Author: Marica Moda

Equipped for any kitesurfing adventure

Kitesurfing is pure adrenaline, but like any sport, it carries risks. The proper safety equipment in full working order ensures safe and enjoyable kitesurf sessions; these are good suggestions that IKO wants to give you.

Helmet: Make a Difference by Wearing One.

Ever heard that "helmets are uncomfortable and only for beginners"? It's time to dispel that myth! Your helmet protects you from falls and collisions, whether the water is flat or wavy. Think of the helmet as a shield, like your cell phone cover. It protects you from the sun and defends you during unexpected falls or collisions with the water, your board, or other kiters or obstacles. Kitesurfing helmets are lightweight, comfortable, and designed to withstand hard impacts. They are equipped with drainage holes to prevent the chin strap from causing breathing difficulties underwater and help keep your head afloat if needed.

Helmets are cool and customizable! You can choose vibrant colors, add stickers, or design it to reflect your style. Remember, there's nothing more important than protecting your head. Wear your helmet proudly, just like the pro riders do. Be ready for any adventure.#wearahelmetlikeapro

Check out the video on the IKO YouTube channel.

Buoyancy Aid (50 N): Your Protection of Safety

Wearing a buoyancy aid with 50 Newtons (N) during kitesurfing lessons is mandatory when learning with an IKO instructor. This is crucial for your safety. Even in shallow water, unexpected falls can occur. A buoyancy aid keeps your head and torso above water, allowing instructors and rescuers to assist you easily in need.

Impact Vest: Everyday Buoyancy Aid

An impact vest provides more agility but less buoyancy compared to a 50 N buoyancy aid. It is called an "impact" vest because it protects you from impacts during falls. While it offers some buoyancy, its primary function is to protect your torso from impacts during jumps, freestyle, or advanced maneuvers with a higher risk and probably hard falls, reducing injuries.

Make sure your vest is well-fitting and comfortable. It should allow you to breathe well without overtightening your rib cage and provide full mobility. This ensures you can perform all maneuvers without feeling restricted.

Kite Leash: Your Inseparable Companion

The kite leash is a crucial piece of safety equipment in kitesurfing. According to IKO standards, attaching the kite leash to the front of your harness is essential. This ensures you can easily reach it with both hands in an emergency. Fastening it behind or to one side of the harness can pull you backward or sideways, making it hard to reach the quick-release system.

Attaching it to the front ensures the quick-release system works properly and doesn't snag on your harness hook. Always test the kite leash before entering the water to ensure it is not blocked by salt or sand, including the quick release of the chicken loop. It's better to know it works before you enter the water than to find out in an emergency.

Kite Line Cutter: Your ace in the hole

IKO recommends having a line cutter as part of your safety gear. Keeping it on your harness can turn a dangerous situation into a story to share with friends on the beach at sunset. It’s an investment in safety for you and other kiters in case someone gets tangled in the lines. Be aware that not all harnesses come with a line cutter included. Check your harness to see if it has one, and if it doesn't, make sure to get one separately. Regularly ensure the blade isn't rusted, just as you check your phone's battery before leaving the house.

To prevent the blade from rusting, cover it with candle wax. This will protect the blade from water, salt, and sand, but it will also ensure that if you need to use the line cutter, the wax will quickly come off, allowing the blade to work effectively.

#BeSmartBeSafe

Equipping yourself with the must-have safety gear is about following guidelines and embracing a preparedness mindset and respect for the sport. Your helmet, buoyancy aid, impact vest, kite leash, and line cutter are critical in safeguarding your kitesurfing adventures. They turn potential hazards into manageable risks so you can focus on the excitement of your kitesurfing session. Each item is designed not only to protect but also to enhance your overall kitesurfing experience.

Next time you go kitesurfing, wear your helmet with pride and your buoyancy aid or impact vest confidently, and check that every piece of your equipment is in top condition. You protect yourself and set an example for others in the kitesurfing community.

