We spent a recent afternoon out on SF Bay with Kite 415, the only IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) affiliated school in San Francisco, to get an idea of how to get out kiteboarding on the bay and just how easy it is to do. Senior instructor Ovi Banuta and his professional team were friendly and helpful while offering lessons, with jet-ski assistance and radio helmets for beginners and more advanced riders; they also offer stand up paddle boarding.

We started out by getting a wet suit on–because of course, the Bay is not the warmest water in the world. Then, it was out to our dry land lessons, where we became more familiar with how to fly. After that it was out on a jet ski and into the water.

Find out more about the Kite 415 operation here. Check out the gallery for a visual walk through their process and some shots of the high flying action.