"The main reason I enrolled my 15 year old son in Kiteboarding School of Maui was because I knew that Martin's first concern would be his safety. Secondly, I knew that he would be sensitive to the local environment. Finally, I wanted to support someone who was so uncommonly committed to helping make Maui a better place for all of us."
Randolph S. Coon
President-Trilogy Excursions
What should I look for so I know I have found a safe, quality school?
Great question! Kiteboarding schools that have instructors certified with IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) and PASA (Professional Air Sports Association) are a good bet but those certifications alone are not an absolute guarantee that you've found the perfect school. Other factors to consider would be: 1) does the school meet or possess any and all required government approvals and guidelines, for example CPR/First Aid, county, state, or federal permits or licenses, etc.; 2) does the school have its own retail shop; 3) how long has the school been in operation; 4) what is the reputation of the school and its instructors at the local kiteboarding beach; 5) is the school written up favorably in travel guide books; 6) does the school and its instructors contribute articles to the kiteboarding magazines; 7) does the school have its own safety training and instructional DVD. The list could get extensive but you get the idea....do your homework. Don't just show up to the beach and let the first kite monkey grab you and drag you out in the water. Keep in mind, you get what you pay for and there is no end of people waiting to take your money. Remember-Safety First!
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?