The Association

Managing board

The VDWS board is made up of volunteers who are committed to the strategic development of the association.

Head office

The VDWS office team provides expert support to members and watersports schools in all matters relating to the association.

Examiner Team

The VDWS Examiner Team brings together experienced educators who ensure and continuously develop the high quality of the VDWS instructor trainings.

International Contacts

The VDWS international contacts provide regional expertise and support members around the world with all questions relating to the association.

History

Since 1974, the VDWS has been shaping watersports education and has become a global benchmark for quality, safety, and standardized training.

Maritime Law Department

The VDWS Maritime Law Department provides legal expertise on maritime regulations and keeps members informed about current developments in waterway legislation.

Partner

Together with strong partners from sport, education, and environmental protection, the VDWS promotes quality, innovation, and the sustainable development of watersports.

Downloads

Find important forms, documents, and information materials available for download – all in one place and accessible at any time.

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

History

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
2024: Publication of digital workbooks for watersport students
2025: All VDWS learning materials (workbooks, theory exams, basic licenses, and instructor e-learning) will be digital; Passive membership of watersport enthusiasts in VDWS e.V. will be assumed

Some facts

History

About Cookies