IKO, the International Kiteboarding Organization, is an independent and international organization founded in November 2001 in order to promote kiteboarding worldwide. Through the development of a professional network of affiliated kiteboarding centers and trained instructors and examiners, IKO provides a high quality level of teaching, with standards that are recognized and applied worldwide.

Its mission is to develop and promote the safe practice of kiteboarding, in relationship with national organizations and the industry. It is not only dedicated to continue developing kiteboarding by enhancing high quality standards, but also by creating interaction between all parties involved in the development of the sport for the benefit of all. Thanks to its status, it can adapt to the needs of an international market and to the local kiteboarding practices.

Since 2001, IKO has developed a network of more than 75 affiliated kiteboarding centers worldwide (29 countries).

There are also 12 examiners, around 700 instructors and 70 affiliated shops. 

More than 80 000 students learned how to Kiteboard according to IKO standards. 

The Kiteboarder card, issued by IKO and delivered by the centers, certifies the student's level. 

Among its 2004 achievements, IKO provides worldwide insurance policies to all its affiliated schools and qualified instructors. Two new publications are available, the kiteboarder workbook, a 52 color pages book with explanations, drawings and exercises, available in English, Spanish, German, sold exclusively in IKO affiliated centers, and Kiteboarding Vision, a book that gathers the essential knowledge on the sport for the beginner and the advanced rider. This book is also available in French.

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