Virginie Rochette: A Journey of Passion, Dedication, and Adventure in the World of Kitesurfing.

Exploring the World of Kitesurfing with Virginie.

In the dynamic world of water sports, kitesurfing stands out as an exciting sport that connects with nature and offers incredible adventures, attracting enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. Behind the beauty and adrenaline of this discipline often lies a unique personal story, a journey of discovery, teaching, and passion. Virginie, new IKO Examiner, is the perfect example; her story perfectly embodies the fusion of adventure, passion, and dedication. Through her eyes, smile, and stories, we tell you how beautiful and fascinating the world of kitesurfing can be. Let yourself be inspired!

“I have always been a passionate enthusiast of sports, but especially board sports!”

The Virginie's Journey into Kitesurfing.

Virginie took her first steps into the world of sports from a young age. Hailing from Grenoble, amidst the majestic French Alps, she cultivated her passion for board sports and nature from a tender age. Her love for snowboarding led her to tackle snowy peaks, while the allure of wind and water drew her towards windsurfing. It was during a day out on the lake, watching her snowboarding friends take up kitesurfing, that the desire to try this new sport ignited within her. Despite warnings from her male friends, who deemed kitesurfing too dangerous for a girl, Virginie embraced the challenge with determination and embarked on her journey into the world of kitesurfing.

“My male friends told me that I was a girl, so I shouldn't try because it was difficult and dangerous. However, their words only further fueled my motivation, and I promptly booked a package of kitesurfing lessons. Hahaha! Back then the equipment was quite different, and I began learning with a 2-line kite and a directional board with foot straps...despite being a beginner, I managed to cross the pond on the first attempt, but I didn't really know how to stop! 

The Decision to Embrace Kitesurfing Professionally.

An encounter with a kitesurfing instructor during a trip to Egypt proved to be a pivotal moment for Virginie. Attracted by the idea of turning her passion into a career and with the desire to explore the world following the wind and doing what she loved, she made the life-changing decision to pursue certification as an IKO Instructor.

“I decided to take the IKO Instructor Course (ITC - Instructor Training Course) to see how it was, and then I took one year out of my job to put it into practice and start traveling.”

She traveled the world's coastlines, including those of the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Brazil, and Cape Verde, immersing herself in diverse cultures, encountering new challenges, and accumulating invaluable experiences along the way.

From Passionate Kiter to IKO Examiner.

After years of teaching and dedicating herself to kitesurfing, Virginie achieved a new milestone by becoming an IKO Examiner. Her journey to this prestigious role was marked by challenges and sacrifices, but also by unwavering determination; for this reason, it was even more satisfying. From managing a kitesurfing school in Brazil to organizing IKO professional courses, Virginie has demonstrated extraordinary passion and commitment to promoting and developing kitesurfing.

“It hasn't been easy; it's been a long and difficult process, with hours and hours of study and training. But it was worth it, and now I’m looking forward to putting all this knowledge into practice on my own!”

Promoting Kitesurfing in Brazil and Beyond.

As an IKO Examiner, Virginie aims to promote and advance the sport of kitesurfing, focusing particularly on her efforts in Brazil, where she strives to foster its growth and development within the local community. In a country with many kitesurfing schools and instructors, her goal is to maintain high standards of education and safety, motivating potential kiters to obtain IKO certification. Leveraging her experience and dedication, Virginie aims to cultivate new kitesurfing enthusiasts and encourage female involvement in this captivating sport. Additionally, she aims to tackle the challenges faced by Brazilian kiters who encounter economic and logistical obstacles in their journey to become IKO Instructors.

"Sometimes it can be difficult for them to envision their future, plan their time, and investment, so I’m providing various payment and organization solutions."
 

Thrilling Moments and Adventures as an IKO Instructor.

Throughout her journey as an IKO Instructor, Virginie has experienced many memorable moments. 'I have a lot of stories!' she exclaims, with many students leaving a lasting memory. However, what truly brings her satisfaction in her work is witnessing her students progress in kitesurfing, especially when they start with no experience. After all, seeing their excitement as they conquer new skills and overcome challenges is the ultimate reward for her dedication and passion. This is one of the most beautiful things for an IKO Instructor, this is the #ikoinstructorlifestyle.

