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VDWS International

International Schoolassociation

VDWS represents an aligned system of services around watersports –specially windsports.

Our focus is on

  • the education of watersport instructors
  • the ongoing servicing of watersport schools
  • the implementation of high training quality standards
  • the maintenance and development of the basic licence system
  • our range of services and products
  • the representations of our instructors’ and memberschools’ interests. 
Our current guiding theme is at the center of our daily work:
VDWS – competent for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, wing and SUP.
Quality as well as international presence in watersports.

Some facts

  • More than 540 watersportcenter in 30 countries
  • More than 3.600 members: instructors, owner of watersportcenters, centermanger
  • More than 3 mio beginners since 1974
  • 1974 Foundation: Verband Deutscher Windsurfing Schulen e.V. (VDWS) objective: training of windsurfing instructors support for schools, establishing standards for schools and training
  • 1985 Foundation VAW (Vereinigte Ausbildungsverbände Windsurfen) objective: standardized worldwide Basic Licence
  • 1988 Foundation of VDWS Service GmbH objective: improved cooperation with school members, concept, production and supply of instruction tools and products, training and further education of instructors product development and marketing, services for members
  • 1991 Startup Catamaransailing
  • 1993 Startup Jollyboatsailing
  • 1994 New name: Verband Deutscher Windsurfing und Wassersportschulen e.V.
  • 1999 VDWS Italy
  • 2000 VDWS Poland
  • 2001 Startup Kitesurfing
  • 2004 International Instructortrainings
  • 2004 VDWS Turkey
  • 2005 International Schoolmeetings
  • 2006 Startup Watersportassistant
  • 2007 New Name: Verband Deutscher Wassersport Schulen e.V.
  • 2007 New Qualitymangement: Center Manual
  • 2009 New Guidelines for Watersportcenter
  • 2012 More than 3000 member worldwide
  • 2013 Implementation of the Motor boat licence up to 15 PS
  • 2013 Foundation of the Business initiative "Quality Training in Water Sports"
  • 2014 Implementation of the revised Windsurfing sail range
  • 2014 New Basic licence
  • 2016 Start SUP instructor training
  • 2017 Decision to build a new office in Weilheim
  • 2017 Start of social projects
  • 2018 VDWS Academy learning videos
  • 2018 Purchase of property for new office building
  • 2019 Outdoor Professionals 365 - cooperation with German Ski Instructors Association, Mountain Bike Association and TU Munich
  • 2019 SafetyTool PLUS (comprehensive insurance for families and own equipment)
  • 2020 New licensing system - Level 3 trainings
  • 2020 Market launch of VDWS eLearning
  • 2020 Move to new office
  • 2021 New sailing basic licence system with Sailing Youngster basic licence
  • 2021 Wingboarding training and workbook in 3 languages
  • 2021 SUP basic licence system and new workbook in 3 languages
  • 2022 Wing basic license system and workbook in 3 languages
  • 2023 First time employee for communication  - Instructor Scouting