Stay safe, ride hard, and make every session an epic adventure.+

Happy kitesurfing!
#wearahelmetlikeapro #StaySafe #KiteSmart #SafetyFirst

For more tips and safety guidelines, visit the IKO YouTube channel: @IKOintl

Author: Marica Moda

How IKO Instructors Can Convert Their Certification with OPES (Organization for Sports Education) Recognized by CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee).

Guide to Converting IKO Kitesurf Instructor Certification to OPES/CONI Certification - Sailing Instructor, discipline DV005 - Kiteboarding, according to the requirements of the National Sports Qualifications System SNaQ.
IKO assists you in navigating the steps to obtain the dual certification IKO - OPES/CONI and pursue the profession of Kitesurf Instructor in Italy.

Why obtain the dual certification IKO - OPES/CONI?

The conversion opportunity is open to all certified kitesurf instructors, whether Italian or foreign, working in Italy. Its aim is to improve the quality of sports education and ensure greater professionalism and economic fairness in the world of kitesurfing.
This dual certification ensures that kitesurf instructors have the necessary skills to teach effectively and safely, offering the opportunity for regular employment within sports associations and/or kitesurf schools, and ensuring stable income and associated labor rights.

CONI, OPES, and IKO together in Promoting Sports in Italy.

The Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) is the national body responsible for the promotion and organization of Olympic sports.

OPES (Organization for Sports Education) is a sports promotion organization recognized by CONI. It collaborates closely with CONI and international organizations like IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) to promote physical education and sports in Italy.

OPES is committed to converting IKO Kitesurf Instructor certifications to OPES/CONI certifications and recognizes the teaching provided by IKO as of a high standard. Thus, OPES enables the conversion of instructors' diplomas issued by IKO Examiners into OPES/CONI diplomas.
This collaboration is essential to ensure a professional and safe sports system for all.

Towards a Safer and Professional Sports Future: Optimism and Collaboration between IKO - OPES/CONI.

The goal is to improve the quality and safety of sports education in Italy, building a more solid and professional future for the kitesurfing world in Italy, in compliance with local regulations.

Thanks to the collaboration between IKO and OPES/CONI, the procedure for converting the IKO certification to OPES/CONI certification is straightforward, affordable, and can be carried out by all IKO Instructors wishing to work in kitesurf schools in Italy that are part of the same association.

Do you want to become an IKO Instructor and work in Italy? Here's how your IKO certification will be converted into an OPES/CONI certification.

The procedure to obtain the dual certification is as follows:

• At the end of the IKO course ITC (Instructor Training Course), the organizer will compile a form with the data of instructor candidates who have successfully completed the course, qualifying as IKO Kitesurf Instructors Level 1.
• The form will be countersigned by the course's responsible IKO Examiner.
• The form will be sent to the OPES central membership office, which will issue the certifications at a cost of €25.00 per diploma.
• All candidates who successfully complete the IKO Instructor Course - ITC L1 will receive the National Diploma as Kitesurf Instructor OPES/CONI - Sailing Instructor, discipline DV005 - Kiteboarding, according to the requirements of the National Sports Qualifications System SNaQ.

If you are already an IKO Instructor, Italian or foreign, and want to work in Italy, here are the steps to follow.

For already certified IKO Instructors who want to work in Italy, it is possible to directly request the conversion of their IKO Kitesurf Instructor certification from OPES/CONI, obtaining the National Diploma as Kitesurf Instructor OPES/CONI - Sailing Instructor, discipline DV005 - Kiteboarding, according to the requirements of the National Sports Qualifications System SNaQ.

The procedure requires filling out a form, paying an annual fee to OPES/CONI, and submitting the necessary documentation. Once the conversion is completed, the OPES/CONI certification will be issued.