Unraveling Lagoinha: A Kitesurfer's Paradise in Ceara, Brazil.

For Virginie, Lagoinha in Ceara, Brazil, represents the perfect spot for kitesurfing. With its vast pristine beach and the tranquility of Jegue Lagoon, it provides a picturesque environment for kiters of all levels to enjoy exciting kitesurfing sessions and moments of peace in nature.

“My favorite spot is, of course, Lagoinha in Ceara, Brazil, where I live. It boasts a vast and uncrowded beach with stunning scenery, including the picturesque Jegue Lagoon. This lagoon offers buttery flat, shallow freshwater and enjoys a consistent wind for seven to eight months of the year. It's ideal for teaching and practicing unhooked freestyle, my favorite discipline. In the tranquil waters, there are usually few other kiters at the end of the day, with approximately ten hours of wind and sunshine daily. The natural landscape is breathtaking, especially during sunset when you may be fortunate enough to witness both the sun setting and the moon rising simultaneously—a truly unforgettable experience!”

Virginie's Perspective: The Thrills and Challenges of Becoming an IKO Instructor.

Virginie believes that becoming an IKO Instructor is an incredibly rewarding experience. For her, the job is not just a source of income but an opportunity to live her passion, meet different people, and create special bonds. She believes that teaching kitesurfing can truly change the lives of students and loves the idea of sharing her knowledge in paradisiacal locations around the world. Despite the difficulties and challenges inherent in being an IKO Instructor, Virginie firmly believes that this profession offers unparalleled opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

"Especially for women, kitesurfing doesn't necessarily require strength or weight; it's more about technique (and good lessons from the beginning). Of course, you have to be (or become) a sporty person, but it's more accessible than it seems, and women make excellent IKO Instructors. We generally have a natural compassion for our students, patience, and professionalism, which are essential for this job (often we have more of it than men). We must establish ourselves from the start by being pragmatic and professional, teaching both men and women.

The world of kitesurfing needs more female IKO kitesurfers, assistants, instructors, coaches, and Assistant Trainers, and I hope that my new status as an IKO Examiner inspires more women to follow in my footsteps!"

Exploring the Essence of Kitesurfing: Virginie's Journey.

Virginie's journey into the world of kitesurfing is a captivating exploration of passion, determination, and adventure. Through her story, we can grasp the essence of this fascinating sport and its ability to transform lives and inspire future generations. Whether teaching beginners or examining aspiring IKO Instructors, Virginie continues to embody the core values of IKO Instructor: passion, safety, and dedication to her craft.

Author: Marica Moda

How to make a theoretical kitesurfing lesson interesting.

You are a good instructor if you are good at teaching. It sounds like a silly concept, but therein lies the essence of our profession.
To teach means to present and provide information or instructions in a manner that suits the learning abilities of others, while also adding passion and creativity to the process.

Knowing "what to teach" doesn't mean knowing "how to teach" it.

If you are an IKO Instructor, you must understand that it's not sufficient to only know how to kitesurf; you must train yourself and be focused on teaching techniques to address "how to teach" the theoretical part, not just the practical aspect.
To be a good instructor, it’s necessary to explain both topics well. For a student, the theory of kitesurfing is an essential part of the learning process as it helps them understand the principles and techniques behind the sport.

We want to give you some tips on teaching a kitesurf theoretical class.

Here are some steps you can follow to teach theory to your students effectively, to keep the quality of your lessons high, and give you the tools you need to be a successful instructor of kitesurfing theory.

The better you are, the more KISS - Keep It Short, Simple, and Fun you will be!

Prepare a lesson plan you will follow, but use it only as a guideline.

Plan the lesson beforehand,but be ready to adapt and modify the plan during the lesson if necessary.

• Take notes on the topics you will cover.
• Don't write a script, just the key points that you will then go into more detail.
• Prepare all the necessary equipment.

