What is IKO?

The schools on this website teaching Kite surfing Tarifa follow the IKO regulations. IKO has set world wide recognized standards for a high quality of teaching by certified kiteboarding companies and instructors.

IKO has developed and is constantly updating the standards on how to practice kiteboarding in a safe way. It will always strive to find the perfect correlation between nature and the kiteboarding indusrty. It is also decicated to maximaze the interaction from all entities involved in the development of the sports such as instructors, factories and regulators.

Through the internationally accepted status it easily adapts to the needs of the international market and to the local kiteboarding practices.

The network

Started in 2001 the network now counts over 130 kiteboarding companies in 38 countries. The network counts 3000 professional and certified instructors and has so far certified over 40.000 kiteboarders.

Achievements

Not only does IKO provide a worldwide insurance policy for all members, schools and instructors, it also provides kiteboarders with a worlwide accident and liability insurance coverage.

The official IKO levels?

Kite surfing Tarifa - Kiteboarder Level 1:

Discover Kite surfing Tarifa and elevate your water sports experience! The IKO Kiteboarding programs are designed to help you learn in a safe way. Your IKO instructor will respect your rythm and take you through all the steps to reach your goals.
Your level will be certified with your IKO Kiteboarder Card at the end of your lesson, or you can move on to the next level of riding!

Level 1A
• Determine safe conditions for training site.
• Set-up the trainer kite* (inflatable or foil) and simulate us of its safety systems.
*a kite that doesn't have enough power to make the student fall

Level 1B
• Basic flying skills with trainer kite: control the kite on the edge of the wind window and use the power zone on request.
• Launch and land the kite with and without an assistant.
• Twist and untwist the lines while flying; walk and change directions with the kite.

Level 1C
• Set-up 4-line de-power kite incl. pre flight check and ground handling.
• Understands and use the international communication signs.
• Can assist for launching and landing. Can land the kite to an assistant.

Level 1D
• Control the kite hooked, understand the de-power system and use the safety release; recover the bar and kite (self-landing, pack-down).
• Advanced flying skills with the de-power** kite; manage the power.
**foil or inflatable kite that can easily be re-launched from the water.

Level 1E
• Identify possible hazards while doing a spot assessment.
• Enter and exit the water independently and safe while controlling the kite with one hand.
• Can water re-launch a kite.

Level 1F
• Body drag down wind in both directions while piloting the kite in the static zone (edge of WW)
• Down wind body drag in both directions while piloting the kite in the dynamic zone (centre of WW)
• Recover the bar and wind the lines on the bar to recover the kite.

Kite surfing Tarifa - Kiteboarder level 2

Once you complete this program, you will start riding on the board. You will be ready to continue to the next level of riding and become an independant kiteboarder!

Level 2G
• Understanding of weather forecast, wind and tidal effects. Determine the wind strength, direction and quality.
• Enter and exit at the same point body dragging.

Level 2H
• Body drag and use the board to go upwind.
• Demonstrate the power stroke as for a water start.

Level 2I
• Know the rights of way rules.
• Know how to set up a board and choose the right type.
• Can put the board on the feet and maintain the correct position for water start.

Level 2J
• Knows safety rules and theory for water start.
• Water start in both directions.

Level 2K
• Ride a short distance, control the riding speed, and stop.
• Chose and maintain riding direction.
• Recover board by body dragging.

Kite surfing Tarifa - Kiteboarder level 3

Once you have completed this program, you will be able to start jumping and you will be a truly independant rider! Kiteboarding is a sport that is easy to travel with, so go explore different locations, water surfaces and wind strenghts. But keep in touch with Kite surfing Tarifa as this is the place to be!

Level 3L
• Ride amongst other riders and beach users respecting the ROW.
• Self- rescue and full pack-down.

Level 3M
• Change direction without stopping.
• Ride in any direction on request.
• Self launch and awareness of the risk.

Level 3N
• Land a basic jump.
• Land a jump with a rotation.

Where next for Kite surfing Tarifa

Check out the list of recommended oficial Kite school Tarifa

Compare kite schools

Kite courses description

Kite surfing Tarifa - IKO regulations resources page: http://www.ikorg.com/