Become an Assistant Instructor

Why train as an Assistant Instructor?

Are you interested in landing a job as an Assistant Kiteboarding Instructor, or do you want to start your pro kiteboarding career and need to gain experience to attend an IKO Instructor Training course?

Either way, the Assistant Instructor training program is for you! Becoming an Assistant Instructor  is a great way to gain experience to prepare for a professional career, or simply discover what an Instructor's job is all about!
If you intend on registering for an ITC (Instructor Training Course to become a Level 1 Instructor) but have no prior teaching background in a water or aerial sport, then this course is mandatory.   In sum, it is the best way to unite your passion with your job – and you can start your training as young as 16 years old.

Not only does the Assistant Instructor program provide you with hands-on experience, but it also helps build great teaching and organizational skills. In addition, you will learn more about the equipment, how to prepare and use it properly, how to follow the fundamental safety principles, and much more.  Lastly, becoming an Assistant Instructor also provides you with the opportunity to fully discover how a kiteboarding center works.

Assistant Instructor is qualified to:

• Manage the equipment organization and maintenance
• Manage the kite launching and landing of a group of 2 students*
• Teach one student at a time up to level 1/C*
• Supervise the safety of 4 kiteboarders from level 2/I and above who rent equipment or kiteboarders who need assistance
• Assist an Instructor level 1 or 2 for launching and landing procedures and information transmission during a course

Assistant Instructor benefits:

• Access to the Pro Area of the IKO website
• Priority over other candidates for enrollment in ITCs
• Be able to purchase IKO Instructor Insurance (Assistants 18 years and older)
• Be able to purchase IKO products at Pro prices
• Access to the job opening listings on the IKO website and post a seeking employment ad viewable to IKO Centers and points

Prerequisites

• Be at least 16 years old (Candidates under 18 years old must obtain parental consent)
• Be certified as an IKO Member Level 3 for at least 6 months
• Have a valid first aid certificate and CPR
• Must be able to read and write

Training schedule

Assistant Instructors are trained by IKO Instructors level 2 and above. The training is organized in 3 steps, and is completed in a minimum of 3 days. 

The first 2 steps are usually completed in 1 day.  These are: an evaluation of your competencies (kiteboarding knowledge, practice level), and an evaluation of your theoretical competencies (level check and update of knowledge).  A visit to a kiteboarding school also takes place during the first day, in order for you to better understand the way a Center functions (bookings, equipment storage, spot set-up ...).

The third step involves working with your instructor level 2 in live situation. During this stage of the training, you will act as Assistant Instructor for at least 10 hours of lesson time.

Get me started!

STEP 1:  To start your training, you need to register online here!  The initial registration fee is $50.00 USD payable to the IKO, and includes Candidate Assistant Instructor registration and a copy of the downloadable Assistant Instructor Manual. 

STEP 2:  Upon successful registration and completion of your payment, you will automatically receive your Assistant Instructor Manual download, which is available in either English or French. Make sure you download and print it off!

STEP 3:  If you have not already confirmed your Training Instructor (IKO Instructor Level 2 or higher), you must do so now.  If you need help finding an Instructor in your area, you may contact your local IKO Affiliated Center, IKO Affiliated Point, or IKO Support for assistance.  

Note that in addition to being an IKO Instructor Level 2 or above, all Training Instructors must also download the Assistant Trainer’s Guide (one time only) available via the IKO Online Education homepage.  If your selected Training Instructor has not done so, make sure he or she downloads this guide and reads through it before starting your training.  

STEP 4: Contact your Training Instructor to begin the training!  Your training will last a minimum of 3 days, the cost of the training is at the discretion of the trainer.   

STEP 5:  Once you have successfully completed the training, your Training Instructor will be able to validate you as an Assistant Instructor via his or her Pro page.  Upon validation, you will be granted access to your IKO Pro page, and you will receive an IKO Assistant Instructor diploma via post.