What does a theoretical class need to include?

• Introduction: Describe what the objective of the lesson is and why it’s important.
• Feedback: Ask your students what they already know about the topic.
• Key points: Include 3 or 4 important points for students to remember at the end of the lesson. Use them in the introduction, during the lesson, and at the end to summarize.

Your communication skills are very important.

Creativity is the key to being a good instructor during a theory lesson.

• Speak loudly (but not too loudly) and clearly.
• Don't speak monotonously; instead, moderate your tone and change your voice according to your explanation.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Consider the cultural aspects of your students and respect them.
• Use different communication channels.
• Use various tools such as computers, smartphones, whiteboards, sandy beaches, 3D models, and simulators - large or small. Give your creativity free rein..

Interact with your students.

• Involve your students in the lesson to keep them engaged and focused.
• Avoid asking closed-ended feedback like, "Do you understand?" - "Yes/No." Let them explain what they understood in their own words and provide constructive feedback to help them improve their skills.
• Encourage your students to continue learning and exploring the sport even after the first lessons. Offer them resources such as instructional videos, apps, ebooks, and websites, where they can further enhance their understanding of kitesurfing theory.

Theoretical kitesurf topics.

During your kitesurfing lessons, you may need to explain some theoretical topics. You can develop these topics using a whiteboard, a computer, a smartphone, posters in the school, or even 3D models and simulators. Unleash your creativity and imagination to make the 3D models and simulators, and your class will be a success.

The topics you might need to cover during your kitesurfing lessons on a theoretical level are as follows:

• The five wind effects.
• Sea breeze diurnal and nocturnal.
• Tides.
• Basic principles of aerodynamics.
• Sea marine currents.
• Meteorology, High and Low Pressure.

The five wind effects:

1) The Venturi effect.
2) The wind shadow.
3) The wind gradient.
4) The Bay effect.
5) The compression effect

TIP

Focus on the dangers and possible benefits of the five wind effects, like the impact of the space for riding, launching, and landing the kite safely, wave conditions, upwind and downwind riding, and the consistency and quality of the wind.
Draw the five wind effects. For example, if you have a whiteboard available, you can use it, but drawing in sand is also perfect. You can also use common objects in the school to illustrate the effects.

Sea breeze diurnal and nocturnal.

Explain how sea breezes are generated, when they occur, and the potential dangers they may present.

TIP

Focus on the impact of a sea breeze on a kitesurfing session, such as the change in wind strength, the eventual change in wind direction, and its duration.

Tides.

Explain the potential dangers and benefits the tides can have and how they can completely change the spot.

TIP

Even if they don't have much impact in your spot, always consider that your students may visit places where having high or low tides can really make the difference between kitesurfing or not kitesurfing (an example is Sotavento Lagoon in Fuerteventura - Canary Islands).
Focus on how to maximize the kitesurfing experience and ensure safety. Explain to your students how to check tide charts or consult local knowledge to understand the tide patterns and their impact on the specific location where they plan to kitesurf. Being aware of the tide conditions will help them to make informed decisions and adjust the session accordingly.

Basic principles of aerodynamics.

This topic is very technical and broad, so it’s fine to treat it in a simplified way, focusing on why kites fly and pull.

TIP

To help you with the explanation, download an app that simulates the wind tunnel.
This tool will allow you to make a complex concept visual and simple, making clear the forces generated once the kite is in the air.

Sea currents.

Explain how to recognize sea currents and their potential impact on a kitesurfing session.  
Draw your students' attention, particularly to rip currents, teaching them how to identify these currents and how to respond appropriately..

TIP

Download and print IKO's free posters on sea currents; they are free and make it clear how to act correctly.
Emphasize the importance of having a good understanding of the local conditions, including tides and current charts, as well as local knowledge from experienced kiters. Explain how to assess the current conditions before entering the water, adjust the riding technique to compensate for the currents influence, and prioritize safety by choosing appropriate locations and being prepared.

Meteorology, High and Low pressure.