The steps to follow are:

• Fill out the conversion application form downloadable from the IKO/OPES website. You can find the request form here: OPES/IKO Conversion.
• Attach your IKO Kitesurf Instructor certification to the email.
• Attach the receipt of payment of the annual fee paid to OPES/CONI, currently €15.00: payment to be made by bank transfer to O.P.E.S. - Organizzazione Per l’Educazione allo Sport - Via Salvatore Quasimodo, 129 – 00144 ROME.
  • Cod IBAN: IT11L0538703208000001088781 – BIC/SWIFT: BPMOIT22XXX
  • Banca Popolare dell’Emilia Romagna
  • Specify in the reason for payment: "conversion IKO/OPES name and surname".
• Send all documentation to the following email address:
  • [email protected] 
• OPES/CONI will issue the new certification.

It should be noted that the OPES/CONI equivalence applies only to IKO Instructors with a valid certificate. If the IKO certificate has expired, the OPES/CONI equivalence will not be valid, but you can attend an IRC course (Kitesurf Instructor Reinstatement Course) for reinstatement.

The agreement, in force since 2020, has an annual duration and is tacitly renewed in the following years.

The national contact person for OPES/CONI for maintaining relations with IKO is Andrea Frateiacci.

Some Italian IKO Centers offer certification conversion to their instructor candidates.

To facilitate instructor candidates, some Italian IKO Centers offer to cover the cost of converting the IKO - OPES/CONI certification for their candidates, including it in the cost of the professional ITC course (Instructor Training Course). 

To ensure that the certification conversion is included, contact directly the IKO Center where you will attend the professional instructor course (ITC - Instructor Training Course). 

Joint Commitment.

This collaboration represents a significant step towards a safer, more professional, and fairer sports future for kitesurfing in Italy. 

This joint commitment to excellence in sports education reflects the determination to promote high standards in the sector, ensuring a professional and safe environment for all kitesurfing enthusiasts in Italy. 

Author: Marica Moda 

Helping Impoverished Communities Thrive 

IKO recently launched the philanthropic program "IKO Giving Back."

It aims to have an immediate and long-term impact on a humanitarian level and on the planet.

There are three objectives:

• Sponsoring participants in IKO Professional Courses
• Creating partnerships with nonprofit organizations
• Promoting environmental protection

Starting with kitesurfing, IKO is committed to making a concrete contribution in laying the foundation for the sustainable growth of the sport and protecting the beautiful places where we practice it.

The IKO wants to create a virtuous circle and positive impact on the community, especially the most disadvantaged communities, in the spots where IKO Centers are located.

In addition, the IKO wishes to share and promote a broad-based positive and constructive attitude among kiters, instructors, kitesurfing schools, IKO community members, and all beach users.

Global activities

With the Giving Back Program, the IKO wants to be globally active, taking advantage of its presence in more than 60 countries worldwide with almost 400 IKO Centers.

Its widespread presence and the choice to donate 1% of annual sales enables it to make socially and environmentally lasting changes.

Helping people with economic difficulties in various parts of the world and protecting the nature around us are essential aspects that IKO wants to achieve by creating partnerships with IKO Centers and nonprofit organizations.

1. IKO Professional Courses Sponsorship

Sponsoring members means having a real impact on people and providing training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

The idea of using kitesurfing not only as a sport but as a tool to improve the living conditions of underprivileged kiters prompted IKO to start this project.

Working with IKO Centers worldwide, the aim is to sponsor low-income kiters.

Helping members struggling in the kitesurfing community allows them to attend an IKO Professional Course, receive free training to become IKO Certified Assistants and Instructors, and build a professional future, breaking the cycle of poverty.

Introducing some IKO-sponsored instructors

Carlos Antonio De La Cruz Romero

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

"I grew up and spent my whole life in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. I have always loved going to the beach. The first time I tried kitesurfing was with a 4-line kite in a school at a hotel on the beach, where the manager allowed me to kitesurf. So I started learning with friends and wanted to become an instructor.

