De IKO heeft 3 hoofd levels gespecificeerd om jouw kite “skills” te omschrijven;
Kiteboarder Level 1 on land (2-4 hours)
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 of equipment and settings
- In flight check of 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
Kiteboarder Level 2 in the water (6-8 hours)
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
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
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
Level 2I
- Water starts 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
Kiteboarder Level 3 in the
water (infinite)
Level 3J
- Control the riding speed by edging
- Consistent riding in both directions
Level 3K
- Consistent riding in all directions including upwind
- Ride amongst other riders and water users and respect right of way rules
Level 3L
- Change of direction without stopping
- Self- rescue and full pack-down in the water
Level 3M
- Risk assessment and awareness of the riding area
- Self launch
Level 3N
- Make a toe side turn
- Knows the theory and the safety rules for jumping.
- Land a basic jump