Here are a few questions that people often ask about when considering kitesurfing courses
After doing the AITC, am I allowed to teach?
Yes, you are allowed to do the following in an IKO school:
- Manage the organization and maintenance of equipment
- Manage kite launching and landing of 1-2 students
- Teach 1 student at the time (up to level 1/D and under supervision of an IKO instructor level 2)
- Supervise the safety of 4 kiteboarders from level 3/J and above who rent equipment or need assistance
What’s comes after my AITC certificate?
You can register to participate in a level-1 Instructor Training Course, which will give you the right qualification to start teaching kitesurfing without supervision in an IKO school.
After doing the AITC or ITC, where can I teach?
You can teach pretty much anywhere in the world as long as the IKO is recognised by the local and national authorities.
All candidates must be aware of the fact that the IKO instructor certificate cannot be used to teach in France and French overseas domains and territories.
When can I do a course?
The dates are given in this document. You must have all the pre-requisites before you enter the course. Then to register, you need to complete the inscription form, the IKO release of liability weaver and pay a deposit or the full amount (depending of the amount of time left until the booked course).
Where can I work with the IKO level-1 qualification?
The IKO level 1 certification allows you to teach independently or in an IKO school as long as you have third party liability instructor insurance. With the level 1 qualification you are permitted to teach up to 2 people with 2 kites or 4 people with 2 kites.
What’s comes after my level-1?
Once you have your level 1 qualification you must teach 160 hours (proof given to IKO via student feedback forms) then you are eligible to become a level 2 instructor. To become the level 2 instructor, after completing your 160 hours teaching as a level 1 instructor, contact IKO for the level 2 exam.
I have taught some friends kitesurfing but never worked as a kitesurfing instructor. Can I enter the ITC?
You will need proof of teaching kitesurfing in the form of a letter of recommendation from you former employer, stating the number of hours that you have taught and during which period. If you cannot provide this letter of recommendation you will have to do the Assistant Instructor Course first, before entering the ITC.
In the country where I live no powerboat license is needed. Do I still have to do fulfil this prerequisite?
Yes. In order to pass the ITC in Saint Pierre-la-Mer, France, where you will be asked to perform specific rescue manoeuvres at open sea, you will need to be a competent and qualified boat driver.
Do I have to bring my own kitesurfing equipment?
Yes. During the course you will be asked to show your level and for this you will need to bring your own kite material. If you do not have the right kite for the wind conditions it is possible to rent material.
What happens if there is no wind during the course?
The course will not be cancelled due to lack of wind. Some of the course takes place in the classroom, the rest of the time is spent on the beach, where we teach and evaluate teaching. If there is not enough wind for some of the course elements during the 5 days the course will still be validated and you will be sent away with an action plan covering elements which have not been completed. It will not be possible to start working as a kiteboarding instructor before you have successfully finished your action plan and registered this with the trainer.