Becoming an IKO instructor changed my life: my hobby became my job. Now I earn more money and can give a better life to my son. Becoming an instructor has always been my dream since I started kitesurfing".

Marcos Antonia Capellán

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

"I'm 19 years old and live with my family in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities and sports. I became a kitesurf instructor because I want to share my knowledge and great passion for kitesurfing.

I have greatly improved my teaching techniques by taking the IKO Instructor Course, which will allow me to apply abroad".

Andrè Americo Zivane

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique 

"I was born in a poor fishing village in the Bazaruto archipelago in Mozambique and was orphaned at six. I kitesurfed for the first time in 2015 thanks to a tourist; immediately, I knew that kitesurfing would become my life.

I have been teaching kiting for more than five years, and in the summer of 2022, I will be traveling to Italy to attend an Instructor Training Course (ITC) at the IKO Center Kite's Angels. I dream of becoming an IKO Instructor to perfect myself and to be able to give the best to those who want to approach this sport through safer and more disciplined teaching".

André's feedback after the course:

"I want to thank Kite's Angels Beach and IKO  for their generous help that allowed me to realize my dream of becoming an IKO Instructor.

I learned a lot during the Assistant, First Aid, and Instructor courses, and everything was interesting.

Learning how to practice this beautiful sport in the best and safest way was fantastic.

I have had the best time of my life as a person and professional.

I want to thank Examiner Max Piona. He was very professional, and his explanations allowed me to understand and do everything. He also gave me some life advice, so I now have a very open mind with a lot of professional knowledge. In addition, the IKO manuals were helpful during all the courses.

Now that I'm an IKO Instructor, I dream of opening a kitesurfing school in my country, Mozambique, especially where I live, in Vilankulo.

I would love for other young guys with the same dream to become IKO Instructors and for me to put into practice the knowledge I have had the opportunity to learn during the IKO Courses."

Unity is strength:

IKO, Kite's Angels Beach, and the Dr. Christopher Giorgio Spitti (on a humanitarian mission to Mozambique for "Médecins Sans Frontières" and "Fratelli Senza Frontiere ONLUS") have joined forces to create this sponsorship.

Dr. Christopher Giorgio Spitti, who launched the "PHC-Philanthropic Humanitarian Consortium" project, covered the travel costs.

"Fratelli Senza Frontiere ONLUS", in the person of Luana Spitti, took care of the paperwork at the Italian Embassy in Mozambique, obtaining a special permit and covering the expenses for the extended visa.

Lorenzo Leoni, the owner of the IKO Center Kite's Angels Beach in Italy, covered the costs of the ATC and ITC Professional Courses.

IKO covered the costs of registration fees for the ATC and ITC Professional Courses.

Apply to attend a sponsored IKO Professional Course, or tell us who would deserve it

IKO has chosen to sponsor some kiteboarders experiencing financial difficulty.

If you have the characteristics listed below or know someone who does, please write to [email protected].

Tell us your story and send us two reference letters from an IKO Examiner, an Assistant Trainer, an IKO Center owner, a local association, or a nonprofit organization.

You can become an IKO Assistant and Instructor and change your life.

You must:

• Be an experienced kiter
• Be highly motivated
• Live near a kitesurfing spot in a country with a GDP (PPP) per capita of less than US$ 10,000
• Want to work as an IKO Instructor or Assistant after finishing the Professional Course.
•  

Please, help us to give back!

Please also write to us if you know someone who has these characteristics and thinks they deserve to be sponsored.

We will be happy to evaluate your application or that of the person recommended.

2. Nonprofit collaborations

The IKO believes that teamwork makes a difference and that we can leave a positive impact together. That’s why it has decided to support the best nonprofit projects.

Please, help us give back!

Nominate your nonprofit association or an association you know by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Tell us about the project you would like the IKO to support.

We will evaluate all projects and choose those that can have the most significant and lasting positive impact.

