When you learn to kite, you usually get a card showing your level. Several organisations issue them. They all teach the same basic skills, but they differ in where they are common and how their levels are named. Here is the short version.
📖 3 min read · Updated September 2026 · By Sergei Sharvarok · Founder & Head Instructor
The Main Systems
| Organisation | Where it is common | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IKO — International Kiteboarding Organization | Worldwide, the most widespread | Digital rider card in the IKO app; levels from Discovery to Independent and beyond |
| VDWS — German water sports association | Germany and German-speaking schools worldwide | Well known in Europe, own licence and levels |
| BKSA — British Kitesports Association | United Kingdom | National body for UK schools |
What Actually Matters for You
- Proof of level for rental — rental centres want to see that you can ride upwind and self-rescue. A widely recognised card makes that easy.
- Continuing lessons — a school using the same system can continue from your last level.
- The teaching itself — a certified instructor, a structured progression and good safety habits matter more than the logo on the card.
Whatever card you have, keep a note or video of what you can actually do. Rental staff care more about seeing you launch, ride upwind and relaunch than about the card itself.
Why We Teach IKO
IKO is the most widely recognised system internationally, which makes your card useful wherever you travel next. Our senior instructors Sergei, Abdulla and Abdo are IKO Level 3. For wing foiling we use the IWO standard. Read more in our IKO certification guide.
Courses on Koh Samui
Discovery 5,000 THB, Full Beginner 14,000 THB and Independent 20,000 THB — private (1:1) or in a group of two. See the kitesurfing courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which kite certification is best?
IKO is the most widely recognised internationally. VDWS is common in German-speaking schools and BKSA in the UK.
Is an IKO card accepted by non-IKO schools?
Usually as proof of level, but each rental centre decides for itself and may ask to see you ride.
Do I need a certificate to kitesurf?
Not by law in most places, but rental centres and some spots require proof of independent level.
Which certification does Kite Club Koh Samui issue?
IKO for kitesurfing, IWO for wing foil.