Introduction
Depending on previous knowledge, the training for the VAW basic windsurfing licence takes about 12 – 15 lessons in theory and practical experience. The training target is decisive for the duration of the courses: the students should be able to set sail, to surf in the training area and to dock in a safe way with a wind up to 3 bft.
Junior Basic Windsurfing Licence
It's possible for kids to start windsurfing at an early age. Therefore the VDWS schools offer a special workbook for kids, which are used in the courses. The Kid Basic Windsurfing Licence is valid until the age of 14. Then the adult licence can be required after passing the theoretical exam.
Tips for Newbies
Mostly, people make their first steps on a windsurfing board during their vacation. Slightly frustrated, they rapidly notice how difficult it is even to keep the balance - let alone to get going. To get the knack, instructions are a must. VDWS memberschools teach more than a 100.000 beginners and advanced every year.
Not alone, a sound training helps you to improve your fun on the water; it also makes a significant contribution to safety on the water. About 1000 German and many foreign waters state: admission free! Nevertheless, a windsurfing basic licence is required especially in the Northern and the central part of Germany. At the Steinhuder Meer or the Lake Dümmer for example, people are only allowed to windsurf upon presentation of a qualifying certificate. The required examination can be taken at any school recognized by VDWS - on payment of a small fee. Since its foundation, VDWS has issued more than 2 millions of windsurfing basic licences.
"Anybody - from 7 up to 70 years - can get acquainted with windsurfing. Step by step, safely, experiencing fun and excitement. That's what most of watersport-instructors state. And they are right: for all who are able to swim, windsurfing is as easy as pie - if instructions are correct."
"For all those who are able to swim", most watersport-instructors state. Generally, the age of onset is between 7 and 10. Be careful: a comparison between different children of that age leads quickly to the conclusion of an obvious difference in physical and mental development.
An in-depth conversation with parents and child concerning age, weight (from experience not less than 30 kilos) experiences in other disciplines and the child's autonomy can give first impressions. In case of doubt, little games or exercises on land or on water will show if it is the right time to start are indicated. What helps me to know if my child is old enough to learn windsurfing?
I’d like to learn to windsurf with my school class—but how and where? For anyone planning to offer a windsurfing course with a sports group (school class, club, etc.), the easiest way is to contact a recognized, qualified VDWS windsurfing school directly. They have the necessary facilities.
The beginner course
What distinguishes a good watersportschool?
Watch out: there are watersportschools of different quality standards. If you want to play safe, check and ask for the proof that the chosen school fulfils the internationally recognized high VDWS quality requirements:
Check up
- Are all instructors qualified? Do they have the official VDWS training- and examination licence?
- Is the school's overall impression positive? Does the school present itself with school sign, school flag and school stamp?
- Are there changing cabins?
- Are there at least 8 adequate beginner-boards and rigs? Does the sail range cover different sizes?
- Does the course fee include the equipment (board, rig, wetsuit, and workbook)?
- Can the basic licence be passed?
- In case of tricky locations, does the school dispose of an operational motorboat?
- Is there a seminar room?
- Do the instructors make use of teaching aids such as magnet boards and magnets?
Contents
Contents of a beginner course
Besides the practical and theoretical basics of windsurfing (wind recognition, basic equipment as clothing, board & rig, rigging and derigging, getting on the board, pulling up the sail and getting going, stopping, steering and the corresponding forces, courses, getting windward, tacking and jibing at low-wind conditions), topics related to free-time leisure (equipment tips), protection of nature and waters as well as safety (rules of way, traffic regulations, transport of boards and rig on the roof of a car, what to do in emergency situations, knots) on water and on land are part of every modern windsurfing course.
Goals
What are the goals of a beginner's course?
It is true, theoretical knowledge about the board's and the sail's function as well as learning and improving one's techniques and moves are part of the course. However, the feel for the balance between one's body and the wind's force is what counts most. The experience of this feeling is the base of the new pedagogic, ludic approach of windsurfing.
