Inspiring the Global Community of Kiteboarding
As we travel to different locations around the world, we’re not just competing – we’re building relationships with local communities and leaving a positive legacy. We’re proud to partner with Sailors for the Sea to promote a healthier planet and inspire our global community of kiteboarders to be stewards of the ocean and the environments we visit.
Markus Schwendtner, Secretary General of the International Kiteboarding Association
The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) is the global governing body for the sport of kiteboarding, recognized by World Sailing. Alongside the International WingSports Association, the IKA is the second nontraditional, board-based class to join the Clean Class Initiative, representing a different way to be on the water (and ice!).
The IKA is dedicated to promoting and developing kiteboarding worldwide, while ensuring its sustainability, integrity, and safety. In joining the Clean Class Initiative, the IKA is furthering their goal of encouraging environmentally responsible practices and minimizing the sport’s ecological footprint. Sailors for the Sea will collaborate with the IKA throughout their international circuit to run their events as Clean Regattas, bringing Best Practices to hundreds of participants across the globe.
History
The IKA was founded in 2008 and the Formula Kite was adopted as a World Sailing Class in 2013. In 2024, Formula Kite made their Olympic debut. With World Sailing’s commitment to sustainability and the IKA’s prioritization of the environment they compete in, the class is growing both in popularity and in positive impact. IKA kiteboarding classes include current Olympic Class IKA Formula Kite, IKA Open, IKA TwinTip: Racing and Freestyle, IKA KiteFoil Open, IKA A’s Youth Foil, and the IKA SnowKite. The IKA is dedicated to promoting and developing kiteboarding worldwide, while ensuring its sustainability, integrity, and safety.
All photos courtesy of the IKA.
Learn More
- Get Involved
- Welcome to the IKA
