By El Mehdi Foum-Errabah, Fondateur & CEO
The International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) defines three progression levels for kitesurf students. Essaouira Surf Camp School is IKO-certified and issues official IKO cards upon completion. Essaouira's 300+ windy days accelerate progression versus European destinations.
IKO Level 1 — Discovery (6 hours)
- Beach setup: inflate kite, connect lines, safety systems check
- Kite control on sand: steering, power zone, launching/landing
- Body-drag downwind in water: one hand, then upwind body-drag
- Water relaunch: recover kite from water, relaunch independently
- First board attempts: water start theory and first rides
IKO Level 2 — Intermediate (12 hours total)
- Consistent water starts in both directions
- Ride upwind at 45° angle to the wind
- Controlled stops and edge control
- Downwind transitions (jibe preparation)
- Self-rescue and pack-down in deep water
IKO Level 3 — Independent (18+ hours)
- Ride upwind consistently in all conditions
- Basic jumps and pop technique
- Ride toeside and switch stance
- Assess wind, spot hazards, choose launch independently
- Help others launch/land safely — peer supervision ready
IKO Courses at Essaouira Surf Camp School
- Discovery 2h
- €55 — IKO Level 1 introduction
- 5-session package
- €249 — Level 1+2 target (12 hours)
- 10-session package
- €449 — Level 3 independent rider
- Equipment
- Duotone kite, board, harness, wetsuit, helmet — all included
- No Wind No Pay
- Session rescheduled if wind <12 knots or unsafe conditions