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