Excellent time today on the water with Tyler as my efoil instructor. Elite Watersports is a professionally operated business for anyone seeking equipment or instruction for all things watersports! read more

Elite Watersports - Kiteboarding Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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A spontaneous trip led to an amazing adventure. Upon driving to the beach side I was looking for something fun to do. Something like kite surfing but the wind wasn't strong enough to do. So the next best option was to efoil, which was still pretty cool. I also met the cute dog boomer and the guy I booked with Tyler was cool as well. read more

Elite Watersports - Kiteboarding Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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Walked into the shop for the first time yesterday. We were excited to see what they had . Unfortunately the experience was less than desirable. The shop is small and cluttered, but what bothered us the most was the staff never acknowledged us when we walked, or while we were shopping. we spent about 10 minutes looking around planning to by some things and setup a kite lesson. There was one other customer being helped. We never heard a hello I will be right with you how are your etc. it was as if we didn't exist. I can honestly after our experience I will never set foot back in this shop. St pete has to have better shops than this. I know it's difficult to find quality employees, but this was to another level. Sad to say I was hoping I had found a new water sports shop to spend my money at. It won't be this one. read more

I haven't kited for a good 9 years, and after moving to Tampa area I decided to continue with my passion, found Elite Watersports via Google, and booked myself 2 two-hour lesson with instructor Emilie for a same day:) I was provided with radio headset, water booties and refreshment theory and all other necessary gear. Quickly went to the water where magic began Since I describe myself as a spoiled kitesurfer, I wasn't really happy about the amount of wind, and because of that or because I'm just a duck I wasn't able to change direction without dropping my butt in the water Anyway, I enjoyed my lesson with Emilie and even rode a jet ski since there were some windless spots, Emilie rescued me.:) She even took a pictures and videos or me riding a kite which was an awesome things, since as we all know- if you don't have picture proof- it never happened Thank you, Emilie and Elite Watersports read more

Elite Watersports - Kiteboarding Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

Maggie and Erin were great! super helpful for being a first timer, 100 % recommend for water sports! 5/5 stars

Fantastic experience, will be doing it again soon. Guide was very patient, a great instructor, provided everything I needed to make the experience more than worthwhile and FUN. The guide continually worked with me to ensure that I was able to ride the E-Foil and fully enjoy the experience. I will be going again in the near future. read more

Tyler is an amazing teacher. I had some prior wing foil lessons, but a few tips from him - and some gear adjustment - and I was consistently up riding and got some time on foil! Also steered me to the perfect gear for me. from the huge selection at Elite. Reasonable pricing. read more

I've been wanting to learn to Kiteboarding for years. I've taken maybe a half dozen lessons over 10 years. I have never had much success, but one lesson with Elise and I was actually up and moving. I've got a long way to go, but she is a great instructor and will be sticking with it till I am out there on my own! Elise is fantastic! read more

Elite Watersports - This was pretty awful. lol - Kiteboarding Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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1. Company- Aaron is extremely passionate about his business. He treats everyone like family and you can tell his instructors respect and love him. 2. Instructors- Top notch and best in the business. You will find a wide array of talent there from all over the world. 3. My Instructor Elisa- She went to the moon and back for me. I can't say enough good things about her. She is Spicy and lovely! 4. Community- I was invited to the OBX trip and had no idea I would become a part of a new family. Best week EVER! Never kite boarded in my life but after lots of hard work and GREAT direction from my AWESOME instructor, I can now say I'm a kite boarder and part of a positive adventurous community/family. 5. Cost- Worth every penny and more. After this Life Changing experience, I would easily of paid 10x more for it again. read more

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The worst shopping experience I have ever had. I bought a used twin tip from elite watersports, thinking that it´ll be smoother than buying from a person directly. I bought a Naish Motion with some photos of minimal damage. Then I receive it and to my surprise, it still has salt water, dirty, rusty and with some major damage. In addition I was surprised that they have no experience with international shipping and I ended up paying an extra 60% in shipping and nationalization. Their answer was that they have people from latam making up similar stories. they took no responsibility and accountability which is very disappointing This is Unacceptable read more

Elite Watersports - Kiteboarding Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

This was our first experience with EFoils and Tyler was perfect fit for us. This was a guys birthday weekend and we had a blast. 2 days with new spots each outing made it both fun and new each time! They worked with our schedule to make it fit our goals. Some local lunch spots topped off the experience. Thanks guys! read more

Elisa was an excellent instructor! She focused on some important basics, quickly assessed my skill level, and made my kite boarding lesson very easy to understand. read more

