BKSA Level 2, Senior Instructor and Coach: the kitesurf career ladder

• What it is: The BKSA awards above Level 1, for instructors who want to run a school or coach.
• What you need first: Level 2 is designed for experienced Level 1 instructors, and Senior for experienced Level 2 instructors. BKSA doesn't publish a fixed entry list for either.
• What you'll learn: How to run a school at Senior level, and advanced coaching as a BKSA Coach.
• How long it takes: BKSA doesn't publish course lengths for these levels. Each ends with a completion certificate and a post-course action plan.
• What's next: BKSA Coach or Trainer Examiner.

From your first students to running the whole beach.

The ladder

• Level 2 Instructor: for more experienced Level 1 instructors. BKSA says job prospects are normally better.
• Senior Instructor: for experienced Level 2 instructors. You're qualified to run a school and get better teaching ratios.
• BKSA Coach: teach advanced techniques in your discipline, work independently of schools and run clinics abroad.
• Trainer Examiner: run instructor training courses.
• Head of Training: can change the training pathway and its rules.

Keep it current

BKSA instructors and coaches who took full part in the March 2026 conference in Poole got their qualification revalidated for another 3 years. The revalidation ticket was £65. If yours has lapsed, BKSA has other ways to revalidate.

Source: Instructor Training – Water and 2026 Instructors Conference, British Kitesports, and Kitesurfing safety, RNLI, checked October 2026.

Governing body: British Kitesports Association (BKSA). It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for kiteboarding, so it's the official place to find out more. Many schools also use IKO courses.

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.