Center Management

At this occasion, we discuss constructively everything that has to do with the planning, preparation and implementation of your own water sports school, the foundation of your own water sports company.
The experience of our past, successful management seminars shows that not only newcomers to self-employment, but also many "old hands", who have been leading successful companies for many years, like to come to the VDWS management seminar more than once, to get some update and inspiration and to check self-critically their own processes and practices during the exchange with other participants and the speakers. The list of speakers, most of whom come from the world of water sports, reads like the who is who of the experts. It is also characteristic in this context that the speakers are always happy to participate in the entire seminar event, even across disciplines, and that the places for speakers are much sought-after.

Requirements for participation

VDWS Watersport Instructor Licence level 2 in at least one of the VDWS disciplines.
Ideally, the participants should have sufficient practical experience in water sports training and center organization.

Course Contents

Quality standards at VDWS centers
Use of the VDWS platform and academy
Nature and sport
Insurance
Personnel management and employee motivation
Labor market and VDWS training programs
Establishing and expanding schools
Business and operational planning
Marketing and advertising
Communication and social media: channels, tools and strategies
Practical examples of successful watersports operations

NNv Module

NNv – Sustainability at VDWS: Be part of the change!

At VDWS, sustainability is an integral part of modern outdoor sports training, not an add-on. A sustainability certificate will soon be required for Level 1 training, internship supervision, and management, and it will be an integral part of the licensing process.

Starting in January 2026, the eLearning course "NNv — Teaching Outdoor Sports Sustainably" will provide you with the knowledge necessary to teach outdoor sports competently, responsibly, and with an eye to the future. Access will be sent automatically to all participants at no additional cost.

You must successfully complete the NNv e-learning course within 30 days of registration.

Become a role model. Set standards. Help shape the future of nature sports.

Course conclusion

After completing the seminar and submitting your NNv module certificate, you will receive a certificate of participation and a VDWS management license. Then, you can register a VDWS member school and get started!