International Kiteboarding Association Welcomes Rider Union

The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) welcomes the foundation of a riders union, Kiteboard Riders United (KRU), to truly represent the riders interests. With the 2016 IKA Kiteboarding World Championships starting off next month in El Gouna, Egypt, it is very important to the IKA that there is a true representation of the riders to discuss format, judging, and rules development.

One of the key reasons for the termination of the contract with the former Professional Kiteboard Riders Association was the protection of riders interests – not only in terms of supporting them to get outstanding prize moneys paid, but also to reverse rule changes in 2015 that did not ensure fair competition. Giving the riders back influence on the development of the sport has top priority.

We invite the interim board of the KRU to get involved immediately to prepare the first round of the 2016 IKA Kiteboarding World Championships, similarly as we have invited the industry association Global Kitesports Association to come to a close working relationship to us.

We would also like to extend that there are already considerations underway to amend IKAs governance principles and constitution to allow stronger involvement of other stakeholders; and how to formally include the riders and the industry representatives in the IKA decision making process on the IKA General Assembly and the IKA Executive Committee.

Source: IKA

Editor’s note: The Global Kitesports Association issued this press release on February 6, 2016.