How can you tell if you have a quality kiteboarding instructor?

It takes time to become a good kiteboarding instructor.  

I’m not talking about the years spent riding. I’m talking about the time actually spent teaching this sport.

Simple truths about good kiteboarding instructors:

1.   The best instructors love to teach. They don’t burnout and they always want to improve.
2.   No one is good at teaching  kite board lessons, until they’ve taught at least 100 lessons.
3.   Kite board instructors who taught kiteboarding in strong winds, don’t instantly know how to teach in light winds, and visa versa.
4.   A good instructor will teach their students from a beginners mindset … your instincts are wrong for kite boarding. Good instructors will train the student how to over-ride those instincts with skills training, rather than words alone.
5.   Good kite board instructors will only teach, what Is Safe to do.  Not what they Feel is safe because they’re with you.
6.   A good instructor exemplifies what they teach … Safe Actions, Good Manors, and Advanced riding Skills.

Warning  Signs:

1.   Does your instructor spend more time flying the kite than you do? 
2.   Does your instructor have trouble keeping the kite flying?
3.   Does your instructor fail to give you a helmet and lifejacket?
4.   Does your instructor allow you to drag/ride towards other people?
5.   Did your instructor fail to teach you how to Kill the kite?
6.   Does your instructor say they’re certified, but their not?
7.   Does your instructors car look like they actually use it as a home?
8.   Did your instructor tie a rope to the back of your harness?
9.   Did your instructor ever get rescued by their own student?
10.   Does your instructor have trouble riding the board ?
11.   Does your instructor only have one size of kite for teaching lessons?
12.   Does your instructor spend a lot of lesson time relaunching the kite?
13.   Did your instructor tell you to wear a board leash?
14.   Does your instructor have more students than 2 students in the water at a time?
15.   Does your instructor get warned about safety issues, from other instructors on the beach?
16.   Did your instructor forget to have you sign a waiver?

Good Signs:

1.   Your instructor has a valid business license for that city.
2.   Your instructor is listed on the IKO or PASA or BKSA  web site as an instructor , and is in good standing.
3.   Your instructor has been teaching full time for more than 1 year in your environment.
4.   Your instructor uses newer gear and has other sizes of kites for use in the lesson.
5.   Your instructor makes you wear a helmet and  life jacket during the lesson.
6.   Your instructor is currently certified and insured to teach kiteboading.
7.   Your instructor has an informative and original looking web site.
8.   Your instructors priority is your safety and the safety of others.
9.   Your instructor is one of the best riders in your area and they adhere to safe practices.
10.   Your instructor is nice and patient, but they motivate you to practice skills on your own time as well.
11.   Your instructor returns your calls and answers your questions freely.
12.   You are actually getting good at flying the kite and keeping it flying.
13.   You actually understand what you are being taught and why.
14.   You actually have confidence in yourself and the skills you’ve learned.

Good luck and be safe!