An example of collaboration: InspireDR+IKO

"Swim to survive" is a community-based program that teaches children to swim.

The community of Cabarete lives by the sea and near water sports, yet 80% of the population cannot swim. For this reason, InspireDR, in cooperation with IKOIntl, organized the free "Swim to survive" program, where low-income children could learn to swim and develop comfort in the water.

The IKO was involved in sponsoring fifty children from Cabarete to learn to swim, showing them the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, and helping to lower the number of drowning cases.

InspireDR's feedback:

"The program has begun. Twenty-one children became familiar with the water for seven weeks and learned basic buoyancy and swimming techniques.

Some children did not want to enter the pool on the first day, but day after day, they felt more comfortable in the water.”

“It was a fun and active group with the first twenty-one children, the new #superswimmers of Cabarete, certified.” -InspireDR

“Thanks to the support of IKOIntl and our instructors, these children will have a safer future. Teaching a child to swim can make the difference between life and death in the event of a water accident. Moreover, swimming is a sport that is fun and healthy." -InspireDR

3. Environmental Management

Every year, 14 million tons of waste end up in our seas; we don’t want to and cannot stand by and watch.

With this initiative, the IKO wants to raise awareness and urge everyone to take action to protect our seas and beaches.

We can make a difference by reducing or eliminating the use of disposable products and actively collaborating in cleaning our seas and beaches.

Coastal cleaning

All candidates attending the IKO Assistant and Instructor Courses participate in beach cleaning.

Removing litter from beaches protects marine life, teaches the importance of sustainable tourism, and sets a good example.

Cleaning the seas

Together we can remove waste from the sea, protect the marine ecosystem, and take care of the place where we kitesurf.

Take care of your spot, too, and become a role model.

Together we're stronger!

Write to [email protected] and participate in the IKO Giving Back program.

Together we can grow and improve because together, we are stronger. Giving back helps everyone to grow and progress.

• Teach kiteboarding to a maximum ratio of 6 students with a maximum of 3 kites flying at any onetime when working with 1 IKO Assistant. If working alone, the ratio is the same as InstructorLevel 2.
• Teach kiteboarding to a maximum ratio of 8 students with a maximum of 4 kites flying at any onetime when working with 2 IKO Assistants.
• Access the Assistant Trainer Course,
• Work at IKO Affiliated Centers,
• Access the online job list,
• Post seeking employment ads to the online job list,
• Post personal profile information viewable on the general public website,
• Receive customer feedback that results in an international instructor ranking.

• Be an active Instructor level 2,
• Have been validated as Instructor Level 2 for at least 1 year,
• Have taught a minimum of 125 students and 1000 hours in total (including logged hours as Instructor level 1 and 2),
• Pass the online exam to become Instructor Level 3 with a minimum score of 70%.

Coach Trainers train and certify new IKO Coaches. To be eligible to become a Coach Trainer you must be a certified Coach Level 2, run at least 4 Evolution Clinics with a minimum of 20 participants or have certified 40 Level 5 students. You must also be at least 24 years old and have been validated for all the skills of all the Evolution categories.

You need a smartphone (with a video stabilization app) or a waterproof video camera with 8x to 20x zoom (Go Pros aren’t permitted), a monopod or tripod, a helmet, an impact vest, a kite and a board. You’ll use this equipment during your coach course and to coach students.

Review the latest Assistant and Instructor Manuals and study each trick in the discipline you are certified as Coach Level 1 - Freeride, Freestyle, Wave Riding, Hydrofoil and Wing Foil. The tricks are listed in the Appendices of the Coach Level 1 Manual. Revisit your first aid and CPR course material. Study the Coach Level 2 Manual (which you will receive after enrolling in the course). Practice filming riders with your smartphone or your camera so that you can give students feedback. Ride as much as you can to improve your riding skills. A great Coach is a great rider.

