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HOW TO READ A WEATHER MAP by David Dorn “Weather Maps may seem confusing when you first see them. But you can learn the basics easily. The information they contain helps us to understand the current weather picture and to make future weather predictions. Just looking out your window only tells you the immediate weather in your local spot, but it cannot tell you what changes to expect like the coming of a storm, or the possibility of surf arriving in a few days. Weather Maps look at a large area and show the large weather systems that are moving toward your area. Come with me as we take a look at How to read a weather map”. Aloha, David Dorn Weather maps contain information about atmospheric pressure, fronts, storms, and wind speeds and wind direction. The areas of different…

  Maui Ocean Safety – BE BEACH SMART SECURITY: Theft is a big problem at all beaches and parks in Hawaii. Thieves will break windows to get into cars. Always lock your car, do not take valuables to the beach, do not lose your car key in the ocean, do not lock your keys is your car. I would not recommend staying around any beaches after sunset. There are a few thug types that hang out there that will take advantage of isolated or solitary people. Numerous assaults have happened at beach parks to unsuspecting tourists. Even if a local appears friendly and offers to sell you some “weed” (Called “pakalolo” in Hawaiian) in the privacy of the bushes, Don’t go with them. SUN SMART: Most visitors do not realize how strong the sun is in Hawaii. Many people will…

Maui Boardsailing Association Sail Safe Guidelines for windsurfing on Maui In the interest of promoting safe and enjoyable windsurfing for everyone on Maui, the Maui Boardsailing Association has drawn up the guidelines for beach and water etiquette and safety. please adhere to these guidelines so we can continue to enjoy this great water sport on our island. MBA SAIL-SAFE GUIDELINES AND SUMMARY OBSERVE ● SWIMMING AREAS marked by buoys. DO NOT sail, launch or jibe within these areas. See attached map for “No Boardsailing” and “Swimming Only” zones. ● SLOW NO-WAKE ZONE – 200 feet from all beaches. ● NO JIBING within 200 feet of all beaches. 200 feet CLEAR ZONE AROUND ALL DIVERS. ● Current WEATHER reports and forecasts. ● DO NOT sail in offshore winds. ● KNOW and COMPLY with ALL NAVIGATION rules applicable to sail…

Online Education The Online Education system, is a series of knowledge based courses that you can take online. These courses are designed to be a complimentary part of the kiteboarder’s learning path. Regular kiters, as well as instructors can take courses to improve their knowledge, some courses are free to members, you will need to log into the Online Education area to access these courses. There are many different courses available and more being added all the time. There courses will make you more knowledgeable, and may improve your safety and enjoyment of the sport.

IKO Kiteboarder Handbook The New IKO Kiteboarder Handbook goes hand in hand with your lessons from your instructor. It follows the same Kiteboarder Program that your lessons are based on, and includes very important information on Equipment, Weather, Tides, Safety, Riding Techniques- as well as lots of other very useful information. At the end of each Section, there is a short test to make sure you have understood the information. You will use this as a way of checking your progression. The IKO has released a NEW AND IMPROVED 6th Edition! The handbook covers the first 3 IKO Recreational Kiteboarding Levels: Discovery, Intermediate, and Independent . This new Edition has now been expanded to 92 pages with more full-color pictures for demonstration along with updated quizzes and answers designed to test your knowledge ensuring that you know safe kiteboarding. This…

Kiteboarder Certification Card When you are a student learning from an IKO Instructor, you receive an IKO Kiteboarder Certification Card as part of your training package. The IKO Card certifies your skill level and is verification as you continue to train and develop. Your Instructor will fill in the remaining levels until you are a Level 3 independent rider. Future schools, instructors, rental centers, and shops then know how competent a flyer you are and most centers request you present your kiteboarder card in order to rent equipment, which is a great way to promote safety. Carry this card with you as Proof of your ability and Training. Kiteboarder Certification Cards, are your proof of your ability and training. These Cards are required on many beaches where access is restricted to certified kiteboarders. Already have kiting experience and need a…

  Join the world’s largest kiteboarding community Join the IKO’s Global Instructor Network IKO Assistant Instructor Course Duration: 5 days Location: Kanaha Beach, Maui, Hawaii USA Host School: Action Sports Maui [metaslider id=562] The AITC is a recognized IKO certification course. The assistant instructor program is perfect for candidates with no prior teaching background in kiteboarding. Assistant Instructors can begin working in kiteboarding schools and under the supervision of an IKO L2 instructors.  The AITC is a prerequisite if you intend on following an ITC (instructor’s course L1). The courses can be scheduled on demand, or are listed on the IKO Training Calendar, and can be arranged before ITC courses. Training Course:  The training is organized in 3 steps and is completed in a minimum of 5 days. The 2 first steps are: – Evaluation…

Ocean & Outdoor Safety on Maui If in doubt, don’t go out! Don’t feed anything that will bite you Look before you leap! Dangerous Weather & Climate Dangerous Surf Dangerous Creatures Other Dangers Maui is a paradise, but it is also an isolated island surrounded by ocean. There are many adventures and experiences to be had, but there are also hidden dangers here too. These tips are some information intended to make you aware of some of the hidden dangers, and to help keep you safe. Ocean and Outdoor safety should be important to everyone. This advice may be second nature to some people, but other people may be hearing it for the first time. Not everyone knows these dangers exist and they may get into danger without realizing it until it is too late. Maui Lifeguards…

  The IKO certification is accepted worldwide and is the most highly regarded qualification in the industry. Upon successful completion of the instructor’s requirements, the course graduates will receive the official IKO Instructor Certificate signed by their trainers, and they will be registered on the IKO’s International Instructor database.” width=”570″ height=”380″ border=”0″ /> Instructor Training Instructor Training Courses Maui Our kiteboarding Instructor Training Courses are recognized around the world. There are a limited number of places available in each course so bookings are essential. The AITC (Assistant Instructor Course)  The Assistant Course is where you will learn about becoming a professional instructor, this 5-day course is designed to give you real experience working with professional instructors in a school setting. The course is divided into practical, theoretical, and technical sections. The assistant instructor will become proficient in technical aspects…

“Whether you are are a windsurfing addict or a weekend warrior, you have probably discovered that Maui is a windsurfer’s paradise. This magical island has something to offer windsurfers of all levels; Beginners, Kids, First timers. All will like the tranquil waters in Maui’s bays and coves, or the extreme athletes will hit the waves on the many reef breaks, Speed sailors will revel in the focused wind blasting over 40 knots in Ma’aleaa Bay’s Speed Beach. Maui has it all.”  Aloha, David Dorn WHAT MAKES MAUI SPECIAL OCEANIC CULTURE MAUI BEACHES KANAHA BEACH MAUI SEASONS MAUI GEOGRAPHY WINDSURFING KIDS CAMPS WINDSURF LESSONS WAVE SAILING WAVESAILING SPOTS BEGINNER WAVESAILING HOOKIPA BREAKS THE BONE YARD THE WEIRD WAVE WINDSURF RULES NORTH SHORE MAP 11…