Meteorology is a very complex and extremely broad subject. It would take many hours of class time to cover the topic, so we recommend that you approach it by focusing on the basic concepts of meteorology.

TIP

Focus on High and Low pressure and why they are essential for kitesurfing. Use the thumbs technique to memorize high and low pressure in the two hemispheres.
Also, focus on the impact of high-pressure and low-pressure systems based on regional and local factors. Advise your students to check the weather forecast, consult experienced local kiters, and assess the conditions on-site to decide if it is suitable and safe to kitesurf during specific high or low-pressure systems.

Practical kitesurf topics.

When teaching practical topics, remember to always follow the 8 IKO’s Steps Teaching Concept.

The IKO’s 8 Steps Teaching Concept.

The IKO teaching concept is based on achieving physical skills through a combination of your student's trial and error, along with your evaluation and correction.
Additionally, it involves developing your student's background knowledge and skill consolidation, ensuring they understand why they are performing an exercise.

The 8 steps are:

1. Evaluation: Who?
2. Set a goal: What?
3. Incentivize and motivate: Why?
4. Give reference points: How? When? Where? Which exercises?
5. Get student’s feedback (1): Did the student visualize well?
6. Observe: Student’s trial and error.
7. Get students’ feedback (2): 90% of the learning process.
8. Correct: Only when necessary!

Riding upwind.

Explain the prerequisites and, if necessary, discuss possible reasons for failure.

TIP

Focus your explanation on what combination of the kite, body, and legs/board your student should maintain.
Videos on the IKO App, a 3D model, or a small simulator can help your student gain an outside perspective and better understand what to do once on the water.

First jumps.

Explain the necessary prerequisites and discuss potential reasons for failure.

TIP

Focus your explanation on what combination of the kite, body, and legs/board your student should maintain; also, encourage them to practice with a physical simulator.
Using a physical simulator can help reduce the stress of trying something new before attempting it in the water, and it aids in building muscle memory.

Remember to adapt your teaching approach to your student's learning style and pace. Create a positive rapport with your student. Be funny, dynamic, patient, and supportive, and promote a safe and enjoyable learning environment.

Find below the payment information to renew via Wise:

TransferWise EUR Bank code (SWIFT / BIC): TRWIBEB1XXX IBAN (to receive EUR from the EU only): BE90 9670 4426 7732 Account Holder: International Kiteboarding Organization, S.R.L. Address: TransferWise Europe SA, Square de Meeûs 38 bte 40, Brussels, 1000, Belgium

TransferWise USD Account Holder: International Kiteboarding Organization, S.R.L. Account Number: 8310019794 SWIFT/BIC: CMFGUS33 Bank Address: TransferWise, 19 W 24th Street, New York, NY 10010 , United States

Your profile will be updated within 2 working days once payment is received.

What it’s Like to Be a Kitesurf Instructor 

Author: Marica Moda

 

Life on vacation or a serious profession?

IKO Instructor’s “office”

 

IKO Instructors are not on vacation but working in the most spectacular office in the world!

Are you thinking of becoming a kitesurfing instructor? Kitesurfing instructors work in beautiful places that are usually vacation destinations.

You will not be on vacation when you become an IKO Instructor, but you will definitely work in an original "office." Your “office” will be the beach, and it will undoubtedly be an enviable office. This characteristic makes this profession unique—it will make you feel "on vacation" even when you are working.

Being a kitesurf instructor is an extraordinary job that, like many other jobs, cannot be done well without a deep passion.

But don't forget that even if you turn your kitesurf passion into your profession, this is still a job.

 

Profession: IKO Instructor

If you decide to become an IKO Instructor, you make a specific choice: to achieve excellence in teaching an adrenaline sport like kitesurfing.

There are no age limits to becoming an IKO Instructor. There are not only young and energetic IKO Instructors but also instructors with a few more years and some more experience. Both can offer a lesson balanced between fun and safety, always taking into account the uniqueness of the students.

 

An IKO Instructor is a true professional

As an IKO Instructor, you must have specific characteristics to be a professional: passion, good knowledge, excellent communication skills, empathy, and almost infinite patience; essential qualities to win the trust and attention of the students.