Once you become a certified Coach Level 2, up to six students can attend your Evolution Clinic. If you have a certified IKO Assistant working with you, you can have up to eight students.

As a Coach Level 2, you’ll be able to run Evolution Clinics, teach Evolution Courses with more than one student at a time and lead IKO Adventures with more participants.

You must be a certified IKO Coach Level 1 with active IKO membership.

Access Teaching Materials

Once you’ve read the Coach Level 1 Manual and Appendixes, please follow these steps:  

Read Manual

Read Freeride Appendix

Read Freestyle Appendix

Read Wave riding Appendix

Read Hydrofoil Appendix

Read Wing Foil Appendix

Step 1 – Online Riding Skills Demonstration

Upload a video of your skills in each of the Evolution Course disciplines you want to be certified, following instructions from the Coach Level 1 Manual. If you only upload freestyle and freeride you will only be certified for these two disciplines. In the future if you want to become a wave riding instructor, you’ll still have this possibility.

Upload Videos

In order for your video(s) to be reviewed by the Training Department, the video(s) must meet the criteria above.
If your skills are not demonstrated clearly in the video because of poor quality recording (bad angle, too far, low wind, etc.) the video will be rejected.
If the Training Department rejects a video because your skills are not adequate, you will have to practice again and resubmit your video(s).

Step 2 - Online Coach Level 1 Exam

Once you’ve studied the manual and corresponding appendixes, you can take the online exam related to the Evolution Course discipline you want to certify. You must pass the exam with a score of at least 75%.  

Take Freeride Exam

Take Freestyle Exam

Take Wave riding Exam

Take Hydrofoil Exam

Take Wing Foil Exam

Congratulations! You’re a certified IKO Kitesurf Coach Level 1. You can download your certificate through your IKO profile.

After you record the videos, you upload the footage to your IKO profile so we can review it. Once the footage has been reviewed, we’ll contact you to let you know whether or not you passed. You must be recognizable in the video and the footage must be high quality and stabilized for it to be accepted. If your skills are not demonstrated clearly in the video because of poor quality recording (bad angle, water on the lens, etc.) the video will be rejected.

To lead IKO Adventures, you must be able to do all of the skills mentioned in the manual in the Freeride Evolution Course.

Most candidates are able to complete both steps and finish the course in a few weeks. However, the course may take longer if you have to redo any of the steps.

Review the latest Assistant and Instructor Manuals and learn the new certification standards for the Level 5 – Evolution Course/s in the discipline you want to teach. Study each trick and know the lesson plan and associated tips. Revisit your first aid and CPR course material. Practice and be sure you can demonstrate all the Level 4 - Advanced tricks and all tricks in at least one of the Level 5 - Evolution disciplines (Freeride, Freestyle, Wave Riding, Hydrofoil and Wing Foil). Someone must film you demonstrating each trick in the discipline you want to teach. You can get certified to teach in as many evolution disciplines as you want.

Once you’ve booked your Coach Level 1 online course, you’ll have access to a PDF copy of the course manual and one appendix per Evolution Course category with all the details of the tricks to help you get ready. You’ll get your certificate after you pass the course.

No, you must complete both Module 1 and Module 2 to be a certified IKO Assistant.

You must complete in-person training within 12 months of enrolling in Module 1 eLearning.

Yes, but we recommend completing Module 1 so you’re prepared for Module 2. Module 1 is a series of easy-to-follow videos and quizzes that you can complete from the comfort of your home. The videos and quizzes are there to prepare you for Module 2 In-Person training. 

The assessment is there simply to improve your knowledge. You can take the assessment several times. If you don't pass the assessment online during Module 1, you can take it again during Module 2 In-Person Training at an IKO Cente.

The quizzes are there simply to help you assess your knowledge. If you fail one of them, it is advised to rewatch the video.

Most people are able to finish Module 1 in 12 hours over several days.

