The Assistant Trainer journey is not always a straight line.
Martin Přibyl, a new IKO Assistant Trainer, didn’t start his journey with one big decision or sudden change. It developed naturally over time, shaped by sport, teaching, and a deep love for kiteboarding. Eventually, Martin chose a life built around the ocean, travel, and sharing knowledge instead of an office career.
This is a story of passion, uncertainty, learning, and commitment to the kiteboarding community. For anyone thinking about a professional change, Martin’s experience offers honest insight and inspiration.
Martin’s Sporting Life
Before his Assistant Trainer journey began, Martin was already deeply involved in sport and education. “When I finished my university studies in Physical Education in 2015, I was already working as a part-time instructor,” he explains. During this time, he taught skiing, swimming, and inline skating, and also worked as a lifeguard. “In the summer, I was teaching kiteboarding for about three months each year.”
Teaching and movement were always central to Martin’s life. “I have been involved in sport and teaching pretty much my whole life,” he says. These early experiences helped him develop strong communication skills and a clear teaching mindset, which later became the foundation of his path as an IKO Assistant Trainer.
Step by Step, No Turning Point
Martin’s journey developed step by step, as his passion for kiteboarding and teaching continued to grow. “There was no single turning point for me,” Martin explains. “My love for kiteboarding and teaching just kept growing over time.”
Since 2018, Martin has worked full-time as a kiteboarding instructor in Egypt, teaching for around nine months each year. During the off-season, he returns to the Czech Republic, where he builds and runs his own ski school.
After almost ten years of teaching almost every day, Martin still enjoys teaching as much as ever. “Even after all these years, I still find it fun and motivating,” he says. This long-term motivation shows that his Assistant Trainer journey is driven by real passion, not by chance or convenience.
Choosing Beyond Doubt
Like many instructors, Martin faced serious challenges during his Assistant Trainer journey, especially during the COVID period. “There was a lot of uncertainty, and many questions were going through my head,” he recalls. Travel restrictions made him question his future in teaching, and at one point he seriously considered leaving the instructor path. “I even completed a requalification course to become a real estate agent.”
Despite these doubts, Martin chose to stay connected to kiteboarding and continue teaching. “In the end, I stayed on my path and continued doing what I love,” he explains. This decision reinforced his commitment and showed him that uncertainty is often part of any meaningful professional journey.
The Skills Behind Martin’s Success
Martin’s background in education strongly shapes his Assistant Trainer journey. “Each student learns in a different way, and clear communication, structure, and empathy are essential for safe progress,” he explains. “Passion and patience guide my teaching approach and influence every lesson I deliver.” With this philosophy, he will now help train future IKO Assistants.
Over the years, Martin has also learned the value of simplicity. “I have learned to keep things short and clear,” he says. “Short explanations, clear goals, and practical setups make a real difference. Even small details, like equipment choices, can improve the learning experience when they are explained in a simple and effective way.”
Martin’s Advice: Just Give It a Try
What truly drives Martin goes beyond technical skill. “I am obsessed with kiteboarding,” he explains. “I read, watch, test, and keep pushing my riding level.” Staying open-minded helps him improve and stay connected to a fast-growing sport.
Martin does not see becoming an Assistant Trainer as a finish line. “It is a responsibility and a strong motivation to keep improving and to give something back,” he says. Grateful to be part of the global IKO community, Martin believes that passion, patience, and commitment can shape a meaningful life on and off the water.
For IKO members thinking about a professional change, Martin keeps his message simple. “If you are even slightly thinking about leaving an office job to become an IKO Instructor, just give it a try,” he says. “Do the ATC (Assistant Training Course) and ITC (Instructor Training Course) courses and teach for a few months. You might discover a new life and feel free again!”