You must have multitasking skills because kitesurf instructors have to do, control, and pay attention to many things simultaneously.

You must be precise, dynamic, technical, and somewhat athletic because you will spend many hours standing and moving.

You must also be a bit of a psychologist because psychology helps to keep the students highly motivated, focused, and with the necessary determination to move forward.

 

IKO Instructor Lifestyle: the real life of a kitesurfing instructor

#IKOInstructorLifestyle, an almost perfect lifestyle.

 

Does an IKO Instructor do kitesurfing?

As an IKO Instructor, you won't spend days kitesurfing; instead, you'll devote every breath of wind to the students. 

Your chances of kitesurfing will depend on the organization of the school you work for, the daily lesson hours, and the wind conditions at the spot.

You may have time to kitesurf if the school organizes the lesson plan by giving free hours to instructors. If the school closes early and the wind is still blowing at the end of the day (a desirable way to end the workday), or if you don't have the whole day full of lessons, being able to indulge in a few sessions between classes is a possibility.

These are opportunities for you to have fun and keep fit. But not only that, these are all good opportunities to demonstrate to students how to behave on the beach and in the water because students observe: "monkey see, monkey do."

As an IKO Instructor, you must always be a good role model.

 

IKO Instructors are always tanned and smiling

Teaching kitesurfing is a beautiful job with many responsibilities and is very physically and mentally demanding. If done professionally, it’s a much more challenging job than it may seem and more satisfying than one might imagine.

Undoubtedly, as an instructor, you will always have an enviable tan because you will spend hours and hours in the sun teaching, preparing, or repairing equipment and keeping the school in order.

But some instructors are a little less tan. Therefore, you should not only think of kitesurfing instructors wearing Bermuda shorts and lycra in the Caribbean Sea. Some instructors teach in icy places and seas, such as in northern Europe, and spend hours wet and buffeted by the freezing wind while wearing shelter jackets, wetsuits, gloves, and hats—even in summer! But they’re always in good spirits, with a big smile and a great desire to teach.

Always smiling IKO Instructor

 

Negative aspects of this job

The “office" of a kitesurfing instructor is very original, but even the beach also has its downsides.

Being an instructor, you will spend many hours in the wind, buffeted by sand on your legs, and in the hot sun.

If you teach from a boat, once you disembark, you may suffer from "land-sickness," which will make you continue to feel swaying even with your feet on dry land.

If the sky is cloudy, you will have to dress in multiple layers because of the wind. After many hours, this makes you feel cold. The cold will increase if you teach by being in the water, spending many hours wet and in the wind.

You will need to have a good winter wetsuit—or even a dry suit—if you will teach in the winter.

You will need to wear sunglasses to avoid eye damage, a hat to avoid unpleasant heat stroke, lycra to avoid annoying sunburn, a shelter jacket to maintain an acceptable body temperature, and pounds of sunscreen to prevent skin damage.

Smiling IKO Instructor

 

Positive aspects of this job

Many kiters decide to become IKO Instructors to change their lives and create new opportunities for themselves.

The most beautiful "offices" in the world, the positive vibes experienced in this environment, the desire to share one's passion, and the willingness to take on new challenges every day with each student are the right motivations to become an IKO Instructor.

 

A professional career in IKO

There is no career path like the one offered by IKO, which is dynamic and challenging, starting from Recreational to Trainer Courses,

Anyone can find the perfect role at IKO.

IKO Training path 

 

Kiteboarder Recreational Courses

Discovery - Kiteboarder Level 1

Intermediate - Kiteboarder Level 2

Independent - Kiteboarder Level 3

Advanced - Kiteboarder Level 4

 

Evolution Recreational Courses

Evolution Freestyle - Kiteboarder Level 5

Evolution Freeride - Kiteboarder Level 5

Evolution Hydrofoil - Kiteboarder Level 5

Evolution Wave Riding - Kiteboarder Level 5

Evolution Wingfoil - Kiteboarder Level 5

 

Professional Courses

Assistant Training Course (ATC)

Instructor Training Course (ITC)

Coach Level 1

Coach Level 2

Profession: IKO Instructor

 

The desired IKO professional qualification for everyone

If your passion for kitesurfing runs deep and you want to turn it into a profession, there are the IKO Professional Courses.

