Instructor Training

About the course

Are you interested in landing a job as an Assistant Kiteboarding Instructor, or do you want to start your pro kiteboarding career and need to gain experience to attend an IKO Instructor Training course?

Either way, the Assistant Instructor training program is for you! Becoming an Assistant Instructor is a great way to gain experience to prepare for a professional career, or simply discover what an Instructor's job is all about!
If you intend on registering for an ITC (Instructor Training Course) to become a Level 1 Instructor this course is mandatory. In sum, it is the best way to unite your passion with your job – and you can start your training as young as 16 years old.

Not only does the Assistant Instructor program provide you with hands-on experience, but it also helps build great teaching and organizational skills. In addition, you will learn more about the equipment, how to prepare and use it properly, how to follow the fundamental safety principles, and much more. Lastly, becoming an Assistant Instructor also provides you with the opportunity to fully discover how a kiteboarding center works.

Assistant Instructors are trained by IKO Instructors level 2 and above. The training is organized in 3 steps, and is completed in a minimum of 3 days.

The first 2 steps are usually completed in 1 day. These are: an evaluation of your competencies (kiteboarding knowledge, practice level), and an evaluation of your theoretical competencies (level check and update of knowledge). A visit to a kiteboarding school also takes place during the first day, in order for you to better understand the way a Center functions (bookings, equipment storage, spot set-up and so on).

The third step involves working with your Instructor Level 2 in live situation. During this stage of the training, you will act as an Assistant Instructor for at least 10 hours of lesson time.

Prerequisites

• Be at least 16 years old (Candidates under 18 years old must obtain parental consent)
• Be certified as an IKO Member Level 3 for at least 6 months
• Have a valid first aid certificate and CPR
• Must be able to read and write and speak fluently in the language the course is given

What the course qualifies you to do

• Manage the equipment organization and maintenance
• Manage the kite launching and landing of a group of 2 students*
• Teach one student at a time up to level 1/C*
• Assist an Instructor level 1 or 2 for launching and landing procedures and information transmission during a course*

* under the supervision of a Level 2 instructor

Assistant Instructor benefits with IKO

• An internationally recognised assistant kitesurf instructor qualification
• Access to the Pro Area of the IKO website
• Priority over other candidates for enrollment in ITCs
• Be able to purchase IKO Instructor Insurance (Assistants 18 years and older)
• Be able to purchase IKO products at Pro prices
• Access to the job opening listings on the IKO website and post a seeking employment ad viewable to IKO Centers and points

Dates and Price

Next Course Date: Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd April 2012 Course Cost: £350

Closing Date for Registration: Friday 6th April 2012

The process for getting started with this course is as follows:

STEP 1: To start your training, you need to register online here! The initial registration fee is $50.00 USD payable to the IKO, and includes Candidate Assistant Instructor registration and a copy of the downloadable Assistant Instructor Manual.

STEP 2: Upon successful registration and completion of your payment, you will automatically receive your Assistant Instructor Manual download, which is available in either English, French or Italian. Make sure you download and print it.

STEP 3: If you have not already confirmed your Training Instructor (IKO Instructor Level 2 or higher) you must do so now; at Synergy Kitesports we have two Level 2 Senior Kitesurf instructors who can run your Assistant Instructor Course - either Mark or Maggie Davies

STEP 4: Contact your Training Instructor to begin the training! Your training will last a minimum of 3 days, the cost of the training is at the discretion of the trainer.

About the course

IKO offers a reliable and professional training program. Instructors become IKO certified by attending the 5 days Instructor Training Course (ITC). The training program corresponds precisely to kiteboarding teaching methods. The certification is recognized as the international standard in teaching.

At the end of the training, you will have developed abilities in the following major areas: safety, practical environment, analysis, technique, teaching psychology and live teaching situations.

On successful completion of an ITC you will be qualified as an IKO Instructor Level 1 and will be able to continue your pro training to become a Level 2 Instructor or stay active by participating in Online Education and earning Continuing Education Points.

Prerequisites

• Be at least 18 years old
• Kiteboarding for at least 1 year and be a certified IKO kiteboarder Level 3N minimum for a minimum of 6 months (jumping and riding toeside). Able to perform Level 3N skills on demand in all wind conditions from 10-30 knots.
• Have an IKO Assistant Instructor certification
• Have a valid first aid and CPR certificate or complete it prior to the ITC with the IKO Examiner running the course
• Pass the online Pre-ITC course
• Have a powerboat license
• Must be able to read and write and speak fluently in the language the course is given
• Sign the waiver form

What the course qualifies you to do

As an IKO Level 1 Kitesurf instructor you can:

• Teach kiteboarding with a ratio of maximum 2 students using 1 kite simultaneously
• Teach kiteboarding following IKO standards
• Certify students up to IKO kiteboarder level 3N
• Become a Powerkite Instructor by taking the online equivalency course
• Earn equivalency as a Level 1 Snowkite Instructor by enrolling in an IEC course

Kitesurf Instructor benefits with IKO

• An internationally recognised kitesurf instructor qualification
• Access to the Pro Area of the IKO website
• Able to purchase IKO Instructor Insurance
• Able to purchase IKO products at Pro prices
• Access to the job opening listings on the IKO website and post a seeking employment ad viewable to IKO Centers
• Post personal profile information online, which is viewable via the general public website

Dates and Price

Next Course Date: Wednesday 25th - Sunday 29th July 2012

ITC Course Cost: £595 Course Only £700 Course + Accomodation including breakfast

1st Aid Course Cost: £95

Closing Date for Registration: Friday 22nd June 2012

To enrol in this course please first contact us to register your interest, and then complete and return to us the Waiver Form and Booking Form