IKO Certification Assessment: $210
Thank you for your inquiry on getting IKO Certified and/or certified to ride Montrose Beach in Chicago!
Montrose Beach is one of the most exciting yet challenging spots to ride in the country. Our local kiting community values its access to Montrose because we’ve had to work hard for the privilege of both getting and keeping that access.
In order to receive a certification to ride Montrose, you must be certified at an IKO level 4/PASA Advanced Level. WindyCity Kite Sports Lessons is an IKO certified school. The requirements for the IKO level 4 (as well as for riding Montrose), in addition to the fundamentals, include being able to demonstrate the following confidently:
- Assess a Safe Launch Spot, Evaluate for Proper Kiting Conditions and Be Familiar with All Basic Kiteboarding Safety & Modern Safety Systems
- Transition (change direction) Without Stopping
- Control Speed by Board Edging
- Consistent Riding in All Directions, Especially Upwind (including competently navigating the powerful & sloppy wave breaks typical at Montrose)
- Ride Safely and Comfortably with Other Kiters and Water Users, Know the Right-of-Way Rules for Kiters and Stay Clear and Far of Swimmers
- Body Drag Upwind
- Ride Toe-Side with Control
- Jump with a grab
- Understand Weather Conditions (and know conditions appropriate for riding Montrose)
- Self-Launch
- Self-Land
- Complete Self-Rescue in Deep Water
With your newly acquired IKO level 4 certification, you will also be able to ride many other restricted kite locations in the US and throughout the world as well as allow you to rent kite gear in select locations.
At the end of the assessment, you will be given a certification for the level demonstrated based on the above criteria. If you pass a level three, we’ll get you set up so you’re good to go for Montrose.
Please note that if you don’t qualify for your desired level, the cost of the assessment is non-refundable. If you’re not certain whether you’re ready, please feel free to call, email or use the chat feature on our website and we can walk you through and answer any questions.
If you decide you’re not quite ready, we can help you reach that goal! We can register you for lessons and work with you until you are. If you go the lesson route and end up getting to the point where you qualify for a IKO level 4, it is only $60 for the Montrose credentials (no need to pay the full $210). Click here if you’re interested in learning more about lessons.
If you’d like to move forward with an assessment, please fill out this questionnaire and waiver form and we will contact you for payment information.
I look forward to meeting you!
With Enthusiasm,
“Kiteboard Mike” Szromba
President/CEO
IKO Certified Instructor