Inspiring the Global Community of Kiteboarding - Sailors for the Sea

Inspiring the Global Community of Kiteboarding

 May 15, 2025  | By: Emily Conklin

Our Clean Class Initiative now has seven members with the addition of our newest class, 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 board-based class to join the Clean Class Initiative, representing a different way to be on the water (and ice!). We are proud to work with them on their sustainability journey. 

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. The IKA is dedicated to promoting and developing kiteboarding worldwide, while ensuring its sustainability, integrity, and safety. Markus Schwendtner, the Secretary General of the International Kiteboarding Association, shares, “At the International Kiteboarding Association, we’re thrilled to be recognized as a Sailors for the Sea Clean Class. The initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible kiteboarding practices. 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.” 

We look forward to collaborating with the IKA in their goal of encouraging environmentally responsible practices and minimizing the sport’s ecological footprint. Emily Conklin, Sailors for the Sea’s Program Manager, shares her enthusiasm for this development: “We’re honored to welcome the Kiteboarding Association as our newest Clean Class, an initiative that continues to grow as watersport enthusiasts of all types recognize the importance of protecting our playground. I look forward to learning more about the IKA and supporting innovation in their event sustainability efforts.”  

Sailors for the Sea will collaborate with the IKA throughout their international circuit to run their events as Clean Regattas, bringing sustainability initiatives to hundreds of participants across the globe.  

All photos are courtesy of the IKA.