Discovery Kiteboarder Program

Level

A-1

• Site selection, weather, kite setup and handling, identify potential hazards.
• Determine the wind direction and upwind and downwind (windward, leeward).
• Fly a small kite (inflatable, stunt kite, foil…) on the wind window edge and maintain it close to the ground.
• Know how to stop the kite power in case of problem by releasing the bar. Be aware that the kite leash must be worn at all times, before kite launching and until landing.

B-1

• Be aware of the entire area (wind window) where the kite can fall down wind of the pilot. 
• Position the kite on request from 9 to 3 o’clock on the wind window edge.
• Launch a kite with an assistant and choose the right angle to the wind.
• Fly the kite in the power zone without crashing it.
• Twist and untwist the lines by turning around.
• Catch instructors kite and secure it on land.
• Land the kite to the instructor on  the edge of wind window..

C-1

• Fly a kite hooked in to the harness.
• Pilot hooked in with one hand.

D-1

• Perform a downwind course by body dragging and using the power of the kite. (water)
• Activate the harness release system or quick release located on a leader line.

E-1

• Relaunch a kite from the water.
• Wind the lines in the water and recover the kite.
• Perform a self-rescue in deep water. (Rescue #1)
• Launch a kite with an assistant.
• Identify potential wind obstacles creating lift or down draft and be able to define the wind direction. Understand that practice with onshore wind is dangerous.

Kiteboarder level 1 Reached

Intermediate Kiteboarder Program

Level

F-2

• Define if the practice area is safe for practice.
• Set up and check the equipment alone (kite, line, control bar).

G-2

• Body dragging exercises, learn to body drag upwind 
• Perform the previously mentioned exercise while piloting with one hand.
• Learn upwind board drag (body drag with board)

H-2

• Know the water start theory: board and body positioning, kite piloting.
• Learn how to control power with edging. Start and stop.
• Recover the board in deep water and position the feet in the foot-straps and keep the position while flying the kite. (water start position)

I-2

• Stand up on the board and ride while moving the kite up and down.
• Perform Safety release, wind up lines, and perform self rescue.
• Display proper rigging of all safety systems- Test and reload.
• Activate the safety systems and self rescue #2
• Adjust a four line kite while using the power loop.

Kiteboarder level 2 Reached

Independent Kiteboarder Program

Level

Usually 10-15 hours instruction and/or supervised practice

J-3

• Know the right of way rules.
• Ride away from the shore and come back to the shore.

K-3

• Edge on the heel and toe side to change the course. (transition)
• Accelerate by edging down and moving the kite.
• Stop by edging.
• Be able to keep an edge.

L-3

• Ride away from the shore and come back at starting point. Ride upwind.
• Constantly ride upwind.

M-3

• Recover the board , by body dragging upwind.
• Ride a twin tip. Optional if it has been done before.
• Switch of direction.

N-3

• Know the theoretical approach to jumps.
• Perform a small jump and land it.
• Final skills test (self rescue #3)

Kiteboarder level 3 Reached- Congratulations! You now have all the necessary skills to be a safe, independent kiteboarder!