WindyCity Kite Sports
The Credibility Factor
WindyCity Kite Sports is dedicated to growing and promoting the exciting sport of kiting (on water, snow and land) throughout the Midwest and beyond. The only full-service kiteboarding company headquartered in the Chicagoland area, it has three divisions: retail; distribution; and education.
Company founder and owner “Kiteboard Mike” Szromba, is one of the sport’s most responsible and active ambassadors, making sure that enthusiasts, both experienced and newcomers to the sport enjoy the Great Lakes’ and other kitesurfing locales while still respecting safety and the sanctity of the beaches themselves. Mike and his team run WindyCity’s brick and mortar store and an online shoppe, the distribution center and the only full-time IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) certified school in the Chicago area.
The school’s curriculum is based on the International Kiteboarding Organization’s teaching guidelines. WindyCity employs certified instructors who share the most up to date kiteboard techniques, training methods and safety strategies specific to the conditions on the Great Lakes. IKO is the world’s leading kiteboarding organization, specializing in kiteboard education, promoting safe practices and enhancing the highest standards for the sport. WindyCity works with kitesurfers of all levels, from those with absolutely no experience on up to kiters who want to refine their skills, learn new tricks, and expand their repertoire on the water. The school also teaches land kiting… be it scudding, land board or buggy… and even snow kiting. Being proficient in each of these disciplines allows Midwesterners to kite all year around and visitors to indulge no matter what the season!
Another important component of WindyCity’s educational outreach is professional development. We work with cities, municipalities, local park districts and other government as well as private entities on kiteboarding protocols and procedures, including hosting professional clinics and one-on-one trainings for beach patrol, rescue and frontline personnel. We’ve trained numerous lifeguard staffs, including The Chicago Lifeguard Corps, which is the largest in the world.
In addition to an unwavering commitment to education, Windy City Kite Sports hosts kiteboard trips around the country, nurturing enthusiasts of all levels by providing as rich and diverse a kiting experience as possible.
We participate in kiteboarding events and competitions, including most recently, collaborating with The American Kiteboarding Association on The U.S. Kite Foil National Championship. Hosted in Chicago at The Corinthian Yacht Club, this landmark three-day event drew some of the most talented kiters from around the world and celebrated kiting on The Great Lakes. WindyCity also works with the media on kiteboarding related news and feature stories, providing leads, expert resources, and helping to facilitate b-roll. The French television network France 4 did a special segment on kiteboarding in Chicago for one of its most popular prime time magazine shows, featuring WindyCity’s own “Kiteboard Mike.”
The Midwest water kiting season goes from about March through November and draws people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s one of those sports that generates joy and camaraderie and infuses the beaches where kiters frequent with a rare vitality and energy. WindyCity continues to be a passionate and purposeful steward of this sport’s ever-expanding possibilities.
Read more about Kiteboard Mike here.