IKO LEVEL 2 – INTERMEDIATE
From First Glide to Full Control: Your Next Big Step
You’ve felt the power of the kite. You’ve flown it safely, launched it alone, and even dragged your body through the water. Now, it’s time to do what you came here for – ride the board!
Location: Masters Surf School, Hurghada – Red Sea
# LEVEL 2 – INTERMEDIATE
- Water relaunch
- Body drag with power stroke
- Body drag with the board
- Steady pull
- Water start
- Controlled stop
Overview
Congratulations on completing Level 1! You are no longer a beginner. You understand the wind window, you can self-land, and you know how to handle emergency situations.
IKO Level 2 – Intermediate is where the real magic happens. This is the level where we take you from being a kite handler to a true kitesurfer. Under the expert guidance of our certified IKO instructors, you will learn to get up on the board, ride confidently across the water, and stop safely whenever you want.
By the end of this course, you will be riding independently for hundreds of meters, changing directions, and feeling the pure stoke of gliding over the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.
Why Hurghada is Perfect for Level 2 Progression
Hurghada isn’t just for beginners – it is a paradise for intermediate riders looking to nail their first rides.
- Shallow, Flat-Water Lagoon: Our spot gives you the confidence to practice water starts without fear of deep water. If you crash, you can simply stand up and try again.
- Steady Thermal Winds: The consistent onshore breeze (April–November) provides the perfect “steady pull” you need to learn smooth, controlled riding.
- Warm Water Year-Round: No thick wetsuits required for most of the year – just you, the board, and the warm sea.
What is IKO Level 2 – Intermediate?
This course is designed for riders who have completed IKO Level 1 (or equivalent) and can confidently control a kite and body-drag.
We break down this intermediate level into 6 core skills, exactly as per the official IKO certification standards:
1. Water Relaunch
Getting back in the game after a crash.
When you’re learning to ride, you will crash – a lot. That’s perfectly normal! The most important skill is getting your kite back into the air quickly and safely without swimming to shore.
- Technique: Learn the proper method to relaunch your kite from the water, whether it’s nose-down or trailing-edge-down.
- Line Tension: Understand how to create the right line tension using your body position to pop the kite back into the sky.
- Confidence Builder: Mastering this skill removes the fear of falling, allowing you to push your limits and try harder moves.
2. Body Drag with Power Stroke
Harnessing the full pull of the kite.
You already learned basic body dragging in Level 1. Now, we turn up the power. This is the bridge between being pulled and actively controlling that pull.
- Powerful Strokes: Learn to dive the kite aggressively through the power zone while keeping your body flat and streamlined.
- Speed Generation: Understand how to generate maximum forward speed using only your kite and body position.
- Upwind Body Drag: You’ll learn to angle your body against the wind to drag yourself upwind – a crucial precursor to riding the board upwind.
3. Body Drag with the Board
Your first connection to the board.
Now we add the board to the equation – but you won’t be standing on it yet. This skill teaches you how the board behaves in the water.
- Board Recovery: Learn to retrieve your board after a crash using only your kite power (no swimming!).
- Dragging with the Board: Position the board on your feet or under your body while being dragged, feeling the resistance and how it changes your speed.
- Foot Position Practice: Get comfortable with where your feet will go before you even try to stand up.
4. Steady Pull
Finding the “sweet spot” of constant power.
One of the biggest mistakes new riders make is using too much power in short bursts. A smooth ride is all about steady, consistent pull.
- Kite Positioning: Learn to park the kite at the correct angle (around 45 degrees) to generate constant, unbroken tension on the lines.
- Body Posture: Adjust your stance and edge to match the kite’s pull, creating a balanced, stable sensation.
- No Jerking: We teach you to eliminate the “yo-yo” effect (power on, power off) and replace it with a smooth, continuous glide.
5. Water Start
The moment you’ve been waiting for – getting up on the board!
This is the iconic moment. The feeling of your first proper water start is unforgettable. We break it down into simple, repeatable steps.
- Board Positioning: Placing the board correctly on your feet (at the right angle) before the start.
- The Dive & Push: Coordinating the kite’s power dive with a powerful push off your back foot to pop you out of the water.
