What does the IKO and PASA certification offer students?

IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) and PASA (Professional Air Sports Association) offer students standards in kiteboarding instruction, making it possible to determine ahead of time what to expect during lessons. A student looking for safe and quality lessons is more likely to get them from a school which has instructors certified by one of those agencies. IKO and PASA, through their respective instructors, rate students and provide a record of their skill level. Students rated through IKO or PASA may be able to get equipment discounts in affiliated shops and, in certain countries (not USA), kite rentals may be available to students who possess a certification card.

Kiteboarding Questions

• What are the terms and names for kiteboarding tricks?
• Are bow kites better than other kite designs?
• Can I use the bow kite with a 5th line?
• What does the bridle on a bow kite do?
• How do the bow kites turn?
• Is the bow kite bridle system complicated?
• What should I look for so I know I have found a safe, quality school?
• What sets KSM apart from other Maui kiteboarding schools?
• How much experience do KSM instructors have?
• How long has KSM been in business?
• Is KSM insured?
• What does the IKO and PASA certification offer students?
• What does FAA have to do with kiteboarding on Maui?
• I already kiteboard. Can I rent kites?
• What can I do to prepare for my lesson ahead of time?
• My son and I would like to take a lesson together. Do we have to each take private lessons or can we take lessons with one instructor?
• What is the best time of day for lessons?
• Will I get on the water on the first day of lessons?
• Will I be riding on a board the first day?
• I have done some trainer kite flying and body draggng. Will I be able to take a class starting with the kiteboard on my first lesson?
• What sort of physical shape do I need to be in?
• How fast will I learn the sport?
• I am a windsurfer, is it hard to convert?
• How hard is it to learn how to kite?
• Is kiteboarding safe?
• When is the best time to come to Maui for lessons?
• Do I need to bring anything with me for the lesson?
• What equipment do I need to kitesurf?
• Will I need a wetsuit on Maui?
• How many kites do I need?
• What is the typical wind range of a kite?
• How big a kiteboard should I choose?
• How much does equipment cost?
• Do I need assistance to launch or land the kite?
• Can I relaunch the kite from the water?
• What is the wind window?
• What is the difference between kitesurfing, kiteboarding, and flysurfing?
• How did kiteboarding start?