[ricki]

Decided to launch a thread with this question in mind.

Not all kiteboarding instructors are equal, some are outstanding, some are mediocre and some not that good at all. There is a great deal more to sustainable kiting than basic operation of kite gear, "learning to drive the golf cart." The burden of equalizing the caliber and quality of kiteboarding instructors both during and following training logically should fall upon the certifying organizations. The zeal and effectiveness of both IKO and PASA in doing this has been limited in recent times.

We still need certification, have no doubt about that for many reasons. What we need is better training and certification as well as quality control of both instructors and students in school and beyond. It isn't all one way either. Instructors should be able to command reasonable rates for good instruction vs. mediocre, indifferent instruction. They shouldn't be forced to try to compete with poor, uninsured instructors with or without certification. Quality instruction in these times of threatened access, diminishing launches is essential, finding it can be challenging in some cases. Things shouldn't be this way, going back to the training organizations. Consumers have a role and sadly some responsibility in this as well. We get what we settle for. Want more, then only pay for superior instruction, ask questions, be careful in choosing a school.

We can turn this into a wailing wall of sorts, for complaining alone or we can try to do something constructive. Complaints are important to a point for identifying problems and areas for improvement. Staying in complaining mode will likely leave you right where you start. So, what are the problems and what are some ideas for solutions? Money is a factor in all of this, what goes out first and what is likely to come in. Still, we need to do better and I believe we can if we try in a more effective way with better oversight.

What do you think?