Few jobs beat watching a student stand up on a board for the first time – especially when your office is a turquoise lagoon. If you love kitesurfing and enjoy helping people, becoming a kitesurfing instructor can be hugely rewarding. Here is what it takes to become a kitesurfing instructor, from riding level and certification to the realities of the job.
What does a kitesurfing instructor do?
An instructor teaches people to kitesurf safely: explaining wind theory, setting up equipment, teaching kite control on the beach, supervising body drags and water starts, and coaching riders as they progress. Just as importantly, they manage risk – checking the weather, choosing safe areas, watching every student and stepping in quickly when needed. Good instructors are calm, patient and excellent communicators.
The riding level you need
Before you can teach, you need to be a confident, independent rider. Certification bodies typically expect you to:
- Ride upwind comfortably in both directions.
- Carry out transitions and controlled stops.
- Launch, land and relaunch the kite in a range of conditions.
- Perform self-rescue and help another rider in difficulty.
- Understand weather, wind and local hazards.
If you are not there yet, coaching sessions on flat, shallow water – like our lagoon in Hurghada – are the fastest way to build these skills. See our kitesurfing lessons for details.
Certification to become a kitesurfing instructor
Several organisations train and certify kitesurfing instructors. The best known include:
- IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) – recognised worldwide, with a structured pathway from assistant instructor upwards.
- BKSA (British Kitesports Association) – the UK’s governing body, popular with British instructors.
- VDWS – widely recognised in Germany and across Europe.
Which one is best depends on where you plan to work. Many schools around the world accept IKO certification; if you plan to teach in the UK, BKSA is the natural choice.
What instructor training involves
An instructor training course usually runs over several days and combines:
- Theory – teaching methodology, safety management, weather and equipment.
- Practical teaching – running lessons under supervision, often with real students.
- Rescue skills – including boat and water rescue techniques.
- Assessment – of your riding, teaching and safety awareness.
Most organisations also require a valid first-aid certificate, and some ask for a period of assistant teaching before full certification. Check the current requirements with the body you choose, as they change from time to time.
Skills that make a great instructor
- Clear communication – simple explanations, short demonstrations and positive feedback.
- Patience – everyone learns at a different speed.
- Good judgement – knowing when the wind is too strong or the spot too busy.
- Languages – English is essential at international schools; other languages are a real bonus.
- Fitness – long days in the sun and the water are physically demanding.
What the job is really like
Teaching kitesurfing is not a permanent holiday. Days are long, the sun is intense and you are responsible for other people’s safety in a powerful sport. Work is often seasonal, so many instructors follow the wind between destinations. But the rewards are real: a life outdoors, a global community and the joy of watching students fall in love with the sport.
Why the Red Sea is a great place to teach
Egypt’s Red Sea coast offers wind on around 270 days a year, warm water and wide, shallow lagoons – ideal conditions for teaching. Our team at Sultan Kite School has been teaching in Hurghada since 2012, and you can meet our instructors on the About us page. Questions about the profession? Get in touch – we are always happy to talk kitesurfing.
Further reading: the IKO and the British Kitesports Association publish their current instructor pathways online.