The first step in the IKO professional training path is the Assistant Training Course (ATC). Once you pass the ATC, you can take the Instructor Training Course (ITC) and become a certified IKO Instructor.

 

IKO Assistant

The Assistant Training Course (ATC) is the first step to improving your level as a kiter, increasing your knowledge, and turning your passion into a unique professional career.

You will not learn to teach, but as an IKO Assistant you will acquire the fundamental concepts of the kitesurf and the primary teaching skills needed to help and support an IKO Instructor during their lessons while also being able to work in IKO Centers around the world.

 

IKO Instructor

By attending the Instructor Training Course (ITC), you will learn how to achieve excellence in teaching. In addition, as an Instructor Level 1, you will share your passion for kitesurfing and be able to work in all IKO Centers worldwide.

Continuing your career, you can become Instructor Level 2 and Instructor Level 3.

 

IKO Coach

The Coach is a very inspiring professional figure. Becoming a Coach Level 1 will develop your teaching skills, knowledge, and experience and allow you to train advanced-level kiters.

With this qualification, you can teach Evolution Courses (Freeride, Freestyle, Wave Riding, Hydrofoil, and Wing Foil) and lead IKO Adventures (downwinders, boat safaris, and kite trips).

You can grow further by becoming a Coach Level 2.

A boring daily routine is impossible in the life of an IKO Coach.

IKO Coach 

 

IKO Assistant Trainer 

If the IKO Instructor career path is not enough for you, you can enter the Trainer career path. The training you will need to take during the Assistant Trainer Training Course (ATTC) will be complex and intense but undoubtedly exciting.

 

IKO Examiner 

The role of the Examiner is crucial. As an Examiner, you will promote kitesurfing and engage in high-quality training for future IKO Instructors, achieving great professional satisfaction.

One of the most significant benefits of all IKO professional qualifications is that they allow travel and work, taking the kitesurf passion worldwide!

 

How does an IKO Instructor find employment?

Once you join the team of IKO professionals, you will have the opportunity to travel and apply for jobs at IKO Centers worldwide, which are looking for new instructors to join their teams.

This opportunity has no seasons or deadlines as long as there is wind and you are willing to work.

 

Job openings through the IKO website

The IKO website is a convenient professional research tool for IKO Centers and IKO Instructors who wish to travel and work in various windy spots.

In each instructor and center profile, by clicking on JOB, it's possible to view job openings posted by IKO Centers worldwide.

• The IKO Center can enter a description of the team member they are looking for, the tasks and languages required, and what they offer.
• The IKO Instructor can apply for a job at any IKO Center, specifying their personal and professional characteristics, qualifications, previous experience, and the countries they wish to work in or the time they have available.

With this tool, both the Center and the Instructor can get in touch quickly and directly.

 

Job openings via IKO social media

@ikointl - #ikoinstructorlifestyle

IKO's social media is a quick and effective professional search tool. IKO Centers looking for new IKO Instructors to join their team often create posts, reels, or stories on their profiles and mention or tag @Ikointl so that IKO can share them.

https://www.facebook.com/ikointl

https://www.instagram.com/ikointl/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ikointl

 

Job offers through "international word of mouth"

If you want to pursue a professional career in IKO, you must always work well, thoughtfully, and professionally.

Before hiring a new instructor, many kitesurf school owners ask for references from IKO Centers where they have worked. So, as in any other job, a bad reputation will limit work opportunities.

By traveling and working in various kitesurfing spots, you'll be able to meet and get to know many people and gain many contacts. Through these, you'll have the opportunity to move and work in different places, even every season. The world of kitesurfing is a "small world," and always working well will open all doors in every spot in the world.