This is by far the best kitesurfing lesson I've had! I've taken lessons in Puerto Rico and Aruba and this lesson with Elisa crushed it. She was super knowledgeable and encouraging and the conditions at Skyway Bridge on St. Pete bridge are perfect! Shallow water, not a ton of waves, great wind and top notch instructor with a jet ski...what else do you need in life! read more

Elite Watersports - Kiteboarding Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

Had an awesome first Kiteboarding lesson with them this weekend. They even had a JetSki to help with the learning process and being able to get out far enough into the water and catch the wind inland. I definitely recommend them, everyone I've met from the ship including the owner are super chill and make a great community of people around Watersports. Elisa was my instructor and she was awesome. Helped me to get up and riding in my first lesson and first time ever. read more

Spent 3 sessions this week with Will the instructor dialing in my kite and board skills. Made a ton of progress; Will's even keeled style kept everything safe and productive. The crew was super friendly and responsive, I'm stoked to get back out on the water. read more

Love Elite Watersports. Everyone at the shop is very helpful and welcoming. The lessons were great highly recommend everyone to give it a try. read more

Elite Watersports - Kiteboarding Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

Review is about a kiteboarding class and one of the younger instructor guys. Employees are very respectful and have good attitude. The instructor was very laid back and disorganized. Just went through the motions of set up and some drills, without much explanation or insight. I was struggling by myself most of the time and had to constantly ask for pointers and what I'm doing wrong. I've seen much better instructors on the beach that day, and in other sports training I've taken. Find someone else, especially if you're a complete beginner. read more

I haven't met Aaron yet but heard good things about him from friends. I got my Fliteboard Ultra with them, Melanie the store manager was great. Good communication and reliable. Let's save the best for last, Kyle is the man. Excellent Fliteboard Efoil instructor, I started with Lift but after trying Fliteboard could not go back. Kyle is very patient and encouraging. I took 4 lessons with him, on the last one we went all the way under the Skyway Bridge. I felt safe with him, he will provide you with all the safety gear to avoid any injuries. Give him a call , you will only regret not doing so or not trying it sooner. read more

Elite Watersports is my favorite place to shop for kite gear since I've started this sport. I've never been steered wrong from any of their recommendations and it is operated by an incredible group of people! Kitesurfing would not be the same for me without this business. Would give a 6th star in the review if I could. read more

My wife and I called the shop to set up to take lessons. They said they'd call us when weather conditions were favorable. 6 weeks later and plenty of good wind - we did not receive a call. So we went to the store and talked to the owner and his store worker. She took all the info incl credit card and said it must have been a computer glitch that nobody called us. We were hopeful only to not having received any notification to take lessons now another 8 weeks later. Since I can't review the quality of their lessons, but business wise i give them a 'zero'. If the business is too busy - tell your customer that you don't accept new students. But to waste our time twice taking our info and making empty promises is simply unacceptable. We will take our time and money elsewhere. $10000 loss in revenue and not selling equipment packages to us. Hope someone there takes responsibility. read more

Just wrapping up a 10 day visit to St Petersburg with the main focus on improving my kiteboarding skills. Elite was recommended by a friend and I had the pleasure of working with instructor Tanner from Elite. Right from the start Tanner was professional but very friendly at the same time. Each session we set some goals and then went out with the jet ski for support to start working. What I really liked about Tanner's style is that he explained concepts in a practical easy to follow way without micro managing. I've taking lessons before and the focus was to improve going upwind and learning transitions- kinda the holy grail for independent riding. Tanner provided the necessary guidance to execute the skills but also focus on self rescue topics when, for example launching the kite from the water in light winds after a crash- lol. While the wind didn't cooperate for the entire time- I did get lots of good riding in and now understand and can execute going upwind, controlling my speed, and doing transitions without putting my butt in the water- major victory! We also spent some time on the beach after the lesson to debrief and reinforce the learnings. Overall I loved working with Elite. Melanie was super helpful in setting up the lessons but Tanner was the real star on the water. Can't recommend Tanner and Elite high enough! Will definitely visit with them again next time I'm back in St Petes read more

Great crew and great location to learn to kiteboard. I have done one lesson with Aaron, the owner and great guy, but most of my lessons have been with Bo Jaffe. Both are great teachers. Bo has been my primary instructor and has been extremely patient with my learning and progression. He has guided me thru kite setup, kite control, and most importantly kite safety like a pro. I feel confident with the knowledge and skills he has taught me, and I continue to build on them during every lesson and any session. For the individual instructor lessons, you can elect to have a wave runner/jet ski which is useful for both getting back upwind and having your instructor give you instructions while you are getting your kitesurfing bearings. Super helpful and awesome as you are starting out. The lessons are usually north of the Skyway bridge and the shallows there is very forgiving and a great area to learn. Lastly the staff in the shop are great as well. I bought a wetsuit since my lessons were mostly done in the fall and they could not have been better about the whole process. Top down this is a great organization with people who are committed to getting you started correctly and the right way. Your triumphs are theirs as well. So hopefully people find this review informative and helpful. I delayed tying kiteboarding for a bit, being a wakeboarder during my teenage and college years, but talked to many people who had lessons with Elite and heard nothing but hugely positive things. So, if you have always wanted to try kiteboarding give them a call, pray to the old and new wind gods, and have a great time out on the water. read more

