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I know IKO is not the optimal agency for this, but its better than nothing so I'm gearing up for the course next week. Ive been 'assisting' under the radar for some time now. I understand some of the requirements i.e. must have c card and assistant first. Beyond this can folks tell me what to watch out for, some of their own experiences, preparations, things I should keep in mind? Thanks in advance.

The big thing is safety! Make sure your always thinking safety first in everything you do as that's the what the examiner will be checking for. Second thing they look for is personality, you're now an ambassador for the sport and they want to know you'll be someone who makes it fun and appealing for newbies just coming in.

Why do you need a certificate from IKO ?

city officials, potential clients and defense attorneys see value in these things....it affords kite-related insurance and adds a (albeit false) pretense of legitimacy...

this is just pathetic!

what city recognize or even heard about the so called international kiteboarding assotiation in dominican republic?!

you can establish your own "international organisation" for yourself as well.

I hate the fact that walmart sells everything from china too, but everyone goes there...

How long have you been kiting?
Does the IKO find out what years of experience their prospective teachers have, before allowing kiters to take their instructors course?
I think five years or more is a good place to start.
From all the banter I have read on this forum about the IKO, I would tell a person to NOT go to an IKO accredited instructor.
My advise to a person who wants to learn to kiteboard, is to ask local kiters what shop they think is a good kite shop, and ask the folks there who they work with, to teach kiteboarding.
What certifications a person has are is less of a factor, in my opinion...but it's just an opinion.

I recommend you look in other options.
Ther's Kite Safe Asia organization and it's non profit.
Or even try ISAF.

try PMing kiwimike, he will probably help you out with kite organizations other than IKO.

Yea I was looking into ISAF but the reps are too far..
The course material online looks good.
cheers

I would highly recommend the PASA instructors course.
Chris Moore is the master-instructor in Hatteras and the course is very well put together, in terms of class time, safety awareness, simulations, shadowing, 1on1 coaching (as in student-instructor to student-kitesurfer) etc.

I think there is another master-instructor offering this course in NY, so look it up on the PASA site.