Teaching to Children: a Fun, Healthy, and Thrilling Adventure.
Empower the next generation of kiters: a rewarding adventure for the youngest, families, and IKO Instructors.
Kitesurfing captivates adventure lovers worldwide. It brings people of all ages together to share the thrill of the wind and sea while creating unforgettable memories. Whether you're a kiter, a parent, or an IKO Instructor, this blog is for you. We'll explore how to get kids started, the ideal age, and how kitesurfing supports their growth and development. Combining fun and physical activity, this sport fosters personal growth and strengthens family bonds through a shared passion. Also, if you're an IKO Instructor, you'll find everything you need to specialize in teaching kids.
For the Parents: What’s the Right Age to Start Kitesurfing?
With the right support and proper precautions, kitesurfing can become a safe and enjoyable activity for younger children.
The ideal age to start kitesurfing depends on the child’s psycho-motor development, emotional maturity, and previous sports experience. Every child is unique, and the learning process should be tailored to their abilities.
IKO suggests that children start kitesurfing lessons at age 12, with a minimum weight of 35 kg. Before reaching this age, they can approach kitesurfing through introductory activities.
6-9 years old: Preparatory phase for kitesurfing, where children can learn basic kite flying skills on land, helping them develop control and confidence.
10-11 years old: They can start flying 4-line kites and practicing body-dragging in shallow water with very short lines. Short lines offer greater control, making the kite more stable and easier to manage. This reduces the risk of losing control of the kite and allows for quicker reactions to any changes in wind conditions. Additionally, short lines limit the speed and power of the kite, allowing young kiters to focus on learning.
12+ years old: Most adolescents can combine kite control with board skills for complete kitesurfing sessions.
Children must be comfortable in the water at any age and know how to swim. Land-based kite flying is an excellent foundation for younger learners.
Why is Kitesurfing Perfect for the Youngest?
Kitesurfing is not just an exciting activity but also offers numerous important benefits for children’s development:
- Physical Fitness: It helps improve strength, balance, and coordination, keeping kids active and healthy.
- Focus and Independence: Young kiters learn to focus, make decisions, and solve problems while managing the kite.
- Safety and Confidence: Learning new skills boosts self-esteem and encourages independence in children.
- Connection with Nature: Kitesurfing allows kids to connect with the natural environment, appreciating its beauty and understanding the importance of respecting and protecting the ocean and beaches.
- Family Bonding: It’s a unique opportunity to create precious memories, work together, and share a passion as a family.
Kitesurfing combines fun and learning, giving children not just a sport but also personal growth and a deeper awareness of the world around them.
For the IKO Instructors: Why Should You Specialize in Teaching To Children?
If you're an IKO Instructor, you can specialize in teaching the youngest by completing the IKO Teaching Children e-course. Specializing in this area allows you to make a lasting impact on the next generation of kitesurfers. This course provides instructors with the knowledge and skills needed to teach the youngest effectively while creating a fun and safe environment tailored to their needs.
Specializing in teaching kitesurfing to younger will allow you to teach and inspire them, ensuring they have a solid start in the sport and preparing them to become safer and more skilled kiters.
For the IKO Instructors: What’s the Best Way to Teach Kitesurfing to Young Aspiring Kiters?
Teaching kids to kitesurf requires a specific approach to ensure safety and enjoyment. Here are key strategies for successful lessons:
- Focus on Fun
Kids learn best when they’re having fun. Use games and challenges to engage them, such as setting up obstacle courses for land-based kite handling. You can have them handle the equipment, set up the kite, and work in groups with other young kiters, creating small challenges among them to encourage continuous interaction and skill development. - Start with Small, Simple Equipment
Begin with small, easy-to-control kites 2-4 lines trainer kites. Once children build confidence, you can gradually introduce more advanced gear. - Use Age-Appropriate Equipment
- Kites: Smaller, less powerful kites with short lines are ideal for children.
- Harnesses: The harnesses should be child-sized and specifically designed for children to ensure maximum comfort and control.
- Boards: Use small, child-specific boards with adjustable straps to accommodate narrower stances.
- Keep Lessons Short and Engaging
Kids have shorter attention spans, so limit lessons to 30 minutes for younger children and up to 1 hour for those aged 10-12. Take plenty of breaks to hydrate, have snacks, and regain their attention. - Safety First
Always supervise closely and ensure children understand safety procedures:- Teach how to release the bar and use quick releases.
- Teach how to handle critical situations and react correctly to avoid harm.
- Teach them to position themselves safely among other kiters of varying skill levels, ensuring they always maintain a safe distance and avoid potential hazards. Teach them to start memorizing right-of-way rules to navigate safely and responsibly in the water.
- Choose shallow, calm water spots with minimal obstacles.
- Build Confidence Gradually
Kids should progress at their own pace. To keep their enthusiasm high, celebrate small victories and end each lesson positively.
Young Kites in Progress
Over 400 IKO Instructors specialize in teaching children at IKO Centers worldwide. They know how to conduct kitesurfing lessons, focusing on fun, safety and supporting their personal growth.
IKO Instructors specialized in "Teaching to Children" ensure that every lesson is tailored to the unique needs of young learners. With a special focus on building their confidence, skills, and love for the sport, they help them learn and have fun on the beach and in the water. The lessons create a safe, fun, and stimulating environment.
IKO Instructors follow a recommended approach that emphasizes a professional, friendly, and attentive atmosphere, helping young riders develop both in the sport and personally.
Kitesurfing: A Family Adventure
Kitesurfing is the perfect opportunity to unite the family and experience an adventure full of excitement and growth. Sharing kitesurfing with the kids strengthens family bonds and offers numerous benefits for parents and children.
- Strengthening Family Bonds
Practicing kitesurfing together creates unique, shared memories. Parents and kids can enjoy their passion for the sport together, fostering cooperation, mutual support, and fun. - Growth and Motivation
Learning together encourages personal growth for everyone. Children are motivated to follow their parents’ example, while their kids’ enthusiasm can inspire parents. This helps establish common goals, improve skills, and boost self-confidence. - Mutual Learning
Children are often more willing to experiment, inspiring their parents to do the same. Parents can teach their kids how to overcome challenges. This exchange enriches everyone and strengthens the bond between parents and children. - Health Benefits
Kitesurfing is a full-body workout that improves strength, balance, and coordination while outdoors and connecting with nature. This reduces stress and promotes mental well-being. It’s a great way to keep the whole family healthy and active. - Creating Lasting Memories
Shared experiences are the ones that stay in our memory. Every moment spent together on the beach and in the water, in dynamic environments like those at kitesurfing spots, creates a special bond, leaving precious memories that the whole family will cherish forever.
Sharing kitesurfing with the kids is an opportunity for the whole family to grow together, learn, have fun, create unforgettable memories, and build stronger bonds while allowing each member to grow personally.
Join the IKO Community!
Choosing an IKO Center with certified IKO Instructors who specialize in teaching children is the ideal choice. For parents, this means that your child will be in good hands with Instructors trained to teach in a fun and safe way, making learning kitesurfing an exciting experience. For IKO Instructors, this specialization will make a difference in the lives of young riders. The IKO Teaching Children e-course is the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills. You’ll learn how to create engaging and fun lessons that children will love, and you’ll gain the tools to teach safely and effectively.
