Many people find learning theory both boring and unnecessary. The truth is that learning the theoretical side is super important. Theories greatly help us gain insight and understanding before practical training.

Imagine if you have no knowledge of the elements or kite equipment and someone gives you kite gear and tells you to learn… How would you go about learning? It would be extremely difficult, time consuming and dangerous. The early pioneers of kiteboarding have done the hard work for us. They figured out what works, what doesn’t and what we must know to get out riding.

Theory essentially helps leapfrog the learning process. Learning about the wind, sea, cloud formations, weather forecasts is the foundation to becoming an independent kiteboarder. This is why it is important for people looking to learn kiteboarding to get taught by a certified instructor.

Not learning the theoretical aspect of the kiteboarding is one of the main mistake made by kiters. Why? Mainly because kiteboarding is an ‘easy-to-learn’ sport (compared to surf or windsurf for example) and as a result; once in the water together; many kiters have no idea about simple knowledge such as right of way. Do not be like this and learn all the aspects of kiteboarding!

A question to all IKO certified Instructors: How long does it take you to teach your students the theoretical side of the sport and what do you believe to be the most important topics? Let us know in the comment section below!