Kiteboarding Instructors
Kiteboarding Instructors
At Wind Over Water Kiteboarding, all instructors are expert kite and wave riders with a full-time professional commitment to the sport. Jeff Kafka personally selects only those who combine years of teaching experience with a warm personality and a genuine desire to share.
The instructors are seasoned and confident.
Jeff’s instructor development program is unique in its scope and thoroughness. Based on his work providing Water Patrol at big waves such as Maverick’s, Jeff devised a yearly training program for Wind Over Water instructors. Every instructor is a licensed Captain with current First Aid/CPR certification. They train regularly throughout the year on Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski) riding, changes in gear and technology and updates to teaching procedures and the safety plan. Wind Over Water’s Personal Watercraft course is so advanced, the International Kiteboarding Organization sought input from Jeff in developing their own certification program. Wind Over Water has maintained a sterling safety record, proudly holding instruction permits for all the best kiteboarding locations in the Bay.
They are not only happy to teach, but passionate about it.
Instructor development is not a one-time course, but rather a continuous process that never ends. Jeff Kafka is a licensed Captain and Thrill Craft Operator, with Professional Rescuer levels of CPR and First Aid training. He has 33 years of surfing experience and has been with the sport of kiteboarding from its beginning. But there’s still so much to learn! Every year, Jeff attends the Big Wave Safety Summit, and there are always new ideas, new technology, new techniques for making this demanding sport more safe and enjoyable.
This same spirit of hard work, innovation, and sheer inspiration is what sets Wind Over Water instructors apart.
Jeff Kafka
Owner and lead instructor, Jeff began the Wind Over Water Kiteboarding School approximately 10 years ago to help promote an industry and pastime he is passionate about, and also to offer the community greater access to excellent yet affordable lessons in the San Francisco and Bay Area.
Richard Hallman
Whether shooting Heli Skiing in Alaska or capturing water sports on the Columbia River, Richard Hallman’s images reflect an unparalleled beauty. As an award winning outdoor adventure sports photographer, Richard’s passion for skiing, mountaineering, windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, and surfing allows him the rare opportunity to position himself in extreme situations and gain immediate access to the action.