- Standing Up: Transitioning from a sitting position to a standing, balanced riding stance in one fluid motion.
- First Glides: Your first 10, 20, then 50-meter rides across the lagoon. We use two-way radios to give you real-time coaching during every attempt.
6. Controlled Stop
Riding with confidence because you know exactly how to stop.
Riding is fun, but being able to stop safely and precisely is what separates a student from an independent rider.
- Sitting Down: Learning to gently sit back into the water to bring yourself to a smooth, controlled halt.
- The Stalling Technique: Using the kite to kill your speed gradually as you approach the shore or a designated area.
- Emergency Stops: Practicing the “panic stop” – bringing your speed from full throttle to zero instantly in any situation.
What’s Included in Your Level 2 Course?
- Certified IKO Instructor: Dedicated, patient, and experienced professionals.
- Premium Gear: Latest models from Duotone & North – kites, boards, bars, and harnesses.
- Safety Equipment: Helmets, impact vests, and quick-release systems.
- Two-Way Radio: Real-time audio feedback while you’re out on the water.
- IKO Logbook: Official stamp for Level 2 Intermediate certification.
- Free Digital Video Analysis: We record your water starts so you can see your progress!
Course Packages & Complimentary Gifts
(All gifts are printed with the school logo to make your experience unforgettable)
| Course Duration | Complimentary Gifts |
|---|---|
| 3-hour course | Shorts |
| 6-hour course | Shorts + T-shirt |
| 9-hour course | Shorts + T-shirt + Water shoes |
| 12-hour course | Shorts + T-shirt + Water shoes + Cap |
Note: The standard Level 2 progression is typically covered within a 6-to-9-hour package, depending on your individual learning pace.
Sample Daily Structure (3–4 Hours per Session)
- Beach Briefing (15 min): Review your Level 1 logbook, set goals for the session, and discuss wind conditions.
- Water Relaunch Drill (30 min): Quick warm-up practicing relaunches to build confidence.
- Body Drag Refinement (45 min): Power strokes and dragging with the board – no standing yet!
- Water Start Attempts (1.5 hours): The main event! Repeated attempts with real-time radio coaching until you stand and ride.
- Riding & Stopping (45 min): Linking your first rides with controlled stops.
- Debrief & Logbook Sign-off (15 min): Review your progress and get your official IKO Level 2 stamp.
What Results Can You Expect?
By the end of IKO Level 2, you will be able to:
- Ride consistently for 100+ meters in both directions.
- Change direction smoothly (basic turns).
- Stop and restart on command without swimming to shore.
- Understand right-of-way rules to stay safe among other riders.
- Confidently ride in flat water conditions with steady winds.
Ready to Ride?
Level 2 is the most rewarding step in your kitesurfing journey. The feeling of your first glide is pure magic – and with the warm water, steady winds, and world-class coaching at Masters Surf School, you couldn’t be in a better place to achieve it.
Book your Level 2 Intermediate course today and start riding the Red Sea!
Location – Hurghada, Red Sea
Our school is located in the heart of Hurghada’s watersports hub, just minutes from major hotels.
- Wind Conditions: Reliable 4-7 Beaufort winds, 250+ windy days per year.
- Water Conditions: Shallow, flat-water lagoon with a sandy bottom, perfect for learning and board recovery.
- Climate: Sunny and warm year-round. The best seasons for windsurfing for beginners and intermediates are spring and autumn, though summer offers consistent thermal winds.
Kitesurfing Course FAQ
No, this course requires basic kite control. If you have zero experience, please check our Beginner (Level 1) course first.
Yes, we offer intensive schedules. Most students complete the 12-hour course over 3-4 half-day sessions.
Safety and learning quality are our priority. If conditions are not suitable, we will reschedule your session or offer a theory class. We monitor forecasts closely to maximize your time on the water.
Yes, everything you need is provided. You only need to bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel.
Not at all. All our certified instructors speak fluent English and are experienced with international students.
We operate in the main lagoon area near the tourist promenade. We can provide specific directions and even arrange transport from most hotels.
We are committed to your success. If you need extra time, we offer discounted top-up sessions to ensure you leave with your certification and the skills you need.