Kitesurf Progression Story. Olivier’s Breakthrough in Dakhla Lagoon

Olivier arrived in Dakhla excited, nervous and convinced he would unlock kitesurfing in a few days. What he did not expect was the emotional rollercoaster that comes before the breakthrough. His story is one many beginners experience but rarely talk about. It is a journey from doubt to confidence, and it happened right here in the safe, steady wind of the Main Lagoon.

Meet Olivier: A Beginner Who Almost Gave Up#

Olivier came with strong motivation. He watched videos, imagined his first rides and pictured himself gliding across the lagoon by day three. Reality hit fast. On the sand, the kite felt light and simple. But once he stepped into deeper water, everything changed.

The kite pulled too hard. Then not enough. It climbed when he wanted it low and dropped when he needed it stable. He lost balance, energy and patience. The confidence he had on day one disappeared in minutes.

By the end of his first session, he quietly wondered if he made a mistake by starting kitesurfing at all.

The Breaking Point: “Maybe This Isn’t For Me”#

Day two was harder. The more Oliver tried to force the kite, the more it fought back. He pulled the bar when he felt scared. He screamed at the kite as it drifted. He used strength instead of technique and drained himself fast.

At one point, after another face-first splash, he looked up and said the sentence every coach hears at least once:
“Maybe this isn’t for me.”

This is the moment that either breaks a student or shapes their success.

For riders who want structured guidance from the first session, our full program is explained on the kitesurf lessons page.

Why the Main Lagoon Saved His Progression#

That day the wind was medium. The water was calm. The Main Lagoon offered the perfect training environment. Olivier was frustrated, but he was also safe. He had space, depth and rescue support at all times.

It is often in these conditions that breakthroughs happen. Consistent wind gives the student a predictable environment. The lagoon stays forgiving, even when technique is not.

To understand how Dakhla’s wind patterns shape progression, read our Dakhla weather guide.

The Coaching Shift That Changed Everything#

When a student reaches emotional overload, coaching must shift too. I told Olivier to stop focusing on perfection and start focusing on progression. One clear step at a time.

He needed to conserve energy, not waste it by fighting the kite.
He needed to listen to the kite, not scream at it.
He needed micro movements, not tension.
He needed to follow instructions instead of improvising.

And most importantly, he needed to understand this truth:
Eighty percent of kitesurfing is kite control.
Once that clicks, everything else becomes easier.

Olivier took a deep breath. He reset. He trusted the process.

The Breakthrough Session#

It happened in the middle of session three. The kite lifted smoothly. Olivier kept his shoulders relaxed. He let the bar breathe. The kite stopped fighting him.

For the first time, he controlled the kite instead of reacting to it.
His movements became precise. His energy stayed high. He felt the power window working with him, not against him.

Then came the moment every beginner waits for. He positioned the board. The kite pulled gently. He stood up. A short ride at first. Then a longer one. Then a real, clean waterstart with control and confidence.

He came out of the water laughing, shocked at how fast everything changed once he stopped fighting and started listening.

You can prepare your own progression path with equipment support through our rental service.

From Doubt to First Ride#

By session four, Olivier was riding both sides with stability.
By session five, he was connecting longer runs.
The person who almost quit had become the person who could not stop smiling.

The turning point was not strength or talent. It was understanding. It was trusting the coaching approach. It was letting the kite work for him instead of against him.

Olivier walked away with something more than kitesurf skills. He gained confidence and the knowledge that progress often comes right after the moment you feel like giving up.

What Olivier Learned (And Every Beginner Should Too)#

• Control matters more than strength
• Slow beginnings do not predict slow progression
• The breakthrough often comes suddenly
• Medium wind and calm lagoon conditions are ideal for learning
• Coaching, mindset and energy management make a huge difference
• Once the basics click, progress becomes exponential

Ready for Your Own Breakthrough?#

Kitesurfing looks difficult from the outside, but the right environment and coaching change everything. Olivier’s story is not exceptional. It is the natural result of following a clear method in the perfect place to learn.

You can secure your lesson time in under one minute through our booking form.