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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…

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…

Terms & Conditions At Action Sports our goal is to deliver the best possible customer experience in safe and professional environment. Our policies and conditions are for the protection of our guests and staff. Please be sure to clearly communicate your needs and goals with our staff to help us to ensure that you have the best experience possible. Your satisfaction is important to us, so please take a few minutes to read this information. Terms & Conditions:  Disclaimer:   Payment Policy:   Payment Errors:   Deposits on Credit Cards:    Pricing policy:   Tax on Accommodation:    Payment of Taxes:  Service Fees:  Discounted Pricing:    Booking Lessons & cancellation Fees:    Activities canceled by us:    Private lessons, Custom packages or Specialty Events:   Rainchecks and Rental Credits:    Equipment damage & Loss:   Students personal equipment:   Locations & Times:   Start Times:   Lesson Content:   Instruction time:   Expectations and Goals:    Physical Stress of…

  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…

Beaufort Wind Scale   Developed in 1806 by Sir Francis Beaufort of England   The Beaufort Scale was created to standardize wind strength observations. Eventually adopted by the Royal Navy in 1830 it became the standard. With slight variations over the years, the scale is still used in some countries. Nowadays there are many more instruments and wind gauges available. However the Beaufort Scale is still the best way to estimate the wind speed based purely on visual observations of the sea state. In some countries, the scale goes beyond 12, and has classifications from 13-17, which are for special situations like typhoons (hurricanes). Here is the most common version of the Beaufort Scale. Force Wind (Knots) Wind (mph) WMO Classification Appearance of Wind Effects On the Water On Land 0 Less than 1 Less than 1 Calm Sea surface…