The International Kiteboarding Organization was founded in November 2001 as an independent international organization dedicated to the development and promotion of kitesurfing all over the world.

Through the development of a professional network of affiliated kitesurfing centers and trained instructors and examiners, the IKO provides a professional level of teaching standards, recognized and applied worldwide. Today the IKO is expanding its activities in order to improve its contribution to the proper development of this fast growing sport.