Learning
IKO kitesurfing levels explained: what each one means
What the five IKO kitesurfing levels mean, what you can do at each one, and how your certification helps when you rent equipment or change schools.
Level 2 – Intermediate
IKO Level 2 kitesurfing course in Marsa Alam
Learn to body drag, water start in both directions and ride a short distance on our protected lagoon. Your IKO instructor stays in radio contact with you the whole time.
From body drag to your first rides
Our IKO Level 2 kitesurfing course in Marsa Alam is the intermediate stage of the IKO Kiteboarding Training Path. It is where you learn to body drag (use the pull of the kite to move through the water without a board), recover your board and get up and riding.
To complete Level 2, you water start in both directions, ride a short distance and come to a controlled stop. You also learn to understand the forecast and the effects of tide and wind, and to choose the right equipment for the conditions.
Level 2 at a glance
- Level
- IKO Level 2 – Intermediate (2F to 2I)
- Skills
- Body drag and waterstart
- Lesson length
- 75 minutes; the extra lesson after the course is 60 minutes
- Lesson type
- 2nd and 3rd lessons private; 4th lesson private or group
- Group size
- Maximum 2 students per instructor (2:1)
- Price
- €70 to €105 per lesson
- Certificate
- IKO Kiteboarder Card and level certification
What you learn on the IKO Level 2 kitesurfing course
These are the IKO certification standards for Level 2 – Intermediate. They cover body drag (Levels 2F and 2G) and waterstart (Levels 2H and 2I).
Level 2F – Body drag and kite control
You enter and exit the water independently and safely while controlling the kite, and re-launch the kite from the water. You make your first body drag downwind, keep the kite in the correct position in the wind window, change direction to the left and right while body dragging, and recover the kite and bar in the water.
Level 2G – Upwind body drag
You body drag upwind to recover your board, including while holding the board with one hand, and you enter and exit the water at the same point while body dragging upwind.
Level 2H – Waterstart preparation
You learn the power stroke for a waterstart, plus the safety rules and the theory behind it. You practise putting the board on your feet and holding the correct position for the waterstart.
Level 2I – Waterstart, riding and conditions
You water start in both directions, ride a short distance and come to a controlled stop. You learn to understand the weather forecast and the effects of tide and wind, to judge wind strength, direction and quality, and to know the right-of-way rules. You also learn to set up and choose your equipment for the weather conditions.
IKO Level 2 lesson prices
Level 2 is priced per lesson. The lesson numbers continue from the 1st lesson on our Level 1 – Discovery page.
Lesson after the course
€70per 60-minute lesson
For riders who have finished the course lessons
Book this lessonWhat's included
- Transfer between the school and the beach
- Kites, boards, harnesses, helmets, life vests, wetsuits and other gear during lessons
- Radio-assisted lessons: you are in touch with your instructor by radio at all times
- Lessons taught by IKO Level 2 instructors
- IKO Kiteboarder Card and level certification
- Low student-to-instructor ratio (maximum 2:1)
Need something different?
If these lessons do not fit your needs, contact us and ask for a personalised offer.
Learn Level 2 at an IKO-approved school
KiteMood is an IKO-approved school, and all our instructors are trained and certified by IKO. Level 2 is the intermediate stage of the IKO Kiteboarding Training Path, which you can compare stage by stage on our kitesurfing courses page.
Before and after Level 2
Level 2 follows Level 1 – Discovery, where you learn kite control and the safety systems. Once you can water start and ride, our advanced lessons cover riding in all directions including upwind, self-launch and a basic jump.
Starting from scratch? Our beginner course – 8 hours aims to complete the IKO Level 2 certification. You can compare every level on our kitesurfing courses page.
Level 2 on the lagoon
IKO Level 2 kitesurfing course: your questions answered
What do I learn on the IKO Level 2 course?
Level 2 covers body drag (2F and 2G) and waterstart (2H and 2I). You learn to enter and exit the water independently while controlling the kite, re-launch the kite from the water, and body drag downwind and upwind to recover your board. For the waterstart, you learn the power stroke and the safety rules, then water start in both directions, ride a short distance and come to a controlled stop. You also learn to understand the weather forecast and the effects of tide and wind, and the right-of-way rules.
How long are the lessons and what do they cost?
The 2nd lesson (body drag, private) is €105 for 75 minutes, and the 3rd lesson (waterstart, private) is €105 for 75 minutes. The 4th lesson (self-rescue, private or group) is €75 for 75 minutes. A lesson after the course lessons is €70 for 60 minutes. If these lessons do not fit your needs, contact us and ask for a personalised offer.
How many students are in each lesson?
There is a maximum of 2 students per instructor (2:1). The 2nd and 3rd lessons are private, and the 4th lesson (self-rescue) can be private or in a group.
Is the equipment included?
Yes. Kites, boards, harnesses, helmets, life vests, wetsuits and other gear are included during your lessons. So is the transfer between the school and the beach.
Do I get an IKO certificate?
The course follows the IKO certification standards and includes the IKO Kiteboarder Card and level certification once you have completed the level. All our instructors are trained and certified by IKO, and we follow IKO guidelines in every lesson.
How do I book Level 2 lessons?
To book, message us through the contact page, on WhatsApp or by email, and tell us which day suits you. We will confirm the time.
Find us on the Marsa Alam lagoon
KiteMood is an IKO-approved kitesurfing school on a protected lagoon on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. Reading the wind is part of Level 2, so keep an eye on our wind forecast.
WX78+MMJ, Marsa Alam Road, Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt+20 100 328 0081info@kitemood.comMessage us on WhatsAppOpen in Google MapsThe interactive map loads only when you ask for it, which keeps this page fast.
Guides to read next
How the IKO levels fit together, and how to read the wind as you progress.
Wind & weather
Kitesurfing wind guide: knots, gusts and kite size explained
Knots, gusts, wind direction and kite size explained for beginners: how to convert a forecast, why offshore wind is risky and when to stay ashore.
Ready for Level 2?
Message us on WhatsApp or by email, tell us your current level and when you would like to ride, and we will plan your Level 2 lessons.