INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors are seasoned professionals selected for their experience, precision, and calm presence on the water. Each session is delivered with a high level of attention, safety, and personalized guidance, creating a refined learning experience defined by confidence, clarity, and control
Melissa KiteMermaid
Head Instructor & Owner
Melissa is the owner and head instructor of South Florida Kiteboarding. She is a 100-ton licensed boat captain and an IKO Level 3 certified kiteboarding instructor.
Founded in 2002, the school was taken over by Melissa in 2014, when she elevated it into a five-star, boat-based operation known for safety, professionalism, and exclusive on-water instruction.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Melissa is recognized for her composed teaching style, clear communication, and ability to create a structured, supportive environment where students feel confident and secure on the water.
James
Instructor manager
James brings over eight years of teaching experience and IKO certification to the team, with a professional background shaped in Hawaii.
Highly attentive and aware of everything happening on the water, James has a natural ability to read conditions, students, and timing, keeping each session running smoothly and efficiently.
Known for his calm presence and steady guidance, James creates focused, fluid sessions where students feel supported, confident, and fully in control as they progress.
Pablo
Senior Instructor
Pablo has been part of the South Florida Kiteboarding team for over four years and is known for his calm, easygoing presence on the water.
Teaching in both English and Spanish, he takes the time to connect with each student, making sure everything feels clear, comfortable, and never rushed.
Pablo’s patient approach and natural attention to detail help students progress at their own pace while keeping sessions relaxed, focused, and enjoyable.
Axel
IKO Certified Instructor
Axel is an IKO certified instructor known for his calm, thoughtful approach and strong technical foundation.
He works especially well with beginners, kids, and riders moving into more technical skills, taking the time to explain things clearly and step by step.
Fluent in English and French, Axel creates a supportive and structured learning environment where students feel safe, understood, and confident as they progress.
Bobby
Instructor
Bobby has been coaching kiteboarding since 2012 and brings over a decade of hands-on, real-world teaching experience to the water.
With a strong focus on fundamentals, practical technique, and clear on-water communication, Bobby helps students build solid skills step by step in a way that feels approachable and effective.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Bobby delivers well-paced, professional instruction that supports confidence, progression, and a calm learning experience on the water.
Jonathan
IKO Certified Instructor
Jonathan is an IKO certified instructor with an upbeat, focused teaching style that keeps sessions engaging while helping students build confidence naturally.
He has taught in a variety of locations including Key West, La Ventana, and Charleston, giving him a strong ability to adapt to different conditions and learning styles.
Known for running organized, safety-first sessions, Jonathan creates an environment where students feel supported, comfortable, and motivated as they progress on the water.
Marina
IKO Certified Instructor & Licensed Boat Captain
Marina is an IKO certified instructor and licensed boat captain with international teaching experience and a calm, steady presence on the water.
She has taught kiteboarding in locations including Sicily and Miami Beach, developing a patient, adaptable approach that helps students feel comfortable and supported from the start.
Fluent in English, Russian, Italian, and German, Marina connects easily with international students and tailors each session to individual learning styles while maintaining a smooth, well paced flow.