The International Kiteboarding Association was founded in April 2008 by Guillaume Fournier (two-time kiteboarding world champion), after the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) had included the principle of surfers being propelled by a kite in the 'ISAF Equipment Rules of Sailing'.

The duties of the Executive Committee are to take care of the day-to-day business of the association, and to coordinate submissions from the sub-committees.

[4][5] The IKA is responsible for the management of the following World Sailing kiteboarding classes:[6] Around 30 national kite class associations are affiliated to the International Kiteboarding Association and active fleets exist in more than 65 countries.

Professional Tour Operators exist that organize series of sanctioned events.

[24] Earlier in the event, on 19 September, American Rob Douglas reached 49.84 knots (92.30 km/h),[25] becoming the first kitesurfer to establish an outright world record in speed sailing.