In my 10 years of teaching kitesurfing I have taught people of all different shapes and sizes from all different walks of life. The only thing all those who eventually learn to kitesurf have in common is the right attitude. The fact is that anyone can learn to kitesurf. As sports go it isn’t a particularly strenuous one (tho it can be if you want it to be) and the learning curve is fast. But you have to be prepared to take a few bumps and bruises, to your pride as well as your body, along the way. As with most things in life, those people who give up on kitesurfing do so just as they’re about to get it. As long as you go into the sport knowing that you aren’t going to pick the kite up and be on the board within 20 minutes but are instead prepared to be patient and take it one step at a time, you will eventually learn.
I guess I’m trying to say the main reason people don’t learn to kitesurf has nothing to do with their physical ability or lack of, but in their lack of mental toughness and unrealistic expectations. Be prepared to take a few knocks, mental and physical and come with a “carry on regardless” attitude then one day, I don’t care how fit or sporty you are, you will be standing, riding on that board whilst the others who gave up after a week will be looking on enviously.
At the end of the day however kitesurfing isn’t for everyone and only you can decide that. But please, don’t think that just by taking kitesurfing lessons with a school somewhere you’ll somehow magically learn to kitesurf without putting any effort in. The only person that can teach you to kitesurf is you. Sure an instructor can make it quicker and easier but you are the one that has to do all the hard work. Believe me, we were all in the same position once and know exactly how it feels!!