The "control" of the sports equipment and the "orientation" on land and on the water form another goal. Trainees are supposed to control their equipment safely, from 1 to 4 Bft. They are supposed to orient theirselves on the water, to move in accordance with other watersportsmen and women and to head into any goal.
Basic knowledge about leisure time activities' current topics, about the protection of nature and waters as well as about safety and behaviour with respect to the other sportsmen and women are some of the cognitive goals. Social-affective goals as enjoying windsurfing, mutual assistance, and consideration for others determine the course.
Duration
How long does a beginner’s course last?
Generally, a complete beginner-course takes about 12 to 14 hours. According to the prevailing conditions, different teaching possibilities exist (e.g. one or two compact teaching blocs - split into two, three, four or five teaching units). Most of the time, trainees dispose of extra occasions to learn and to practice after the proper course training.
Gear
Beginners or occasional windsurfers do not need their own equipment. VDWS schools place all required equipment at your disposal. Even on sunny summer days, an adequate wetsuit is mandatory. Wind on wet skin leads to evaporation cold, slowly cooling down the body. For hygienic reasons, one should bring one's own neoprene shoes. Ask your instructor about keen offers.
Thanks to beginner-friendly equipment, the first results won't be long in coming. Large, slip-proof boards of about 180l provide for enough stability and buoyancy to get going. Very light kiddy, youth and adult teaching rigs (mast, sail and boom ensemble) in graduated sizes as from 1 m² make windsurfing a snap.
Once the beginner-course completed, the right thing to do is to rent a board, or even better: to take an advanced course. Like this, the freshly acquainted windsurfing skills will consolidated and perfected.
End of the Course
As a rule, the beginner course should be completed by the VDWS basic licence. This licence is required for windsurfing on certain waters and its holders are allowed to rent windsurfing equipment at all VDWS school in the world. This is very important for those countries where you won't be able to bring your own equipment.
Basic Rules for Behavior on the Water
Just like road traffic, there is also a need to take care on the water. Everyone that takes part on the water has to show that they can guarantee good conduct of safety and ease in congestion to avoid accidents. It is also important, to make sure that no others are jeopodised and more so, avoid obstructing and cause any inconveniance.
Make way and hold your course
Making way on the water is a rule laid down for rights of way. Unlike road traffic, it is always up to all water users to take care. One person has always to make way, and the other has to always hold their course. Motor vehicles, like cars, can never stop so abrubtly. Therefore, you must always take care when faced against water vessels, that you do cross their path (collision course), or overtake them, and that you respect their path and speed.
General rights of way
Motor vessels with gears must make way to sailing vessels. Particulary, in enforced areas, under the collision preventions rules, windsurfers are seen as sport equipment and not as water vessels. Here you must give right of way to motorboats and sailing boats. It is always complicated in a situation. Giving way in time, and allowing enough room for motorboats, that decrease their speed, can prevent a collision occuring. Also, when encountering catamarans and other windsurfers you should keep the way clear.
Maneouver at the last moment
Keep your course despite given warning signals from a vessel. You should not be forced to make a manouever. Set yourself a new course at the last moment. If you manoeuver from your course or change your speed to give wayyou should
- make it in time
- make it clearly and
- with determination
Nature Conservation
Inland lakes and coastal waters are increasingly being used by water sports enthusiasts to practice their sports. In doing so, they often venture—in their sometimes shallow watercraft—into areas that were previously undisturbed nesting and resting sites for many bird species that have become rare. This has led to conflicts between nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts in many places. Therefore, be sure to familiarize yourself with the applicable rules.
Nature Conservation
Inland lakes and coastal waters are increasingly being used by water sports enthusiasts to practice their sports. In doing so, they often venture—in their sometimes shallow watercraft—into areas that were previously undisturbed nesting and resting sites for many bird species that have become rare. This has led to conflicts between nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts in many places. Therefore, be sure to familiarize yourself with the applicable rules.
