SBC Kiteboard Magazine

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Let's remember that the driving force behind the "required certification" in Miami(Key Biscayne) and probably Ft. Lauderdale is that riders didn't follow simple rules. Example: stay out of the swimming area! —Steve

steve | September 24, 2009 at 11:34 AM

Mandatory ‘anything’ isn’t desirable

“I don’t believe kiteboarder certification is inevitable. However, continued loss of kiting access and public favour seem inevitable without kiteboarding reforms. Fair and effective mandatory kiteboarder certification might help. There is a great deal more that should be taught in effective kiting instruction than basics. Things like self rescue, weather planning, launch selection, emergency procedures, access preservation, etc. Mandatory ‘anything’ isn’t desirable, but the consequences of the lack of effective certification seem far less appealing.” —Rick Iossi, Florida Kiteboarding Association

Rick Iossi | October 1, 2009 at 08:47 AM

Desirable? Yes!

“Desirable? Yes! It means that the kiteboarder has taken lessons and has achieved a basic understanding of the sport, the weather and the risks involved. He/She will also have learned how to use the safety systems, self rescue and so on. Certification makes the whole kiteboarding experience more responsible and enjoyable.
But whether certification becomes mandatory or not depends on the kiteboarders themselves. They are held responsible for their actions; if they choose to kite when it is unsafe or are seen to create a dangerous environment for others, then local authorities will have no option but to either ban the sport or make it mandatory to have certification. Ultimately, the choice is the kiteboarder’s.” —Sandrine Roussos, IKO

Sandrine Roussos | October 1, 2009 at 08:50 AM

I think it can be avoided

“I don’t think that it is inevitable because the equipment is evolving at a rapid enough pace that many of the safety issues are rapidly being addressed by the manufacturers. Also, the awareness of the sport by the general public is helping its image and acceptance to other water users. As it grows, I think that certain spots and countries will be regulated more but I don’t think to the extent of mandatory certification worldwide. I don’t feel that it would be desirable either as it would pose a barrier to those interested in getting into the sport. There is a significant responsibility on the riders and the industry to collectively address the safety issues and to educate and promote responsible learning and riding. As long as the sport has the culture of promoting responsible teaching and learning from someone that is qualified to do so, I think it can be avoided. This will be the challenge.” —Dave Tyburski, Airush Product Manager

Dave Tyburski | October 1, 2009 at 08:55 AM

Two sides

“In some areas where access is heavily restricted, this is inevitable and desirable; in others, it’s unnecessary red tape. Take Miami and Ft. Lauderdale for example. These are restricted riding areas with a large transient kiting population and lots of new people learning the sport (between 750 to 1,500 per year). Having the ‘rider license’ would ensure that the heavily restricted access isn’t accidentally barred because of the actions of a newbie, tourist, or worse yet, a self-righteous local. However, just by making it mandatory for all, we will lose some participation and increase the cost of riding by having to fund the infrastructure to administer such a program. Some riding spots are underdeveloped and are not in need of such a program; so there are definitely two sides to this issue.” —Todd Gréaux, Cabrinha USA

Todd Gréaux | October 1, 2009 at 09:00 AM

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