PASA Kiteboarder Levels of Certification

PASA Levels of Kiteboarding Certification

Level 1 Kiteboarder
Level 2 Kiteboarder
Level 3 Kiteboarder

  • Certification of kiteboarders establishes a measurable level of skills obtained under the PASA guidelines.
  • Each certification level means the kiteboarder has accomplished the skills criteria for that particular level.
  • After obtaining Level 2 Kiteboarder, the student is qualified to rent gear from participating rental centers.
  • PASA developed these levels to ensure teaching quality and to allow kiteboarders to evaluate their own skills.

Kiteboarders of all levels must complete a waiver to be eligible for insurance coverage.

Download Insurance Waiver

Complete the waiver and mail to: PASA P.O. Box 1839, Nags Head, NC 27959. PASA must receive your waiver within 7 days of your online registration. Your membership will not be activated until the signed insurance waiver is received.

LEVEL 1 KITEBOARDER

Can be certified by a Level 1 or Level 2 PASA Instructor)

The kiteboarder exhibits the following skills:

  1. Determine wind direction, speed and quality to assess safety.
  2. Understand the requirements for a good launch area.
  3. Understand the rules of the road with other kiters.
  4. Set-up equipment independently and safely and perform a pre-flight check.
  5. Use and reset all safety features on the equipment.
  6. Use of kite harness.
  7. Perform self-rescue techniques to disarm the kite and get to shore with gear.
  8. Perform a safe launching and landing of the kite.
  9. Execute kite water relaunches.
  10. Body Dragging in control of direction.

LEVEL 2 KITEBOARDER

MUST BE CERTIFIED BY A LEVEL 2 PASA INSTRUCTOR

The kiteboarder exhibits the following skills:

  1. All of the skills listed in the criteria for Level 1 Kiteboarder.
  2. Meteorology knowledge for risk management decisions.
  3. Perform water start on the board and maintain control of kite and board solo.
  4. Control their speed with advanced kite and board handling.
  5. Work the board and kite in harmony for extended rides.
  6. Can perform basic turns and transitions.

LEVEL 3 KITEBOARDER

MUST BE CERTIFIED BY A LEVEL 2 PASA INSTRUCTOR

The kiteboarder exhibits all the skills of Kiteboarder level 1 and 2 as well as the following skills:

  1. Using Trim Strap and Loop to adjust 4-line kite power intake.
  2. Consistently going upwind.
  3. Perform advanced turns and transitions under power.
  4. Maintain control in most wind conditions.
  5. Perform simple jumps