DISCOVERY KITEBOARDING

Discovery Kiteboarder Program!

The IKO Kiteboarding programs are designed to help you learn in a safe way while your IKO Instructor respects your rhythm and takes you through all the steps so you can reach your goals.

Handbooks for Students

The very popular IKO Kiteboarder Handbook is now on its 5th Edition!

IKO Kiteboarder Handbook

This fantastic edition is like no other. It follows the updated IKO Student Standards and has been expanded to 80 pages full of great explanations, pictures and diagrams. Updated quizzes at the end of each level will test your student's knowledge and make sure that you've done a good job! It is the perfect companion while learning or teaching kiteboarding. Now available at IKO Centers and in the IKO Online Shop.

Your level will be certified with your IKO Member Card at the end of your lesson, or when you can successfully move on to the next level of riding! You can also keep a more in depth record of your development in the Handbook, having your instructor sign off on all individual skills as you master them.

Kiteboarder Level 1 on land (2-4 hours)

Level 1A

Know safe wind directions and conditions for kiting
Know hazards on a spot
Set up a trainer kite
Know the use of safety systems

Level 1B

Have basic flying skills with trainer kite
Launch and land the trainer kite with an assistant
Twist and untwist the lines while flying the kite
Walk and change directions while flying the kite
Know the wind window

Level 1C

Set-up a 4/5 line kite with a full de-power system
Pre-flight check of equipment and settings
In flight check of equipment and settings
Understand and use the international communication signals
Launch and land the kite to an assistant and as an assistant (4/5-line de-power kite)

Level 1D

Control the kite hooked into the harness
Understand the de-power system and can use the safety systems
Advanced flying skills with the de-power kite
Show full control of de-power systems in flight

Level 1E

Pull quick release and activate leash
Recover the bar and kite
Self land

INTERMEDIATE KITEBOARDER

Intermediate Kiteboarder Program

Now you will make use of all that flying knowledge you gained in Level 1, but make sure you wear a flotation vest, and keep your helmet on because in this level you are ready to get in the water. Once you complete this portion of the program you will start riding the board.

Kiteboarder Level 2 in the water (6-8 hours)

Level 2F

Enter and exit the water independently and safely while controlling the kite
Water re-launch the kite
First body drag downwind
Maintain correct kite position in the wind window
Change direction to the left and right while body dragging
Recover the kite and bar in the water

Level 2G

Upwind body drag to recover board
Upwind body drag holding the board with one hand
Enter and exit at the same point while upwind body dragging

Level 2H

Know the power stroke for a water start
Know the safety rules and theory for water start
Can put the board on the feet and maintain the correct position for water start

Level 2I

Water starts in both directions and ride a short distance
Come to a controlled stop
Understand weather forecast, tidal- and wind effects
Determine the wind strength, direction and quality
Know the right of way rules
Know equipment set up and choice according to the weather conditions

INDEPENDENT KITEBOARDER

Independent Kiteboarder Program

The independent level is the stage where all those dreams and hard work pay off, as you get to feel the board on your feet! By the end of the section you will be able to start jumping and will truly be an independent rider. Then you are off to explore the world’s different locations, water surfaces and wind strengths! to choose your destination!