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.

There is no question that hydrofoiling is growing extremely rapidly across the world. More companies are making boards at different price ranges, new hydrofoil competitions are emerging, schools are beginning to offer lessons and hydrofoil board rentals; these all signs of a growing industry.

When learning to hydrofoil at an IKO center you will be receiving an impact vest, helmet, and proper instruction. As the trend has risen we hear more and more horror story of pirate instructors who do not have proper progression or safety measures “teaching” others how to hydrofoil only to have them get injured.

It is important that no matter your level when you are learning and throughout your progression to continue using an impact vest and most importantly a helmet. We have unfortunately witnessed far too many hydrofoil board accidents. Hydrofoil accidents are worse than most other forms of accidents as with a hydrofoil it usually ends up being deep flesh wounds.

What we have seen is that whether or not someone who is hydrofoiling agrees with wearing safety protective equipment or not, eventually they convert after a close call or accident.

So what do you say? Should you always wear a helmet and impact vest when hydrofoiling or no point?

How curious is the fact that despite science and logic, sometimes us humans behave against what we instinctively know is beneficial for us; like eating clean and healthy, wearing a helmet while doing extreme sports and investing in pair of polarized sunglasses when out in the sun near water or snow to name a few!

Just like with helmets, wearing sunglasses while kiteboarding seems unfashionable and excuses like “I will lose them”, “They are annoying”, “They are expensive”, “Water droplets on the lens bother me” and so on, seem to always come up.

Truth is companies have filled all these gaps offering a range of options with different styles, price points, fits and a wide variety of options. So what is holding all us kiters back from wearing sunglasses while kiteboarding?

We believe that it is the social norms of the majority overriding the logic. If all the professionals, instructors and kiteboarding promotions wore sunglasses while riding, competing, teaching it would make people think twice… “If these people are wearing them…. maybe I should too.” Although it is not the case, just like with helmets. Only a few wear it and so it’s not really popular.

The use of polarized sunglasses, in general, will help reduce the chances of cataracts, macular degeneration, sunburn on the cornea and the risk of experiencing vision issues like “snow blindness” which can and have happened to kiters before.

After taking time to research we found many companies that offer sunglasses specifically for kiteboarding. We have found these top-rated companies offering a variety of different styles, prices, and features that are excellent for kite use: Kurtis Eye Wear, Ocean Glasses, Sea Specs, and Lip Sunglasses! We know there might be many more companies out there and if you are currently using one of them let the community know which you use and recommend!

So the question is do you already wear sunglasses and if not when will you start? Don't see the point of wearing sunglasses? Tell us why in the comments below!

The most common thought for those who are thinking to get into kiteboarding is the strength and fitness aspect. Most imagine that to kiteboard you must be incredibly fit and healthy. Unfortunately/fortunately this is not true; virtually anyone can kiteboard!

We have seen it all from the ultra-fit hardcore athletes to the weekend warriors making it happen and having fun out in the water. That is the beauty about kiteboarding, anyone can get into it. Kiteboarding can become as challenging as one makes it. If someone wants to push the boundaries and go to the extreme or simply cruise around - the individual can choose as one wishes.

Overall, when you are kiteboarding you are putting in an effort, though, with the technology and equipment today it is way less demanding than it used to be in the very beginning. Essentially your core stability, upper body strength, and aerobic fitness are what are being taxed when kiteboarding. These three areas will be used when kiteboarding so if you are thinking to train any area of your body for kiteboarding consider those three.

Your upper body strength will help you carry your equipment in and out of the water as well as steer your kite efficiently. Having core strength will help reduce the chances of bodily injuries and maintain comfort during those long sessions. The only way to have long sessions though is having a healthy heart and good lungs especially once you begin trying to push your limits with tricks or stronger conditions.

An active warm up before and deep stretching after your kiteboarding sessions will help maintain your aerobic fitness and prepare the body for repeated sessions day after day on and off the water!

Which preconceptions did you have before you started kiteboarding? Comment them below

Have you taken measures to protect yourself whilst kiteboarding? Knowing the right of way rules (we had a tip about this two weeks ago) is one way to protect yourself while on the water though what about physical protection? Have you considered investing in an impact pfd vest? What about a helmet? These are the two simplest and most effective ways to physically protect yourself though can we go even further?

Some other ways the community has mentioned protecting yourself are by:

• Placing your leash in the front of your harness.
• Doing regular maintenance checks to your equipment. Especially your pulleys and lines.
• Using apparel to protect your skin and eyes during extensive kiteboarding sessions. Lycras with SPF, floating hats, kitesurfing glasses, and even sunscreen!

What other ways can we protect ourselves whether it is on and or off the water? Comment down below.

Take a moment to think and answer this… Do you believe it is important for car and motorcycle drivers to know the driving rules? If the answer is yes then would you believe it is also important for kiteboarders to know the rules of kiteboarding on and off the water? Unfortunately, many of us might agree with this logic though many individuals have never taken the time to learn and understand the rules.

In prior tips we have spoken about the 8 rules though it is important to share and remind all kite boarders of their existence.

