NYKiter wrote:Just completed the course.
Thought it was excellent. Very thorough...I would recommend it to anyone considering being an instructor...god knows there are MANY, MANY launches that could use a few standards in place before access is lost entirely...expert examiner, great feedback, worth every penny.
Hats off to IKO
A few Questions.
1. Is there any IKO requirement that their INSTRUCTORS wear helmets when kiting as part of an effort to set a good example ? The answer to this question unequivocally reveals their TRUE safety concerns.
2. Did you get a copy of anything that you signed ? The answers to this and questions 3-5 reveals how transparent and truthful they are concerning their TRUE goals (since the answer to #1 will reveal that it can NOT be to promote kiting safety).
3. Did you have to sign any kind of release or waiver which released any OTHER entity besides the establishment you were at ?
4. Did they go over an actual copy of the "insurance" which was a major reason for your (and others) wanting their "certification" ? If so, was a copy provided as part of the course material for you to study separately or if you wanted to show it to a knowledgeable expert ?
5. Did they provide any document alleging that it specified ALL the costs which you will be required to incur in order to maintain instructor status and/or progress to higher instructor status ?
6. Did their instruction cover things like how to give instruction both in and/or regarding problems associated with ocean problems such as surf, seaweed, kelp, jellyfish, etc., or deal with problems caused by locations with bad footing (such as caused by coral, rocks etc), strong currents (as at some surf or river locations), how to explain to novices the pros AND cons of virtually all kitesurfing choices (other than helmet use), etc. The answer to this question indicates the thoroughness and therefore value of the supposed "certification" regarding being able to give relevant instruction if the particular requirements of a location are not the same as the presumably generic requirements upon which the course is based.
Richard M.
Malibu Kitesurfing - since 2002
(310) - 430 - KITE (5483)
http://www.MalibuKitesurfing.NET
kfRichard@MalibuKitesurfing.NET