We are happy to offer the IKO Kite snowboarding and kite skiing training program this winter

DISCOVERY PROGRAM


At the end of your training you’ll be ready to kite on your snowboard or on your ski’s. The Discovery program will get you to the IKO level 1 rating.

The first part of the program will guide you through the important steps of knowing and controlling your gear, to use the security features with ease, and to launch and land your kite safely and in full control. You will learn to kite with two (4) and four (4) line kites, both on para-foil and inflated leading edge type kites. You will also learn about security in wind sports and it’s potential hazards.

Having proper snowboarding or skiing expierience is necessary before you start riding on snowkites, as this cours does’nt cover the basics of handling snowboards or ski’s.

Detailed information on the available training programs:

Level 1A

• Set up of the kite and it’s lines.
• Detecting wind directions: mastering the concepts of upwind and downwind.
• Fly a small kite in the power zone or window, on the edge of the window and to maintain and control the kite close to the ground.
• Learn to reduce power on the kite in case of emergency: release of the bar. Learn to always keep yourself tide to the safety line before launching and until after the landing of the kite.

Level 1B

• Learn to be aware of the area where your kite may fall.
• Recovering the kite.
• Positioning the kite with ease, between the limits of the power zone and on the edges of the window.
• Launching the kite with the proper angle to the wind (with assistance).
• Learn to fly the kite within the power zone without it falling to the ground.
• Learn to spin and unwind the lines during flight.
• Recovering the kite and securing it to the ground.
• Landing the kite with assistance.

Level 1C

• FLearn to fly a kite with a harness.
• Learn to fly a kite with a harness and with one hand.
• Using the security features of the harness and the release system on the front lines.

Level 1D

• Launching a kite solo.
• Relaunching a kite from the ground.

Level 1E

• Flying under full power (positioning the kite within the power zone according to wind speed).
• Identifying potential obstacles that can create turbulence and determine wind direction.
• Understanding the potential hazards related to obstacle and wind.

INTERMEDIATE PROGRAM

By the end of the intermediate program, you’ll be riding on a snowboard or on ski’s under traction with the kite. This program will permit you to better your kiting skills. You will discover it’s power with different power settings to maximize your feel for the conditions and the it’s limitations.

You must demonstrate that you’ve mastered the objectives in level 1 before starting the intermediate program.

Detailed information on the intermediate program :

Level 2F

• Analysing and choosing a safe site for kite snowboarding or kite skiing.
• Set up and inspection (solo) of the gear (kite, lines, harness, control bar, handles).

Level 2G

• Flying the kite in a sitting position and keeping your legs in front.
• Simulating a fall and getting going again.
• Relaunching your kite on foot and on your snowboard or your ski’s.
• Without your board, mastering going from a sitting position to a standing position using the power of the kite.

Level 2H

• To know the theory concerning a start on your snowbard or your ski’s including body position and controlling the kite.
• To acheive a start from a sitting position followed with a ride where you fly the kite within the whole range of the lines.
• To know the theory behind stopping and accelerating with the kite.

Level 2I

• Setting up a four line kite solo and inspection.
• Flying a four line kite.
• Activating the security release system with the four line kite (safety on the harness, release and emergency system).
• Ajusting the power during flight using de-power.
• Ajusting lines correctly so the kite fly’s at a proper speed and using de-power to stabilise the kite at the zenith.

INDEPENDENT PROGRAM

By the end of the independent program, you’ll be able to kite upwind and change directions. You’ll learn to choose proper gear for what you want to do and how to compose with the natural elements and weather conditions.

Your skills in kiting and riding will progress, and you’ll learn to control your direction and ride back to your starting point. You’ll learn to fly more powerfull kites and with good conditions even learn how to get air time with jumps!

Level 3J

• To know the rules of priority’s.
• Riding downwind in both directions.
• Using edges on your board or your ski’s to carve turns under traction.
• Accelerating with your board or ski’s flat and in the full range of the lines.
• Stopping on edges.

Level 3K

• Riding and maintaining a bearing.

Level 3L

• Accomplish a start, then turn and return to your starting point without drifting.
• Riding upwind.
• Riding upwind on large tasks.

Level 3M

• Changing direction making a 180 degree turn upwind on a board or on ski’s.

Level 3N

• Learn the theory of jumps and try your first jump.
• Learn to do a full evaluation of the riding site for safety and fun.