IKO's professional courses are structured so that you can become a better and safer kiter. We offer two main types of professional courses: the Assistant Training Course (ATC) and the Instructor Training Course (ITC)
Kitesurfing is a sport that can change your life, both professionally and personally.
IKO's professional courses are constantly updated to keep up with the times and equipment and are supported by comprehensive pedagogical manuals, online courses, practice tests, and various teaching tools to make you a better kiter and instructor—safe in all conditions.
The Assistant Training Course (ATC) is designed for independent kiters who want to improve their riding level, feel safer on the beach and in the water, and have even more fun with other kiters.
The ATC is also the first step to starting your career in kitesurfing with IKO. When your passion for this sport is deep, and all you think about is wind and kitesurfing, you can continue on the professional path by becoming an IKO Instructor - (ITC). By doing this, you will achieve excellence in teaching an exciting sport!
There can be several reasons for an independent kiter to attend a professional IKO course (ATC and ITC), all of which are valid.
"Great experience, lots of learning during the Assistant (ATC) course, in an environment of trust and always looking for improvement with a positive attitude." - Julia
"I chose to attend the Instructor (ITC) course for personal satisfaction. Because when I learn a sport, I want to know it all the way through. I’m a curious and interested person who likes to study things thoroughly. I wanted to know everything about kitesurfing." -Tony
"Great atmosphere and teaching skills; it was a great experience, as well as getting certified as Assistant (ATC)." - Javier
"I decided to attend the Instructor (ITC) course because I like to study and learn things thoroughly; I also like to collect and display certificates of the sports I learn. Seeing them all hanging on the wall gives me a lot of satisfaction." - Genny
"Exciting and content-rich course, above my expectations. Regarding the trainer, I can say that he turned out to be a professional with an excellent level of preparation; he evaluated and deepened all topics superbly. Besides being very satisfied with the course, I recommend anyone to attend an Assistant (ATC) course, even if only for personal culture." - Daniele
"I know how to kitesurf, it's a sport I enjoy, but I don't feel so good and safe, neither on the beach nor in the water. Attending the Assistant (ATC) course has helped me to know everything I need during my kitesurfing days on the beach and in the water. Also, being useful to other kiters who share my passion." - Khrys
"The Assistant (ATC) course was a superb experience! It was much better than I expected." - Henri
"During the Instructor (ITC) course, we covered many topics making them clear and enjoyable to follow! It gave me confidence and positivity." - Mattia
"During the Assistant (ATC) course, I had a great time and learned many valuable things that greatly improved my knowledge of kitesurfing. Our trainer was very professional; she always motivated us and pushed us toward perfection. It was a great, outstanding experience." - Max
"I decided to attend the Instructor (ITC) course to leave a door open for myself in the future; as the saying goes, "learn a trade for a rainy day." Now I don't plan to teach, I have to finish my university studies, and then I will start a new job, but in life, you never know. I may need it if I decide to change my career path someday. Having a "plan B" available gives me security. Whatever, I will always have a professional certification in a sport I like." - Pier
"I decided to attend the Assistant (ATC) course, and it was an amazing experience during which I learned a lot." - Abdullah
"My dream is to become a professional athlete in the kitesurf world. I love competitions, and I want to be a part of them. I feel ready to face a kitesurfing competition, but I want to know everything about kitesurfing to be a better and more complete athlete. Besides, the competitive career cannot last forever, and already having a professional Instructor's certification (ITC), in the sport I want to devote my life to, makes me feel complete." - Nicolas
"The Assistant (ATC) course was definitely above my expectations. It was a very educational experience on a technical level but at the same time with a fun approach." - Ethel
"I have been kitesurfing for many years, and now I would like to teach the sport to my children and then kitesurf with them. I'm not interested in being an instructor to others; it's such an exciting sport that I want to make it a family sport. I decided to take the Instructor (ITC) course so that I would be the one to have enough knowledge to teach it to my children safely and then follow their progress." - Megan
"The entire Assistant (ATC) course exceeded my expectations, it was a great experience, I learned many useful things for any circumstances—on the beach, and in the water.” - Marco
Many kiters decide to become IKO Instructors to change their lives and create new professional opportunities for themselves, earn money in the sports industry they love most, and travel, working in the many IKO Centers worldwide.
The IKO Centers are the most beautiful "offices" in the world. The positive vibes in this environment, the desire to share one's passion, and the willingness to take on new challenges with each student daily are the right motivations to become an IKO Instructor.
The Assistant course is for all kiters who want to improve on the beach and in the water.
The Assistant course is divided into two parts, an online part and an in-person part.
Regarding online training, there are no prerequisites to attend Module 1- eLearning. Therefore, everyone can access this Module.
To attend Module 2 in-person training you must be at least 16 years old, have an Advanced IKO or equivalent riding level, and be able to swim at least 200 meters in deep water.
