Great advice,
Most importantly ask if the IKO Centre has government permits to operate a commercial kitesurf business? Ask if its with a council or maritime safety? Find out which one and contact that government body to check the permit.
IKO does not check centres local government permits.
This is just as important as all the other stuff as if they don't it won't matter what centre certification, insurance they claim they have it will be void if they are operating outside a permit commercial kitesurf area.
I've heard WA is the very prefessional when it comes to operating commercial kitesurfing lessons. Thanks to the hard work of the members of WAKSA. They have over th years put alot of effort into making sure the sport is able to progress in a safe and responsible manner. So my advice if your in WA is to contact them and ask them who to use. They know whos backyard & whos doing it by the book.
padi said...
1/. Make sure whoever you go with is IKO qualified. It is the only qualification structure in Australia at present. Ask if you'll get an IKO Card after the lesson and if they give any excuse in not giving you a card, it probably mean they are not qualified, and teaching you without insurance. IKO certification cards are issued according to the students level of achievement. The cards are recognized worldwide and give you discounts in insurance, retailers, it also allow you to hire gear at any IKO centers around the world. Full details at www.ikointl.com.
2/. At the time of booking your lesson, get the instructor's name, goto the IKO website www.ikointl.com and see if their name is listed under the instructors page. If they are not, it simply mean they are not a qualified instructor and teaching without qualifications nor insurance. If it is an IKO School even better cause the school is equipped with all the neccessary gear including rescue boat and first aid stations as well as having level 2 instructors in charge.
3/. At the lesson, ask to see their instructor's certificate as well as insurance certificate. The instructor should show you these documents during introduction anyway. If they dont have insurance, that means if anything happens, you are fully liable for any damages. If the instructor was at fault, you can sue his pants off, but I think he would be gone before you can catch him. Imagine what if you drop the kite knock someone off or you get dragged and damage some property as a result. You will have a BIG bill to pay off. Is it really worth saving such a small amount of money?
Unfortunately there are a number of shops I know that teach with non-qualified instructors. So even if it is a lesson arranged by a shop, still go through the check list, because the shop would not have insurance to teach.
Darren is the best in WA, very professional. My top recommendation too. Good luck and happy kiting!
We are a little further up north than you, but would love to help you out. 
