KITEBOARDING – CHALLENGE AND SAFETY

Kiteboarding is not only a spectacular water sport, but also an addiction for those who take a beginner’s course. Instead of being a renegade kitesurfer, why not approach the thrilling extreme sport from a rational point of view? Read reviews on gear safety, kiteboarding centers and learning techniques before settling for a first ride.

You should be informed that in 2001 the International Kiteborad Organization was founded in order to establish and promote international kitesurfing standards and to start up a certified kiteboarding worldwide activity. Their official website, www.IKOintl.com, contains the complete list with the 130 affiliated centers, 50 affiliated kiteboarding shops, 17 kitesurfing instructors and 3000 IKO certified instructors. More than an updated database, the IKO website provides online school and instructor ratings and offer practicants and trainees the chance to improve courses and services by filling in a feedback form subsequent to class experience.

Moreover, kitesurfing is subject to laws and regulations and currently has an insurance plan available for annual policies of 49 – 68 EUR for which you can apply online and have worldwide coverage. These insurance plans regard accident and personal liabilities and have become very popular. Don’t forget challenge and peril come hand in hand – even the bravest of knights had proper battle equipment!!

Special attention must be paid when acquiring the kiteboarding equipment, using appropriate kites, harnesses, helmets and boards is essential to keeping healthy and staying alive, especially when considering beginners who can’t master their kites and professionals who will be tempted to try more and more defying stunts. To make sure your choice of equipment falls within IKO standards, verify their official list with affiliated shops. In addition, IKO offers a kiteboarder card entitling its owner to various discounts or benefit and facility packages.

Last but not least, make absolutely sure that your appointed kitesurfing trainer is IKO certified and that your school is part of the affiliated network. Excellent trainers will know how and when to provide the best instructions and when to go for practice after conferring with authorities and checking weather forecasts.

Go for adventure but put up the safety net, your life must not end with your first kiteboarding day!