You begin the course by enrolling in Module 1 eLearning which you can complete from the comfort of your home.

The course has two modules. The first module is eLearning and completed at home. The second module is in-person training at an IKO Center.

IKO met up with Stephan Zaat, IKO Examiner and owner of IKO Center Kitesafe to discuss how kitesurfing changed his life and whether COVID-19 has had a large impact on his business. Read all about it:

How did you get into kitesurfing?

Stephan: In 2001, a good friend of mine who was a windsurfer was in Scheveningen, the Netherlands and he saw some people kitesurfing. He said “Oh my God, Stephan, we have to do this!” It then took us about a year to get a lesson, on the right day with the exact right conditions but, we started. It then took us about a year to go upwind and do our first jumps but we were stoked! We were on the beach every day, every weekend, driving back and forth to the beach. Even with no wind, you know how it goes, and it was great. I’ve been kiting ever since.

When did you decide to start pursuing kiteboarding professionally?

Stephan: After kiting for about a year, I thought it would be interesting to teach some lessons, just on the side as I also had a normal office job. I then went on holiday to the Dutch Caribbean, to Curacao and Bonaire. On Bonaire we met a school owner and I told him “hey, this is where I want to be.” So then I went back home, cancelled my job and six months later I was back there teaching! This was in 2004.

At this point I was just teaching for the school. Or well, at this point in time you’d have a leaking boat, 3 kites and you could call it a school. From there onwards, we started doing things more professionally. We did our IKO courses and started hiring people. We got more boats, more kites and so the school started to grow. I was there for about 3 years, living the life in the Caribbean!

And then you returned to the Netherlands and started your own school?

Stephan: Yes, in 2008 I returned to the Netherlands and started Kitesafe. I based the school around Amsterdam, teaching from a van so it would be a mobile school. In 2008 I also started teaching the IKO Instructor Level 1 course as an Examiner and I have been doing that ever since then for almost 12 years now.

Did you experience any issues when you were setting up your school or getting your Examiner’s license?

Stephan: From a school point of view in the Netherlands it’s quite easy to set up because there are no licenses necessary. Although it is becoming much more professional now, from a government point of view, anyone could really start his own school. In the Dutch Antilles it was a different story as there were many issues with the local nature parks and windsurfing schools so we really had to get a license to be able to teach there. 

As for becoming an Examiner, I was on a fast track. I did my IKO Instructor Level 1 course in 2005 and then attained my Examiner’s license in 2007 which was exactly within the 2 years that was required at the time. I did all my hours, taught all the students required and there were forms to fill out by hand instead of online like nowadays but I made it and within 2 years I was an Examiner!

How has this affected your life?

Stephan: I think the biggest change was when I started teaching. Going from an office job to a beach job, that completely changed my life around. In the Netherlands, it’s not possible to do this on a full-time basis but if you have places where it’s always windy such as Brazil or in the Caribbean, you can really make a full-time job out of this quite easily. When you’re an Examiner, you’re on a different level because you can run these courses. This can even be done on the edges of the seasons or you can go abroad and do these courses in other places.

It made me look at kiteboarding from a different perspective. In some ways, I would say even a little bit negative because when you go to another place, you’re always looking at how the instructors are teaching and whether they’re doing it according to the IKO Standards. So even on holiday, you’re still working, your brain doesn’t turn off.

Have you been affected by COVID-19?

Stephan: Yes, so in March, we normally start the IKO courses here. Unfortunately, the day after the lockdown started, we had a course planned. So we had to cancel everything for the first month. But luckily in the Netherlands, they've been quite lenient and coming back to somewhat regular life relatively quickly. So, within about five weeks, we were able to start up and doing IKO courses again. We did our first Assistant course the day after the lockdown opened up and we’ve had a lot of people asking for the courses. We’re in the lucky position that we are an outside sports organization and we can operate as the inside sports schools are still closed.

Are there any implications for your school or any special measures that you're taking?

