With more than 350 IKO Centers located in over 60 countries, our global reach positions us to make lasting social change and protect the environment in the areas in which we operate. Giving back to people and protecting the natural world is important for humanity, the planet, and the sustainable growth of kitesurfing. That’s why we’re donating 1% of our annual sales to social and environmental causes.
The IKO Giving Back Program has three features: Pro Course Sponsorship, Non-Profit Partnership and Environmental Stewardship. Each feature is in harmony with our mission to safely and sustainably grow kitesurfing by empowering local communities and through environmental protection.
We’re working with IKO Centers to sponsor low-income people in kitesurf communities so they can get the training they need to become IKO certified kitesurf Assistants and Instructors. This provides much needed job skills and helps break the cycle of poverty that persists in the global south.
We teamed up with the non-profit organization Inspire-DR to sponsor 50 kids in Cabarete so they can learn how to swim. Swimming is not only an important skill, but it also boosts confidence in youngsters and shows them the importance of maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
All candidates who attend IKO Assistant Training Courses participate in a beach clean-up. Removing trash from beaches not only protects marine life, but also teaches participants the importance of sustainable tourism.
We’re working with IKO Centers and non-profit organizations to make a positive impact in kitesurf communities around the world. That means a real impact on real people.
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
I was born in a poor fishing village in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago and was orphaned at the age of six. I kitesurfed for the first time in 2015 with the help of a tourist, and I immediately understood that kitesurfing would become my life.
I’ve been teaching kiting for more than five years and I’m traveling to Italy in the summer of 2022 to attend an Instructor Training Course (ITC) at IKO Center Kite’s Angels. I dream of becoming an IKO Instructor to perfect myself and be able to give the best to people who want to approach this sport through safer and more disciplined teaching.
Cabarete, Dominican Republic.
I grew up and spent all my life in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. I always loved to go to the beach. The first time I tried kitesurfing was with a 4 line non-inflatable kite, in a school from a beach hotel where the manager let me kite. From there, I started to learn with friends and wanted to become an instructor.
Becoming an IKO Instructor changed my life as my hobby became my job: I now make more money and can give a better life to my kid. This has always been my dream since I started kitesurfing.
Cabarete, Dominican Republic.
My name is Marcos, I’m 19 years old and I live with my family in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. In my free time, I like to do outdoor activities and sports.
I became a kite instructor because I wanted to my knowledge and share the great experience of kitesurfing.
I have improved my teaching techniques a lot following the IKO instructor course, and it gives me the opportunity to apply to jobs abroad.
Email office@ikointl.com to learn more about becoming a non-profit partner.
For us to consider your application, you must:
To apply, please send two letters of reference and a cover letter explaining your situation to office@ikointl.com.
Note: Pro-Course sponsorship applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the course start date. Applications submitted fewer than 30 days before the start date will not be approved .