Great service. Tyler was very knowledgeable and courteous. I have made a number of purchases from Elite and it's always been a positive experience. read more

Always the best service at Elite, Aaron Melanie Evan and the crew always deliver the best. If you're looking for North Kiteboarding gear the is THE SPOT! Super knowledgeable on all things water sports and always the best prices in town! read more

Aaron the owner of Elite Water Sports is an amazing instructor. He has come to North Dakota twice to teach me and some friends He is a real pro with lots off drive he is always ready the splash a ski and hit the water. I am planning a trip to his backyard this winter Courtney read more

Elite Watersports - Go time - Kiteboarding Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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I have done previous lessons. I wasn't to the point where I was comfortable really practicing alone. I was paired up with Emilie, she was excellent. She efficiently evaluated me from my prior lessons (and made sure I was at the level I claimed I was at) and we were off practicing exactly what I came to do. As a newbie, having the jet ski nearby provides so much comfort. Having a pro teach you about your first time in a new area, is a must. All the boxes checked the only thing left to do was teach. And teach she did. Wow. she picked up on every move and mistake I made. She clearly has a knack for teaching. Emilie provided clear and concise instructions along with being complimentary; which is important when you are sucking water every few tries. I left with a renewed sense of confidence to practice alone in shallow water. The skyway makes an epic backdrop as well. I would recommend Elite and Emilie to everyone. Will be back. -Mike read more

Had my first E-foil lesson with Tanner yesterday..... Tanner was attentive and very helpful in educating me about the sport! It's hard not to be enthusiastic when the feeling of controlled "flying" is so peaceful and exhilarating!! Thanks Tanner! read more

Ordered $4k worth of Core brand kite equipment and payed for 1 day shipping. Expected delivery today, but instead I get an email indicating that they've canceled my order, with no indication as to why. Until I receive a response, this review will remain. read more

I'm new to kiteboarding and live in St Pete Beach. I have always wanted to try kiteboarding and found the folks over at Elite. My first lesson with Bo Jaffe was all about safety 1st and controlling the kite. On my 3rd lesson I managed to get up and ride left / right sinking in the water at the end of each pass. That was all it took and I was hooked. Left the beach, went to the shop and bought all my gear. Some new and some used to fit everything in my budget. Great selection of everything for every size rider (I was 245 lbs at the time). I've take a few more lessons since then after riding for a couple months on my own to refine a few skills or the lack there of. Highly recommend these guys, especially Bo! read more

I'm vacationing in St Pete's Beach and stopped by Elite to figure out where to kite. I was impressed with the shop and gear and equally impressed with the helpful advice and videos of the nearby kite spots. Thank you Elite! A pro operation. read more

IF YOU'RE A FIRST TIME KITEBOARDER..THIS IS A BAD PLACE TO START!!! Owner is a rude liar with a serious anger problem! I bought a 6 hour gift certificate for beginner lessons and a trainer kite. 5 days later and after 2 hours of lessons I stop in the shop to pick up a board I ordered. Total was $950.16. I explain that I would like to return the kite and use the credit towards the board. Aaron, the owner, denies the credit stating that he will only issue it after I also buy a large kite, control bar and harness. Seeing that he is trying to take advantage of me I decide to avoid an argument and paid for the board in full and went home and checked my receipts for policies and "fine print" I may have missed. Store clearly states a 7 day return policy on all gift certificates and products. I call the shop and explain to them that I would like a full refund and I would be in tomorrow after work to get it. Shortly after Aaron calls me trying to save the situation but I explain to him that there is no way I'm doing business with someone who refuses to follow his own policy and won't give me a $120 store credit on my returned item unless I spend at least $2000 buying other gear! That's crazy!! After some back and forth and him accusing me of being a bad person and bullying small businesses he tells me he will issue the refund and then proceeds to threaten me. He tells me " I just want you to know that this a small tight-knit community and I WILL be seeing you again. We WILL be seeing each other again! I WILL see you at the beach. " I go the next day to pick up my refund and return his kite. On my way out I let him know that all the bad reviews for his company mention bad interactions with him personally and explain that if he is the common denominator then clearly he must be the problem not the customer. I bring up the fact he threatened me and he denies it. I begin to quote his threat and he starts SCREAMING at the top of his lungs for me to "Get the F*uck out of his store! Get the F out! Get out of my store!!" I exit the store and he follows me out into the parking lot still screaming and telling me " He will take me any time. Anytime I'm ready, he will take me right now!!" I honestly think the guy has some mental/rage issues. Possibly substance abuse? He claims to have a zero tolerance policy towards drugs and alcohol when confronted in other bad reviews about drunk or high instructors. Yet after my first lesson we get back to the beach and one of his employees asks if I planned on hanging out for a bit and if I had any beers. Aaron is clearly a liar and lacks self control as well as a basic customer service skills. I will never do business with him again. read more

