The K.I.S.S. system promotes safe kitesurfing practices through a network of Instructors, schools, information and products. Using universal standards for kitesurfing Instructors and Schools,  the KISS promotes safety through quality instruction, and protects the future of kitesurfing by improving the accessibility of the sport to a wider variety of people. The KISS certification helps students recognize the instructors qualifications and their commitment to safety. The KISS standards ensure a high degree of professionalism and training. Schools with the KISS Certified School Standard have met the highest standards. Students receive their own Certification Cards to monitor their progress and map their training schedules. Standardized levels enable students to pass between different schools without any disruption to their training. The KISS system promotes a responsible and safe approach to learning the sport of kiteboarding.

The KISS Kiteboarder Certification is proof of your ability, and gives you discounts and freebees at participating businesses. Students can register online after their lesson to receive their card. Click the card above for details.

The KISS certifies all levels of kitesurfer from beginner to instructor trainer. The KISS support and information network is constantly improving to bring safe kitesurfing practices to the world.

KITEBOARDING ACCESS: Kiteboarding Safety is essential to keep access to kiteboarding launch sites across the country and the world. We have seen an alarming number of beach closures. Fortunately with the promotion of kite safety and systems like the KISS. the closures have slowed and in some cases been conditionally reversed. We will continue to promote safe kiteboarding practices for the benefit of all kiteboarders and the beach going public.

Kisstory
HISTORY: The K.I.S.S. system is the world's first kitesurfing teaching system. The KISS System was developed in Hawaii by kitesurfing trainers, David Dorn, Flash Austin and John Holzhall with assistance from Sierra Emory and Dave Terry. We also thank the many other kiteboarders who have contributed to the program. The KISS teaching system is kept constantly up to date with the latest developments in the sport. Since its origin in Hawaii, the KISS techniques are now being taught in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Thailand, Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Denmark, Turkey, Sweden, Germany and France. More>>..
 

Keeping pace with technology

Today's kites are more sophisticated and complex that ever before. The vast majority of kites sold in 2004 were 4-line, in 2005 the market had introduced many 5-line kites and 2006-2007 has seen the widespread use of of the (type II) Bow kites, such as the Cabrinha "crossbow' with bridles and override safety system, and the SLE kites, and Hybrid 5-line systems. The KISS stays ahead of the demand by working with the manufacturers and designers of kiteboarding equipment to predict the direction that the equipment develops. KISS instructors are kept informed of changes in teaching methods necessary to  incorporate the latest gear. KISS instructor Trainer David Dorn has often said "Today's advanced kite will probably be next years beginner's kite". This has proved true many times over. Equipment will continue to improve with the demand for increased performance. There are more advanced kiteboarders than ever before in history, and the average level of ability is soaring to new heights. Students, and instructors alike are constantly moving ahead and learning at the speed of progress. More>>

WARNING, Kitesurfing is an extreme sport that requires a high degree of water confidence and a good understanding of kite flying skills. The lightweight foils are extremely powerful and often overwhelm the novice and may place them in dangerous situations that can also endanger onlookers and innocent bystanders. A responsible attitude and Kitesurfing Training is essential for a safe entry into this sport.