The following IKO levels are set out in a specific order to
enhance your learning curve.
Some students will take longer than others so there is now rush to learn to
jump.
Flying the kite is everthing in our sport, the more hours you spend on the
beach the better you will be.
Level 1A
- Know safe wind directions and conditions for kiting
- Know hazards on a spot
- Set up a trainer kite
- Know the use of safety systems
Level 1B
- Have basic flying skills with trainer kite
- Launch and land the trainer kite with an assistant.
- Twist and untwist the lines while flying the kite.
- Walk and change directions while flying the kite
- Know the wind window
Level 1C -
- Set-up a 4/5 line kite with a full de-power system
- Pre- flight check equipment and settings
- In flight check equipment and settings
- Understand and use the international communication signals
- Launch and land the kite to an assistant and as an assistant (4/5-line de-power kite)
Level 1D
- Control the kite hooked into the harness
- Understand the de-power system and can use the safety systems
- Advanced flying skills with the de-power kite
- Show full control of de-power systems in flight
Level 1E
- Pull quick release and activate leash
- Recover the bar and kite
Self land. (bar pack-down and Self Rescue on land)
This is where the learning curve gets harder. To control the kite in the water then with a board.
Bigger kites are used in this session to get you up and going.
You will soon find out why to bodydrag is so important.
You will also find water relaunch of your kite a daunting task. Go back and try
it on the land first.
Level 2F
- Enter and exit the water independently and safely while controlling the kite.
- Water re-launch the kite.
- First body drag downwind.
- Maintain correct kite position in the wind window.
- Change direction to the left and right while body dragging.
- Recover the kite and bar in the water.
- Timescale to complete 60 / 120 minutes
Level 2G
- Upwind body drag to recover board.
- Upwind body drag holding the board with one hand.
- Enter and exit at the same point while upwind body dragging.
- Timescale to complete 60 / 120 minutes
Level 2H
- Know the power stroke for a water start.
- Know the safety rules and theory for water start.
- Can put the board on the feet and maintain the correct position for water start.
- Timescale to complete 60 / 120 minutes
Level 2I
- Water start in both directions and ride a short distance.
- Come to a controlled stop.
- Understand weather forecast, tidal- and wind effects.
- Determine the wind strength, direction and quality.
- Know the right of way rules.
- Know equipment set up and choice according to the weather conditions.
This level is for the kiter who need to be IKO certified to ride at certain beaches or to rent gear.
IKO level 3N is required for certain locations throughout the world, eg:- Crampton Park, Florida, USA.
Level 3J
- Control the riding speed by edging.
- Consistent riding in both directions.
- Timescale to complete 60 / 120 minutes
Level 3K
- Consistent riding in all directions including upwind.
- Ride amongst other riders and water users and respect right of way rules.
- Timescale to complete 60 / 120 minutes
Level 3L
- Change of direction without stopping.
- Self- rescue and full pack-down in the water.
- Timescale to complete 60 / 120 minutes
Level 3M
- Risk assessment and awareness of the riding area.
- Self launch.
- Timescale to complete 60 / 120 minutes
Level 3N
- Make a toe side turn.
- Knows the theory and the safety rules for jumping.
- Land a basic jump.
Timescale to complete 60 / 120 minutes