BO was my instructor and he was awesome ! Super nice and patient. He worked great with me and I had the best time ! I would absolutely recommend him. Mike P read more

I appreciate your teams authenticity, patience welcoming vibe. Aaaron and Vanessa are passionate about helping people kite and adventure. Rock on and thank you! read more

The staff at Elite Watersports is friendly, responsive, and super helpful. I live in CA, but I had some specific questions about the gear they sell in their shop. Aaron called me back sooner than expected, and he was very helpful answering my questions over the phone. 5 stars for professionalism and a prompt, helpful return call. If I am ever in Saint Petersburg, I will be sure to stop in and say "hi"! read more

Ben made planning my soon to be 10yr old son's birthday gift of wakeboarding lessons such a pleasurable experience. Ben answered all (I had so many) of my questions with patience and understanding. Not only was Ben interested in making this Momma feel comfortable, he took the time to ask questions about our son to ensure this would be a birthday gift he would never forget. Ben, you are an asset to Elite Watersports. I am so glad you answered my call today. Thank you for making this gift purchase an easy and fun experience. -Laura Stevens read more

Went for a lesson and my instructor Alex was hungover, went for another and my instructor left without saying anything or planning anything. Bad expecierces read more

My son and I took lessons from Aaron last week. Aaron is the real deal. He's an excellent kilter, has patience as an instructor, explains theory and technique very well and moves students along very quickly. We've taken lessons at other shops and we didn't learn nearly as much as we did with Aaron. He challenged us and pushed us to try different skills. After a three hour lesson we were well ahead of the goals that we set for ourselves. The St Pete Elite store has an excellent selection and the prices are competitive with any internet site. The staff at the store provide insight into the products and can match them with your riding level and style. I highly recommend their store and lessons. read more

I had my first kiteboarding lessons with Kevin from Elite. I did four hours of training and received extensive training on safety, riding and differences between kites and boards. Because of that, I was able to ride after only a few hours. Afterwards, we went to the store where we went through all gear and tested all types of harnesses and talked about beginner packages. Great service on the water and in the store! Bought all my beginner gear for a fair price. Big advantage is that you can start with a trainer kite and return this kite again when you are buying a kite at Elite. Even after the lessons they keep an eye on you when you are on the water and will always give some meaningful advice at Skyway. I'd definitely recommend this place and will take some further lessons in the near future to improve my technique. read more

My instructor alex was a wonderful instructor and all around great guy. He taught me everything from setup and technique to breakdown and safety. The sport is much harder than I thought but Alex had me up on the board within a few hours. Overall great experience!!! read more

Do NOT buy a gift certificate!!! Got a Christmas present of a gift certificate from this place as this sport is on my bucket list and always wanted to try it. Called and spoke to the guy in St. Pete. and he looked me up. His response was "Wow, you are way past the expiration". I had not seen the fine print at the bottom of the certificate that he referred to and he again told me that I was 3 months late. Didn't matter recent illness or this prolonged red tide, told me it was expired. We spent $500 for this and I politely asked him if there wasn't some way he could help me out. Hoping for maybe a partial lesson. The only thing he would repeat over and over was that the certificate is expired and won't be honored. When I got into scuba, did multiple lessons and spent thousands of dollars on the sport and it is a blast. Thought this would be the same thing. From a business standpoint, hoped that he would see the potential of a new loyal customer. Nope. Never even said he was sorry, because obviously he wasn't. Their loss, I will find somewhere else as I do not want to give up on this dream. I'm disappointed but more than anything I feel tricked or scammed. When the certificate was purchased, the woman talked her into the upgraded $500 package but never said ANYTHING about an expiration. They got $500 of our money and I got nothing. NOTHING! The only thing that they would be out for honoring this would be the instructors time. No merchandise, just the time to teach someone that is interested in getting into the sport. They got their free money and didn't have to do a thing for it. I'm out $500 and I feel taken. read more