H2O Extreme

The South Coast's Original Kite School

H2O Extreme has been putting people on kites in Diani since 2003 -- the first kitesurfing school on Kenya's entire south coast and one of the first in East Africa. Founded by Boris Polo, a Kenyan-born watersports pioneer who once became the first person to kite on Lake Turkana, the school built its reputation on the stretch of reef and flat water off Galu Beach that remains one of the best learning spots on the Indian Ocean coastline. Since 2022, Dutch kitesurf instructor Eveline van Dijk has run the operation, bringing years of international teaching experience and a genuine passion for the sport to every session.

Lessons and Certification

As one of only three IKO-certified centres in Kenya, H2O Extreme follows the International Kiteboarding Organization's globally recognised progression system. Courses run from a two-hour taster session (EUR 85 group, EUR 125 private) through the full IKO Level 1-2-3 programme spread across five days (EUR 380 group, EUR 600 private), with a dedicated kids course for ages ten and up. Every lesson uses two-way radios so your instructor can coach you in real time from the beach or the water, and an on-call rescue boat is always standing by. Probably the best place to learn kitesurfing on the Kenyan coast -- and the reviews back that up.

Beyond Kitesurfing

H2O Extreme is not just a kite school -- it is a full water sports centre. Wing foiling lessons start at EUR 70 per hour, with multi-session courses available for those who want to progress to flying above the water on a hydrofoil. E-foiling sessions let you experience the thrill of an electric-powered foil board (EUR 135 private lesson), and most first-timers are up and riding within thirty minutes. On lighter wind days, there are windsurfing rigs, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, surfboards, and bodyboards for rent. Equipment is top-tier -- Ozone kites, Mystic harnesses, Gong foil boards -- and everything is well maintained.

The Spot

The school sits at the Blue Marlin Beach Hotel on Galu Beach, a wide stretch of white sand with a rock-free playground directly in front. At low tide the water goes flat -- ideal for beginners learning body drags and first rides. At high tide a playful shore break adds some fun for more experienced riders. The on-site Blue Marlin Restaurant serves fresh juices, seafood, and cold drinks, so you can refuel between sessions without leaving the beach. Showers, gear storage, and a shaded chill zone complete the setup. Open daily from 9am to 6pm, seven days a week.

Practical Details

Kitesurfing gear rental runs from EUR 50 per hour for a full setup to EUR 330 for an unlimited seven-day package. Wing foil and kite foil boards are available separately. The best wind seasons are the Kuzi (June to September) and Kaskazi (December to March), but the school operates year-round and conditions are often rideable outside peak season. Instruction is available in English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish. Book directly via WhatsApp (+254 712 121974) or email for the quickest response.