Ikarus Kitesurfing, named for Ik, the Mayan wind god, and Icarus, the Greek god who took to the sky, has successfully taught more than seven hundred people in the Riviera Maya, and they claim that the most important prequalification a student can have is experience flying a two-line stunt kite. That, they say, is even more important than having experience hang gliding, wakeboarding, snowboarding, windsurfing, or even aeronautical engineering.
The first 45 minutes are spent talking about weather patterns, safety, kite dynamics, and kite control. Next, there are hands-on lessons covering kite and line setup, launching and landing techniques, and safe flight patterns. After that, it’s into the water, armed with a life jacket and radio helmet for a bit of body-dragging and self-rescue practice. The next step is to stand up and sail through the water. Most students get to this point after two days of three-hour classes.
Requirements for successful kitesurfers:
1. Love of nature, comfort in the water, and desire to harness the power of the elements
2. Time, patience, and respect for nature
3. Equipment designed for stability, safety, and ease of use
4. A qualified and experienced instructor
5. A safe beach zone in the water
6. WIND
