BKSA powerkite instructor: teach kites on land
British Kitesports' 2-day Powerkite Instructor course and the Senior Powerkite Instructor step.
In this guide
- What it is: The BKSA award for teaching kites on land, with a fast-track route that covers powerkite, landboard and buggy.
- What you need first: BKSA membership, an in-person first aid course, kite flying experience and 12 hours of shadow teaching.
- What you'll learn: Safety, communication and the full BKSA teaching scheme.
- How long it takes: Two days, often with an evening session on day one.
- What's next: Senior Powerkite Instructor, or take it to the water with Level 1 kitesurf instructor.
BKSA calls powerkiting the fundamental skill of every kitesport. Teach it well and you're teaching the start of everything.
Powerkite Instructor prerequisites
- Valid British Kitesports membership.
- A valid first aid qualification from at least a 1-day attended course. Online courses aren't accepted.
- Riding or kite flying proficiency and experience.
- 12 hours of shadow teaching at a British Kitesports school, or prior teaching experience.
BKSA can put you in touch with centres for this training, and it must be done before the course starts. Pass the course and any action plan, and you can teach 6 people with three kites at a BKSA recognised school, club or local-authority-recognised site.
Senior Powerkite Instructor prerequisites
- Valid British Kitesports membership.
- A valid first aid qualification.
- Riding or kite flying proficiency and experience.
- Powerkite Instructor.
- 150 logged hours.
- Teaching for at least 6 months.
- 2 years of kite flying.
The two-day course covers hiring staff, safety systems, running a school and handling customers and bad weather. Every BKSA recognised school needs a Senior Instructor as its training principal.
Source: Instructor Training – Land and Kitesports disciplines, British Kitesports; How to call for help, 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.
