At sunrise in Cumbuco, the wind begins to rise over the ocean. For most people, it’s just another day on the Brazilian coast. For Jamile, Alvaro, Eline, Kawany, Letícia, and Gabriel, it was the start of something bigger, a future built on courage, training, and opportunity.
Kiteboarding Beyond the Sport
More than just a sport, kiteboarding has always been about freedom and connection with nature. In Brazil, for many young riders, it became a real pathway to independence. Through the IKO Giving Back Program and the Rise With the Wind initiative, talented riders from disadvantaged communities got professional training, certification, gear, and career guidance they could not reach before.
The IKO Pro Courses were hosted by Goodwinds Kites, a local IKO Center focused on developing new kiteboarding talent. IKO Examiner Virginie Rochette guided the candidates through professional standards, safety practices, and teaching methods needed to become certified IKO Instructors.
Rise With the Wind
Around the world, iconic kiteboarding destinations attract riders from everywhere. Yet along these coasts, local young people grow up with ideal conditions for kiteboarding but few chances to access the sport or its opportunities.
Rise With the Wind was created to change that. The idea is simple: a single opportunity can open a new path and change a life. Through the program, participants get kiteboarding training, equipment, structured coaching, and English lessons. They also prepare for internationally recognized IKO certification.
“Thanks to Rise With the Wind, I can train every day, improve my skills, and get ready to teach safely and professionally.” — Jamile
Step by step, they build skills, confidence, and a clearer vision for their future while becoming role models in their communities.
The first edition took place in Cumbuco and Caucaia, Brazil. Six local talents joined the program. In one year, most went from little or no kiteboarding experience to confident riders, completing the IKO Assistant Training Course (ATC) and the IKO Instructor Training Course (ITC).
From Cumbuco, the program is growing. Rise With the Wind is reaching other coastal communities with good kiteboarding conditions but few opportunities, including Zanzibar, with future projects planned in Mexico and Brazil.
Kiteboarding Dreams Made Possible
Curiosity turned into dedication. Six determined candidates transformed their love for kiteboarding into a professional journey. Through intensive preparation, they worked toward becoming certified IKO Instructors, gaining international credentials, mastering teaching methods, safety standards, and the confidence to guide others on the water.
“We are turning our passion into a real career in kiteboarding.” — Group
Jamile, who started kiteboarding less than a year before the program, trained daily with a clear goal.
“Teaching people and sharing the feeling of freedom that kiteboarding gives me is what motivates me.” — Jamile
Alvaro combined his competition background with the program’s lessons to improve his teaching.
“Seeing each student evolve with safety and confidence is what motivates me the most to pursue this profession.” — Alvaro
Eline, a yoga teacher and sports lover from Caucaia, fell in love with kiteboarding through Rise With the Wind.
“Kiteboarding and yoga together is my dream; I want to teach both around the world.” — Eline
Through the IKO Pro Courses they learned how to teach responsibly, professionally, and internationally.
Breaking Barriers Beyond Brazil
For many candidates, kiteboarding had once seemed out of reach. Kawany, a mother from Praia do Icaraí, never imagined she could ride at a professional level.
“I never thought I could ride professionally, but now I train every day and improve my jumps and technique.” — Kawany
Letícia saw kiteboarding as a way to inspire other women in her community.
“It’s more than a sport; it’s a way to show young women they can dream big.” — Letícia
Gabriel, who started kiteboarding at just 13, grew into a role model for the next generation of riders, showing what dedication and perseverance can achieve.
“I want to continue growing professionally, representing the IKO methodology with excellence, and contributing to the development of passionate riders.” — Gabriel
These riders not only developed their skills, they discovered confidence, independence, and the chance to turn a passion into a life-changing journey.
Where the Wind Leads
The wind never stops along the coast of Brazil, and for these young riders, it became more than a force of nature, it became a path, a future shaped by their dedication and dreams.
This project was never only about sport. It was about opportunity…we can’t wait to see where the wind takes them next!
