or after a kiteboarding session, visit Public Market!