In this exclusive interview, Noah Nicolas, Duotone Pro Rider, shares his thoughts on how to learn, teach, and grow through the Professional IKO Courses.
2023 World Champion U19
Noah Nicolas is a rising star in the world of kiteboarding. Born in Tarifa, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, he grew up surrounded by wind and waves. His parents, both French windsurfers and kiteboarders, introduced him to the sport from a young age. He quickly turned his passion into talent, and in 2023 he became the U19 World Champion, excelling in Strapless Surfboard at the GKA Youth World Championships.
Noah is not just a Pro rider, he has recently become an IKO Instructor attending an Instructor Training Course (ITC) and an IKO Coach in Freeride and Wave Riding. When he’s not on the water, he studies for a Bachelor’s degree for High-Performance Athletes at a French university, trains on land, and enjoys surfing, skating, and discovering local music during his travels.
Noah is part of the Duotone team, a brand known for its innovation, quality gear, and support for athletes worldwide. Noah’s goal is to compete and train worldwide, leaving a mark on the sport while inspiring the next generation. His motto?
“Take the risk or lose the chance.”
Pro Riders Included: Learning Through the IKO Instructor Courses
Even as a Pro rider, Noah believes learning never stops. When asked why he joined the IKO Instructor Training Course (ITC), he said it was about giving back and improving himself.
“It’s important to know where we come from and to teach others safely and easily.”
Noah also recommends the course to other Pro riders. He believes that even Pros can benefit from revisiting the basics and learning how to better understand and guide others. For him, being a great kiteboarder isn’t just about performing tricks, it’s about sharing passion, promoting safety, and inspiring others to fall in love with the sport.
From Competition to Education: Balancing Two Worlds
As the U19 World Champion, Noah has a busy schedule, competitions, training, and travel. Yet, he still finds time to teach.
“You need to manage everything at the same time.”
After completing his IKO Instructor Training Course (ITC), Noah joined the IKO Coach Course, with the goal of becoming a coach in all five kiteboarding disciplines: Freeride, Freestyle, Strapless, Foil, and Wing.
For now, he has already earned his Coach certification in two of them, Freeride and Wave Riding, and he’s working hard to complete the remaining ones soon.
His secret? Organization and passion.
“It’s not easy, but if you love it, you make it happen.”
What the IKO Course Really Teaches
For Noah, the IKO Pro Course was much more than learning how to teach kiteboarding, it was about becoming a true role model for others.
“We learned first aid and rescue skills, but the bigger lesson is to be a role model, safe, respectful, and confident on the beach and in the water.”
Noah realized that being an IKO Instructor is not about showing tricks or techniques; it’s about inspiring students, guiding them with patience, and showing them how to enjoy the sport responsibly. According to him, a good instructor leads by example and helps kiters feel safe, motivated, and part of the community.
Surprisingly, he is also studying for a Bachelor’s degree in France, while still competing and teaching.
“I don’t have enough hours in the day! But it’s worth it.”
His university courses are online, which allows him to travel and stay active in kiteboarding, though he says the IKO courses are more social and practical.
“In IKO, you learn by doing. You exchange with people, you learn by teaching.”
This mix of academic learning and hands-on practice is what helps Noah grow not only as an athlete but also as a human being.
Building a Stronger Kiteboarding Community
For Noah, the feeling of belonging to the kiteboarding community is essential.
“Before, I thought there was a lack of community, Now with IKO, I feel part of a big community.”
By connecting with other certified IKO Instructors worldwide, Noah now has friends and colleagues from many countries. Together, they share ideas, techniques, and experiences, which helps the sport continue to grow and evolve.
He believes this global IKO Instructor network can make the sport safer and more inclusive.
Kiteboarding, a Way of Life
Noah shows that learning and teaching kiteboarding truly go hand in hand. You don’t need to be a world champion to inspire others, all it takes is passion, consistency, safety, and respect for nature.
By combining education, sports, and community, Noah represents a new generation of kiters who see kiteboarding not only as a thrill but as a way of life.
Let Noah’s journey inspire you, find your nearest IKO Center and start your own kiteboarding path.
