VDWS (Association of German windsurfing and watersportschools)

Windsurfing and watersportschools not only in Germany, but worldwide work together with the VDWS, which was founded in 1974. From 1999 to 2004, the VDWS affiliate associations in Italy, Poland and Turkey were founded. The association cooperates with 450 member schools in 33 countries “from Thailand to Hawaii” (vdws.de) and has 1.600 private members.

Training of Surf Teachers and Students

One of the main duties of this association is the training of instructors. The VDWS trains surfteachers, sets up exams and gives out licences like for windsurfing or kiteboarding intructor. Surf beginners can get a windsurfing basic certificate by attending a VDWS workshop which most of the windsurf schools in Germany offer. More than two million windsurfers own such a certificate. There are three other training associations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, who accept this certificate, all working together under the umbrella association of the VAW. The basic certificate contains a practical and a theoretical exam. Theese exams are among other things about material knowledge, safety and the valid rules on the water.

Different Sports

In addition to windsurfing, the VDS offers basic certificates for kitesport [Mouseover: kitesurfing is a new surfsport with a steering kite instead of a sail], catsailing [Mouseover: catamarans are sailboats with a deck and two hulls] and dinghy sailing [Mouseover: dinghys are boats which use a centreboard-a device fixed at the hull-for stability on the water] and offers training courses for students and future teachers.

Quality and Service

Today, the name VDWS stands for a qualitatively good training of instructors regarding watersports. The VDWS-Service GmbH (private limited liability company) is a 100% affiliate of the VDWS and takes care of improving the cooperation with schools, educates teachers and produces suitable education material.

Link: Verband Deutscher Windsurfing- und Wassersportschulen (VDWS): www.vdws.de

Contact: info@vdws.de

0049 88193110

VDWS

Dr. Karl Slevogt Straße

82362 Weilheim

Germany