Student Testimonials
2011-07-14
M.
Kite415
I’ve been amazed by how quickly I’ve learned to kiteboard from Kite 415. I would recommend Kite 415 to anyone interested in the sport.
Ovi (the owner) is incredibly nice and organized. He’s made the entire process enjoyable.
Erik (my instructor) is very thorough, encouraging, and fun to be around. The first lesson covered the basics – gear, flying the kite, safety. The second lesson we actually got on the water and I was able to get up on the board. We took the jet ski out to a place where we had the entire area to our selves, then Erik gave instructions and feedback through the headphones in my helmet. It was great.
If you want to learn to kiteboard, check these guys out.
2011-06-25
Bu
Oyster Point – Kite415
I am just sitting at the SFO Airport and thinking back to the great time I had with the guys from Kite415. To put it upfront, everything was perfect, but let me explain in a bit more detail.
My first contact was the very professional website which directly made me calling Ovi from my Hotel room. As I was staying for a short business trip only I had limited time slots available for kiting. No problem, I got an appointment next day without trouble. Finding those guys was a piece of cake thanks to the detailed description on the web and the van on the parking lot.
Material was perfect and I -as a German- had by chance the pleasure to go for a ride with Rainer from Austria. Not only was the training great, but we also personally had a lot of fun especially when riding the Jet-Ski.
With the help of Kite415 I got my first long rides up-wind in both directions done and can now go on my own to become a proper kite-surfer.
Thanks again, I had a great time in CAL, all the best
~bu
2011-06-14
Corey B
Oyster Point – Kite415
Had a breakthrough day today with Eric as my instructor. Was able to get up easily and ride using the edge of the board to stabilize me. With helmet radio I received active immediate instruction in real time. What a difference! My best day yet with great stability and comfort while riding. First class equipment and high level coaching from a certified instructor right next to you on a jet ski.
2010-05-13
M. L.
Kite415
It was wonderful to feel comfortable in the prestanding position with the kite, wind, water, and board!
The best 3 1/2 nano seconds (ns or 10 to the power of negative 9) of my life was on the board!
I have crossed the tipping point and know that I will be a successful kiteboarder soon!
You are not only a great kiteboard instructor, but also a valuable life coach too.
2010-05-11
Thaomas H.
SF
“Ovi at Kite415 recently did a kite repair for me that is not only strong and performs well, his workmanship seems as good as the factory’s workmanship. In addition to a very competitive price for the repair, his turn around was quick and there were no shipping charges. Ovi’s enthusiasm and knowledge of this sport is extensive. So not only did I get my kite back quickly and fixed correctly, I’ve developed a great resource.
Thomas”
2010-04-17
V
San Francisco – Kite415
I recently needed a repair and found Ovi through these forums. He was very enthusiastic about giving good service, his turnaround time was fast (had the kite back within 24 hrs.), the price was competitive, the repair seems to be holding up fine after several sessions–in short, Ovi delivered on what he promised. In addition, Ovi spent a lot of time talking with me and giving me some great advice–he’s also an instructor and apparently well-regarded according to his reviews on Yelp. He obviously has a lot of passion for the sport and helping others–I wouldn’t hesitate to use him again. I probably would’ve gotten an excellent repair job from Airtime but I would’ve been without my kite for weeks, had extra shipping costs and hassle, and would’ve missed the chance to connect with a great local resource as well as a friendly fellow kiteboarder.
I have no commercial involvement with Ovi–just a satisfied customer.
2010-04-13
Tom H.
Oyster Point – Kite 415
Thanks for the land lesson on Saturday. I really appreciate your teaching methodology and your approach relative to safety (e.g. launching towards the water).
2010-04-09
Mia Lilien
Oyster Point – Kite 415
Kite415 is the best! Ovi’s emphasis on safety, laser focus, respect for conditions and equipment makes me calm. I feel safe seeing the Harbor Patrol’s friendly staff and their top speed watercraft ready to go. The private bathrooms with showers are clean, convenient and safe. The surrounding, sweeping views are breathtaking. Feeling one with the elements – water, kite, and wind – tranquility.
2009-10-08
Marius S.
SF
Marius S.
Mountain View, CA
I have been trying to start kiting for some years now. Along the way I picked up some bad habits and I could not make progress any more. By a struck of luck I met Ovi and we managed to setup a couple of lessons.
Ovi diagnosed at once what my problems where: I was too tense, I was flying the kite too much but without power, I was focusing too much on the board instead of the kite and so on. It was impossible for me to figure out all what I was doing wrong and Ovi came to the rescue here. It is even harder to un-learn and re-learn but Ovi kept on drilling into me the right approach. He has down an amazingly simple lesson plan to get you out of the water and riding across the wind. On the water he kept slowing me down and help me focus on the basic. I was amazingly flying across the water after my second hour.
Ovi really understands kiting but what is most important he really knows how to teach somebody else how to kite. Most of his instructions are very simple but they all need to be followed all the time in the right sequence. He somehow managed to teach me how to teach my body what is the right approach to get out of the water and going. It takes real teaching talent and dedication to make this happen out there on the water with the wind blowing, the kite flying all over the window, the board floating away and a puzzled student.
Thanks a lot Ovi!
2009-08-24
Diana & Stephan
Oyster Point – Kite415
Stephen and I had a blast today. Thank you and John for taking us out. We will definitely be back and spread the word on your camp
2009-08-17
Greg
South Bay
Ovi,
Went out at 3rd ave yesterday. Did two downwinders to lower beach. I was remembering everything you taught me, so thanks for the great lessons.
2008-09-15
John Panozzo
San Francisco
Learning to kiteboard has been a frustrating experience for me. I am a 56 year old man who has no prior boarding or skiing experience and who is not particularly athletic nor coordinated. However, a lot of that improved once I met Ovi Banuta of Kite415. Ovi was my 4th iteboarding instructor and was absolutely the best teacher of the bunch. He taught me the most in the shortest amount of time. No kidding. While most instructors know how to ride, Ovi can effectively and quickly instruct you how to do it. You owe it to yourself to check it out.
The area in the San Francisco Bay where Ovi teaches has some of the best wind but doesn’t have the large waves that can make you sea sick, he uses the latest equipment (kites, bars, boards) instead of gear beat up by other students, and his FAST TRACK 415 package (6 hours for $499) is a great value.
If you are a beginner and want to learn how to kiteboard I recommend that you give Ovi a call. He is great guy and would love to speak with you. For someone like me who is a slow learner and easily frustrated,
Ovi could have named his company Kite911 for all the help he provided.
Thanks Ovi, I appreciate it.
2008-05-30
Hugo K.
Marin
Ovi has a love of kiteboarding and enthusiastic, intensive teaching methods that will take your kiting to the next level.. He has the skills to demonstrate and explain any trick as well as impart the basics of kiteboarding. The jet ski platform maximizes kite time for the truly committed student. I had a great experience and look forward to gaining more skills in a structured and safe environment.
2008-05-08
Kyle
Half Moon Bay
Thanks so much I am so stoked of this sport !
2008-05-08
Josh
SF
God I had a blast on Friday and Saturday !
2008-05-05
Max R
Marin
I had a great time last week and enjoy your teaching style.
2008-04-26
Chris J.
Chicago
Thanks again for the excellent lesson. I’ve completed the IKO survey and gave your school the highest ratings possible. You’re going places with this business and your outlook!