IKO Intl Kiteboarding Certifications

Kiteboarding is a sport that can be enjoyed in many locations around the world and in many ways. By simply choosing the adapted equipment, you can kiteboard in waves or flat water, with light or stronger wind, granted you have the essential skill level and knowledge.Find out where to go kiteboarding: IKO centers are often located in the best spots of the planet. With more than 75 affiliated centers in 29 countries, you are bound to find a destination for your next kiteboarding holidays.

The teaching programs are designed for beginners to advanced riders. IKO qualified instructors can take you from your first ride to advanced jumps and tricks. It's up to you to choose the program that suits your goals.

Your kiteboarder card will certify your level and give you benefits in selected stores and the Kiteboarder's Workbook will complete your knowledge.

But all this is done with safety in mind. That is why the affiliated centers meet quality standards that ensure not only the students but all water users on the spot.

Having said all this, it's time for us to wish you good winds and let the ripping begin!

Students who learn in an IKO Kiteboarding Center with an IKO instructor or independent instructor receive their kiteboarder card.
The IKO Kiteboarder Card certifies your level according to your skills and allows schools, instructors and shops to be aware of your competencies.

Thanks to the Kiteboarder Card, you can easily continue to learn in anyIKO affiliated Kiteboarding Centerslocated worldwide.
Moreover, some centers request you present your card in order to rent equipment, which is a great way to promote safety.

Thanks to the Kiteboarder Card, you benefit from discounts and save money in shops taking part in the IKO kiteboarder Card Advantages program around the world.

To enjoy kiteboarding, safety, priority rules and meteorology must be seriously taken into account. Beginners can not learn on their own but need the assistance of qualified instructors. And all kiteboarders must have some basic knowledge on meteorology and other issues that could affect their safety and the safety of other beach users.

Below is merely a list of the top most important items you must take into consideration to be a safe kiteboarder. More complete information is available in the 2 IKO publications: the Kiteboarder´s Workbook and the Kiteboarding vision-

Most accidents can be avoided by respecting safety rules.

IMPORTANT!
Beginners MUST LEARN with qualified instructors. All kiteboarders must respect the priority rules on the water and the beach.

1. Never kiteboard with on shore wind.
2. Kiteboarders must never launch at less than 60 meters from obstacles.
3. Check weather forecast before every session.
4. Before rigging and launching, kiteboarders must evaluate the force of the wind and use an appropriate kite size.
5. Use functional safety systems.
6. Do a preflight check before each session.
7. Never over estimate your skill level.
8. Always wear a helmet, a life jacket, a harness, and a wet suit.
9. Do not go away from the shore at a further distance than the one you can swim back from.