The Assistant (ATC) course is the first step in the IKO professional path.
It’s a path that’s designed for kiters who want to improve their kitesurfing knowledge. It’s also the first step that will allow you to learn the proper techniques and procedures and be admitted to the Instructor Training Course (ITC).
"The Assistant (ATC) course opened my mind so much. A lot of new knowledge on preparing equipment, maintenance, and performing repairs. A very useful course; really worthwhile." - Ryan
• Self-launching
• Self-landing
• Self-rescue and pack down
• Board recovery
• Rider recovery
As an IKO Assistant, you will not be allowed to teach alone, but you will be qualified to:
This qualification is the first step to giving you access to the Instructor (ITC) course.
The Instructor course is open to all IKO Assistants who are at least 18 years old.
It's aimed at anyone who wants to make their passion for kitesurfing a real profession by being able to teach at one of the nearly 400 IKO Centers in the world's windiest spots.
The Instructor course is all in-person.
You must be at least 18 years old, be an IKO Assistant, and hold a valid first aid (MFA/EFR) and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certificate.
You will learn IKO teaching techniques and methodology to become a good, professional, and safe instructor.
"The Instructor (ITC) course was a wonderful experience, I learned so much theoretically and practically. Really satisfied!" - Sauro
You will learn to work within the IKO standards, which are the contract between IKO, its members, and the public.
The IKO standards are designed to maintain and improve the professionalism and image of the kitesurfing instructors and centers. They are a quality reference used to evaluate IKO members; they are a safety reference for learners who choose to learn with IKO; and they are based on a unified teaching system worldwide.
For all these reasons, the standards may change yearly to keep up with the latest developments in equipment, safety, teaching methods, and market needs.
"The Instructor (ITC) course was extremely positive. I greatly improved my knowledge and skills. The teaching method is immediate and very practical." - Carlo
"The Instructor (ITC) course stimulated my interest and made me even more passionate about this incredible sport. I would do this course a thousand more times! It has changed not only my way of thinking and kitesurfing, but it has been a real journey within myself, discovering my strengths and weaknesses that I will have to work on from here on out." - Charlotte
"The Instructor (ITC) course was an absolutely fantastic time, a super experience full of knowledge and fun memories." - Mohamed
By earning your IKO Instructor certification, you will hold a world-renowned professional certification and have the opportunity to teach at IKO Centers located in the most beautiful kitesurfing spots.
In addition, you will have access to the Job Search (JOB) system on the website www.ikointl.com, where IKO Centers register their requests for IKO Instructors to join their teams.
From Instructor Level 1, you can pursue your professional career in IKO.
"I recently completed my Instructor (ITC) course; it was very informative, and I learned a lot. I realized that IKO sets a high standard and is a well-recognized name in the kitesurfing world." -Louis
Are you already a certified kitesurfing instructor and want to become an IKO Instructor?
This is the right course for you, because it's aimed at those who already hold a kitesurfing instructor certificate from other legally recognized organizations and wish to convert their certification to an international one.
The Equivalency course is all in-person.
You must hold an instructor's certificate legally recognized in your country and accepted by IKO.
To find out if your certificate is accepted for conversion, send an email to:
support@ikointl.com
This work-oriented course will be a unique experience where you can meet, share, and learn from other experienced, motivated, and knowledgeable instructors like yourself.
“I decided to join the IKO for its strong focus on safety in the business and taking care of the students and the instructor as well as the equipment. The IKO lesson plan consists of logical steps that build on each other. The level system and student-to-instructor-ratios totally make sense, as it brings you to the point where you know your skills and limits and—based on teaching experience—get better little by little until you reach the next level and are able to teach more students at the same time.” - Thilo
By converting your certification, you will become an IKO Instructor and can work in all the IKO Centers worldwide.
MFA/EFR courses are first aid courses that aim to build confidence in caring for others and intervening early to help any person in distress.
These are courses for everyone.
Do you know what to do in an emergency? Do you want to learn the basics of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and know how to act in an emergency?
This is the right course to acquire essential first aid skills considered vital and useful in daily life and the workplace. Knowing what to do in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death, so anyone should take this course.
As for IKO Instructors, it’s mandatory to have this certification.
This certification must be renewed every two years so that we are always up-to-date and trained in first aid procedures.
MFA/EFR courses are held at all IKO Pro Centers, and they are all in-person.
In addition, they are usually taught between the Assistant (ATC) and Instructor (ITC) courses, being an essential requirement for all IKO Instructors.
The certificate you receive will be valid for two years and is widely accepted internationally.
Join the IKO community. Travel and share your passion with the rest of the world competently, professionally, and safely!
Join the IKO community. Travel and share your passion with the rest of the world competently, professionally, and safely!