 

Online: IKO Curriculum Vitae

Part of your job as an IKO Instructor is to certify your students at the end of classes, attesting to their level. Certifications serve the student and help certify your career as an instructor.

The IKO Centers you have worked for, the number of students, and the number of class hours you have taught will create an accurate "IKO Curriculum Vitae."

Your professional history as an IKO Instructor will allow other IKO Centers to evaluate your candidacy and professional experience.

 

Online interview with an IKO Center

Online interview

Once you apply for a job at an IKO Center, you will proceed as you would with any other job: an interview.

The interview usually takes place via a video or a phone call, allowing the two parties to know each other better and evaluate each other.

 

Agreements: working conditions, accommodation, transportation

During the interview, the school will propose the working conditions like working hours, tasks to be performed at the school, and the benefits offered.

The benefits offered may be, in addition to the fixed and/or commissioned salary:

• lodging
• transportation (e.g., a bicycle or a scooter)
• freshwater to drink (a benefit not to be underestimated in hot spots)
• hot drinks (fundamental in cold spots)

IKO Team

 

Why choose to do this job 

An IKO Instructor teaches excellently, being part of a large and dynamic community.

The life of an IKO Instructor is anything but boring, and the opportunity for fun and fulfilling work is unique, as you have the luxury of working in the most beautiful and windy "offices" worldwide.

There are no professions as beautiful as this one, but don't just call it a job, because it's an authentic lifestyle.

#IKOLifestyle

We continue to monitor the situation surrounding coronavirus to ensure we meet your needs during this difficult time. 

Since people across the globe are limiting their social interactions and staying at home, kitesurfing activities in many locations have been temporarily put on hold.

To help ease the strain on the kitesurfing community, we are extending all IKO center, pro and kiter premium memberships for one month. 

All IKO centers and pros must continue to follow guidelines from the World Health Organization and from local authorities and cancel courses when necessary. 

We are grateful for your continued membership and we are here to answer any questions you have: [email protected]

The IKO is happy to announce that as of February 2020, we are cooperating with OPES which means that IKO Instructor diplomas will be converted into and recognized as OPES / CONI diplomas. 

It will be possible to obtain both certifications directly after successfully completing your training with the IKO Examiner. The IKO Examiner will communicate your details to OPES, and will monitor your progress during the course and evaluate you to decide if you are worthy of obtaining both diplomas. It will cost € 25.00 to obtain an OPES / CONI diploma as a new IKO Instructor directly after training.

If you are already a valid IKO Instructor (meaning your status is not expired) and also want to be recognized as an OPES / CONI instructor then a special form can be downloaded from the OPES and IKO website. Once the form has been filled out and the fee paid, then the submission will be reviewed. This will cost € 15.00, the annual renewal of the OPES recognition also costs € 15.00. This does not include the cost of the IKO renewal fee, OPES recognition will be only valid if the IKO Instructor has a valid diploma.

If you have any questions regarding the cooperation then please contact [email protected]

Very few people nowadays learn and teach themselves kiteboarding, let alone do we recommend this to anyone. Few decades ago when kiteboarding began basically everyone did so. There were no written techniques, progression or methods to teaching and or even learning; it was all basically trial and error until you were “up and riding”.

It might be hard to imagine for those who learned to kiteboard within recent years though kiteboarding was a whole different sport back then. The learning curve was much different and the safety aspect were virtually non existent.

Fast forward to today and we are spoiled; basically anywhere you go in the world there are certified IKO instructors and centers. These Instructors are safe, professional, trained, friendly, knowledgeable, excellent teachers that can get virtually anyone up and riding safely within a matter of hours.

Thousands of people every year are becoming kiteboarding Instructors because of many reasons. We tend to see that one first falls in love with the sport, decides they want to share their passion with others and then takes a professional training courses to begin their new journey.

Some individuals share their passion and develop the sport nationally; others decide to travel around the globe, chasing the wind and teaching others while doing so. Becoming an IKO Instructor is a rewarding career path where all that is possible and more.

We know what soft and hard skills make a great instructor though we want to hear from you!

What makes a great kiteboarding Instructor and why did you become one?