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