Stephan: Yes, we started out with a protocol for all kitesurfers coming for classes where we made sure the students were healthy, we had a waiver that all students had to sign and we were teaching with special leashes in the back on the student to the Instructor (with safety leash to kite on the front) to keep some more distance. Especially social distancing is important, it looks like kiteboarding classes in small groups are becoming more acceptable again now but we still keep our distance. It’s also good that some research has been done already. In kiteboarding, we are also generally working with younger people who are not in the risk group which is also an advantage. Overall, I think the kiteboarding business in the Netherlands is relatively unscathed compared to businesses to do with larger groups and crowds.

Do you have any advice for your colleagues?

Stephan: I don’t think we are doing things that differently but one of the main things is that we should examine the way outsiders look at us. Whether it’s government officials or just people passing by who are still in lockdown or at least not allowed to visit certain family members. We also need to show them that social distancing is something we can do and that we are serious about doing so and don’t fall back into our old habits easily.

Thank you for taking the time to have a chat with us, Stephan. It’s been interesting to get a peek into your journey in the professional world of kiteboarding. Did he inspire you as well? Find out more about becoming an Instructor yourself or setting up your own IKO Center. 

The wind is overlooked. People think of the wind just as an invisible force of Mother Nature and nothing more, yet it is an important element when kiteboarding. Telling the direction of the wind in addition to its speed is an essentially factor when accessing a spot. There are three different and common wind directions: on-shore, side-shore and off-shore winds. These different wind directions can factor into your SEA assessment.

To tell where the wind is coming from- extend your arms out and turn until you feel the wind in your face and both ears. Once you feel the wind in both ears, join your hands together and this direction where you are pointing is where the wind is coming from. Using the wind as your main reference compared to physical objects like the shore/trees/rocks is that, the kite will always launch/land and react in the same angle to the wind while physical objects will not.

When setting up at a new spot remember to do a SEA assessment: Spot Environment Activity; a quick kite hack that allows you to assess your surroundings. Helping you pick the best place to set up and get into the water. When setting up your lines, do them downwind to avoid danger when launching. It is always recommended to check your lines and your safety system before going out. It is especially important to connect your leash to the front part of the harness for easy emergency quick release, making sure you have a line cutter and are wearing an impact vest and a helmet. If it is possible to start off more upwind in a spot that will help you have more space downwind for your first runs in the new location to safely orient yourself. The more safety measures you take, the less chance it is to have an accident.

Armed with this knowledge - which wind direction should you avoid kiteboarding especially if alone and why?

Prices of kiteboarding packages can vary upon center and geographical location. You can expect to pay anywhere between $300-$900 USD for a complete course from zero to independent kiteboarder.

Total Cost

• teach advanced rider skills
• prepare advanced lesson plans
• analyze student failures via “video coach,” which consists in filming and debriefing a student’s practice
• teach downwinder organization and riding
• demonstrate and train on safety and rescue
• do specific warm-up and stretching exercises
• teach theory (meteorology, aerodynamics, tides, etc.).

• Run Evolution Clinic with up to 6 participants or per hour Evolution courses
• Access to open job listings on the IKO Website.
• Post seeking employment ads viewable to IKO Centers.
• Post personal profile info online, which is viewable via the general public website.
• Receive customer feedback that results in an international instructor ranking.

• Be IKO Instructor Level 1
• Be able to successfully demonstrate riding skills in at least one of the Evolution categories,
• Have signed the waiver form and paid the corresponding IKO fee for this course
• Have a valid professional insurance for Kitesurfing 

• Create a personal account. It is free!
• Chose the destination of your choice. Evolution Clinics are exclusively planned in an IKO Affiliated Center with an IKO Coach.
• Apply as Kiteboarder Evolution to get the course contents to help you prepare. It is easy.  Go to the training calendar to find a place that will host a Evolution Clinic. Then, book it directly with the Organizer.