The IKO level 1 instructor training course provides you with professional training and is your entry into the kitesurfing industry.

The course teaches the best methods of instructing and passing on your knowledge and love of the sport to newcomers. Further, IKO qualifications are recognised by the kitesurfing community as the international standard in teaching, and allow you to work at kitesurfing schools all over the world.

Instructors become IKO certified by attending a 5-day Instructor Training Course (ITC) that covers the standard teaching methods. The course covers the following major areas:

• Wind knowledge
• Location assessment
• Equipment set-up
• Launching and landing
• Safety procedures
• Boat safety
• Riding upwind and downwind
• Turns
• Switch riding and jumps
• Weather systems
• Basic meteorology
• Equipment advice
• Teaching techniques
• Student safety management
• First aid *

The full instructor program additionally includes teaching methods and work experience working alongside active instructors. On successful completion of the course, you will be qualified as an IKO level 1 instructor and will be able to both teach and further your professional training. To maintain high teaching standards, all level 1 instructors must attain their level 2 qualifications within a year of completing their training.

Benefits of IKO certification

• Get an Internationally recognised certificate that will allow you to teach worldwide
• Apply for international insurance to cover kiteboarding instruction
• Benefit from teaching tools that are constantly updated to keep up with changes in the sport.
• Certify your trainees with the Kiteboarder Card
• Receive the Pro Newsletter
• Apply for jobs in the pro area on the IKO website
• Become level 2 instructor

Course requirements:
To become an instructor, you must:

• Have IKO level 3 (or prove equivalent) kitesurfing ability
• Have a powerboat license or equivalent skill level if no obligatory license is required in your home country,
• Have an IKO assistant instructor certification or proof of sport teaching experience (windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, yachting, etc.)
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid first aid certificate ( * For trainees with no first-aid certificate, a 1-day first aid course will be run on 7th May before the start of the main ITC)

IKO Examiner

The ITC course will be led by Robbie Andersen who works as a full-time kiteboard Instructor and examiner. He is also a BWSF Wakeboard and Water ski Instructor, PADI Dive Master and IKO/MFA Instructor.

Robbie has spent time as a Wakeboard and Water ski Instructor in Scotland, and has taught Kiteboarding in St.Lucia, Egypt, Turkey, and Venezuela. He has been kitesurfing since 2000 and teaching since 2001. Robbie has lived in St Lucia and worked at The Reef Kite + Surf in 2003/2004. He names his favorite kitesurfing spots as: Anse de Sable Beach (St Lucia), Aberdeen (Scotland), Safaga & Ras Sudr (Eqypt) and Coche (Venezuela). His Passions are Skydiving, Motocross, Rock Climbing, Wakeboarding, Snowboarding, enjoying life to the Max!

Prices:
Training Course Fees: US$570
Course fees DO NOT include accommodation and flights.
Convenient accommodation is available at the Reef Beach Huts. For this and alternative accommodation packages, please visit the Hotels section on this website.

How to register for the course
Make sure you meet the course requirements and have the necessary documents. Then download the Application Form (PDF) , fill it in and send with supporting documents to the ITC organizer:

Cecile Wiltshire
The Reef Kite + Surf,
Box 485, Anse De Sable Beach
Vieux Fort, St Lucia,
Caribbean

Click here to download the Application Form