IKO Kiteboarding Standards

Skill Step Level
Level 1
• Can determine safe conditions for a training site and is able to identify hazards through a spot assessment. • Can set-up the trainer kite, (inflatable or foil). Understands and can simulate use of its safety systems A
• Can launch and land the trainer kite with an assistant. • Can demonstrate basic flying skills with trainer kite: control the kite on the edge of the wind window, use the power zone, and make specific flying patterns on request. • Can twist and untwist the lines while flying and is able to walk and change directions while flying the kite B
• Can set up a 4/5 line kite with a full de-power system including pre- flight checks and ground handling. • Understands and can use the international communication signals. • Can assist for launching and landing. Can launch and land the kite to an assistant. (4/5-line de-power kite) C
• Can control the kite hooked into the harness, understands the de-power system and can use the safety systems. • Can demonstrate advanced flying skills with the de-power kite – (foil or inflatable that can easily be re-launched from the water), showing full control of de-power systems in flight. • Can recover the bar and kite, can perform kite self-landing. D
• Can enter and exit the water independently and safely while controlling the kite. • Can water re-launch a kite • Can perform first body drag E
Level 2
• Can body drag downwind showing an understanding of the correct kite position in the wind window • Can show change of direction to the left and right when body dragging, using correct kite positioning • Can recover the kite and bar in the water F
• Can recover board by body dragging • Can body drag one-handed and use the board to body drag upwind • Can enter and exit at the same point body dragging. • Is able to demonstrate the power stroke as for a water start G
• Can demonstrate an understanding of weather forecast, tidal- and wind effects. • Can determine the wind strength, direction and quality. • Knows the right of way rules H
• Knows how to set up a board and ability to choose the right type for specific conditions • Knows safety rules and theory for water start • Is able to choose and maintain riding direction I
Level 3
• Can put the board on the feet and maintain the correct position for the water start • Can water start in both directions. J
• Can ride a short distance • Control the riding speed and stop. K
• Can ride amongst other riders and water users respecting the right of way rules. • Is able to change direction without stopping L
• Can ride in any direction on request. • Can demonstrate a self-rescue and full pack-down in the water. • Show an awareness and assessment of the risks for the area • Is able to self launch M
• Knows the theory and the safety rules for jumping. • Can demonstrate and land a basic jump. N