Kitesurfing InstructorChoosing A Kitesurfing Instructor
The rigors of being a kitesurfing instructor are not something that can be taken lightly. After all, the professional kitesurfing instructor is not only tasked with teaching others the complexity of kitesurfing, but must also always ensure the safety of his or her kitesurfing students. This is why, as kitesurfing courses become more and more popular, the demand for certified kite school instructors become paramount.
For novice kiteboarders, it is not just a matter of going to any beach, renting available kitesurfing gear and hope that your light reading of tutorials and watching online kite surfing videos would make you an instant kiter. With this approach, chances are you are bound to get injured or suffer a worse fate.
Trained Professionals
There are two major kiteboarding organizations that issue certification for becoming a professional kitesurfing instructor. The first is the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) with a worldwide network of training centers in 35 countries. The other one is the British Kite Surfing Association (BKSA) that has a kite school network all across the UK. A BKSA certification is required to become a kitesurfing instructor in the UK.
There are also other organizations that offer kitesurfing instructor courses like the Professional Air Sports Association (PASA). Any of these certifying organizations can assure that their accredited instructors can adequately provide kitesurfing training. The IKO in particular have Instructor Equivalency Courses (IEC) to help PASA and other group instructors become IKO certified trainers.
Other Qualifications
Kiteboarding or kitesurfing teachers must be at least 18 years of age. There are 16 to 17 year old kiters who are assistant instructors which is a prerequisite to becoming a full fledged kitesurfing instructor. Assistant instructors are allowed under IKO rules to teach level 1 kitesurfers, one at a time, accompanied by a more senior supervising instructor.
Prior to undergoing Instructor Training Courses to become an instructor, the kiter must first be a level 3 certified kitesurfer for at least one year. As stated earlier he or she must also be a trained and certified Medic First Aid (MFA) or have equivalent first aid and CPR certification. A powerboat license is also an important prerequisite.
Apart from assistant instructors there are several levels for instructors. Level 1 instructors, must show solid riding skills for 6 months and are required to pass to level 2 within two years. To be at level 2, instructors have to teach at least 160 hours to 20 to 30 students. Level 2 Senior instructors must gain a total of 1000 hours of teaching to 120 students.
When getting a kitesurfing instructor, it is advisable that you request your instructor to provide proof of these certifications. Your instructor should have no problems presenting them to you. In fact, they should be proud to show these documents as they are proof of their hard work and professionalism. The kitesurfing section contains valuable information on certified kitesurfing instructors as well as kitesurfing instructor training courses.