Rule #1: The rider entering the water from the beach has right of way over the incoming rider.

Rule #2: Starboard rider (kite on the right-hand side) has priority over the oncoming rider and should keep his course, speed and heading to allow the other rider to avoid him.

Rule #3: When two riders are traveling in the same direction, the faster rider must give way to the slower rider in front.

Rule #4: The rider surfing a wave has priority over the one who is jumping or going in the opposite direction.

Rule #5: Right of way must be given to other ocean and beach users. Kiteboarder must travel downwind of them.

Rule #6: To jump, a kiteboarder must have a clear safety zone of 50m downwind and 30m upwind.

Rule #7: When two kiteboarder are on land at the same time, one kiter is preparing to enter in the water and the other one is ready to land, both proceed and keep clear from each other.

Golden Rule:

If you are passing upwind, keep your kite HIGH.

If you are passing downwind, keep your kite LOW.

These 8 rules will keep you and others safe during sessions. It is always important to be as sensible and educated as you can be in anything you are doing.

Lieuwe creates and designs handcrafted custom kiteboards in Holland. Each board is individually produced which means that none of the boards are the same. The wooden look we provide gives it a rough feeling. True craftsmanship with the newest technologies proudly shows us higher jumps, easier trick execution, and more comfortable riding.

Member deals are exclusive benefits of kiters with a premium membership, Instructors and IKO Centers. They help you save money on your favorite kite brand so you can keep investing in your favorite sport. Find all the current member deals in your profile, under the tab “Deals”. News deals are added every month so make sure to keep your membership up to date and login to your profile often.

Check the deal

Ocean Rodeo has been a rider owned and operated kiteboarding gear company since 2001. At IKO, we are particularly happy with one of their product: the Go-joe.  Designed to sit unobtrusively between your feet on the board, you won’t even notice it when riding. However, lose your board and the Go-Joe’s inflated body will flip your board over for you and catch the wind, sailing the board downwind so that it is never far from you after a crash or hard landing.

Member deals are exclusive benefits of kiters with a premium membership, Instructors and IKO Centers. They help you save money on your favorite kite brand so you can continue investing in your favorite sport. Find all the current member deals in your profile, under the tab Deals. News deals are added every month so make sure to keep your membership up to date and login to your profile.

Access the deal

During the last months we have been working to ease accessibility and flow when registering your kite center, offering more front and backend services to existing and new schools as well upgraded the IKO Standards across the board. Read this email carefully and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Easy Affiliation-

The school affiliation form has been translated into six popular languages; Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, German, French and English. The form itself has been simplified and is easier than ever to fill out. Compulsory boat requirement for Centers has been removed in some spots when schools can prove that the spot security is organized in a different way. We also released a free affiliation plan to help schools and independent Instructors begin the process with IKO. The primary requirement to register is having a valid insurance for the kiteboarding center.

There are many benefits you obtain once you affiliate your school which includes, though not limited to: The right to use the IKO logo and to advertise as an IKO Center which raises your school’s credibility and value proposition; additionally you can certify your students as they learn, and the perk of boosting your school in online presence due to IKO’s reach online. To top it all, this entry level affiliation is quick, easy and free!

Affiliate your center now

Improved SEO for your IKO Center

This past month we have done some backend changes that will help increase your school's online presence. Additions in country + location to your IKO Center’s URL will help your center be found online. We highly recommend fully completing your IKO profile and asking us for help if needed.

Don’t forget to upload new HD photos to your gallery to give a glimpse into your IKO Center to future students and Instructors!

Update your IKO Center information now

IKO Center Back-End Services Improve-

As an IKO Center, you can now certify students directly on your profile. When hosting Pro Courses, individuals can reserve their spot directly on the website and manage the rest of their booking and payment directly with your Center. Make sure when planning a pro course to check your school profile to see the message from potential candidates.

We are also now working on implementing a new feedback system for IKO Centers to Instructor. We would like to know what rating criteria as a Center would you like to have for your Instructors?

Read how to follow up your bookings

IKO Quality Control Efforts Continue Internationally

Over the years we have encountered and handled many cases of IKO imposters; they have harmed the image of quality across all IKO Centers and Instructors. As a community, we found this unacceptable and have decided to work together to ensure the safe growth and development of the sport. We are now taking new measures coming into effect in January to improve and control the high-quality standard internationally.

Beginning 1st of January 2018, any IKO Instructors that are teaching independently and promoting themselves as a business must register themselves as a business to continue using the IKO name and logos. Any Instructor who is independent and not registered as business risks being sanctioned and issues with the DMCA.

This quality standard update will be an effort to maintain the quality internationally for both IKO Centers and Independent IKO Instructors. Whether you are a Center or Independent you will need valid insurance, up to date IKO status and access to either a boat or safety unit if it applies to your spot.

We have made a free affiliation for both centers and independent Instructors which can be found here. We highly recommend you fill out your affiliation form sooner rather than later to avoid issues.

Affiliate now

Report IKO Abuse here

If you have any questions, comments or recommendations please email us back here.

Windy Regards,

IKO