Kiteboarding

Kiteboard Jump Technique Learning to jump is easy if someone shows you how. Snowboarders and surfers may have some crossover when learning the jump. There are several components of the jump, the board steering, the body position, the sheeting of the kite, and the timing. You may want to practice the body positions in front of a mirror until you get a smooth , action down, try to visualize the jump, and if possible pay close attention to others jumping. Watching a video in slow motion can help, (if you know what to look for). In the blink of an eye: When you watch a kiter jump, it happens quickly and you may not see all the actions that go into the jump. Even experienced kiters cannot tell you exactly what they do, because they just learned by muscle…

When communicating on-water or over a distance, wind and wave noise will drown out almost all verbal communication. So it is necessary for kiteboarders to use visual communications to signify their intent, and especially useful is using hand signals. There are a specific set of hand signals that are in wide use, and are widely understood. To be a responsible kiter, you should learn the kiteboarding hand Signals listed below. Understanding these basic hand signals will improve the level of safety for you and others. These hand signals are based on the standard signals used internationally by IKO certified kiteboarding instructors. When to Signal: Good communication is essential when launching and landing kites. Also between a kiter on the water and their on shore support crew. Sometimes it will be necessary to communicate with other kiters, and communication is…

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…

KITEBOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSE Booking Procedures Booking Procedures. Each course is a special event. To see when courses are available you can check the training calendar, or check the schedule of the individual training center. Each Instructor Course requires extensive preparation and organization. Instructor courses are usually scheduled months in advance. The lead in time is used to prepare the course and the candidates. Many candidates will travel internationally or long distance to attend courses, so their travel arrangements and schedules need to be set in advance. Enrollment: To enroll in the course you should fill out the Application Form, and/or contact the organizer with your details email, phone number and dates. The organizer will send you the course requirements and information via email, or send you the links to the website info. The candidates should read the information thoroughly,…

  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…

WHAT IS KITESURFING Kitesurfing is the natural evolution of extreme wind-powered watersports. Combining traits of windsurf and wakeboard, the powerful air-foils and lightweight boards give the kiteboarder higher performance capabilities than ever before. In its short but exciting history kitesurfing has brought together the most exciting components of other extreme sports. The simplicity of the kite-board concept allows every rider the ability to create their own ride styles that reflect their creative imagination and personal expression. With every new move the definitions are changed and the sport continues to expand in possibility. Nobody knows what kiteboarding will look like in the future. But already at the present time kiteboarding has expanded into snow-kiteboarding and has taken new directions into foil-boarding and land-boarding. What makes a kitesurfer work: The kitesurfer flies the kite across the wind to provide traction…

      Frequently Asked Questions Is kiteboarding difficult to learn? Is kiteboarding easier than windsurfing? Where can I do it? How much does the gear cost? Do I need to take lessons? Is Kiteboarding safe? Can I learn Kiteboarding from watching a video? How about books and DVD’s? When should I take a lesson? Where should I take a lesson? Should I buy a trainer Kite before the lesson? Is flying a trainer kite a substitute for a lesson? I have windsurfed for 20 years, will that make me a better kitesurfer? How long will it take me to learn? Can I check it out first? What is the maximum age that you will teach? What is that minimum age for your students? Is kiteboarding fun?   Q. Is kiteboarding difficult to learn? A. Learning to kiteboard…