Recognition of other training qualifications and partnerships with universities and various associations

Sports students, as well as trainers, instructors from associations, and public school teachers, are ideally suited to quickly acquire the "tools" to teach our water sports and become skilled instructors, thanks to their education and prior experience.

VDWS collaborates with universities, public schools, and various associations to provide them with the opportunity to have their training recognized and/or converted into VDWS licenses.

Collaboration with Universities

Many sports science institutes and university faculties offer water sports courses in windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, SUP, and wingfoiling. These programs can be recognized by the VDWS, as long as the university's training and examination program meets the requirements set by the VDWS examination regulations.

VDWS offers recognition of university water sports programs or the opportunity to conduct university excursions at a VDWS water sports school. In both cases, students can obtain a VDWS instructor license and begin their career in water sports— in some special cases, even without completing an internship. However, students must still submit the necessary documentation, such as first aid and lifeguard certificates, after completing the course.

University Water Sports Training

For cooperation to take place, it is required that the training of students and instructors is conducted by individuals with relevant water sports experience. The training and examination content are compared with the corresponding VDWS programs to determine whether, and to what extent, the association will recognize the training and establish a cooperation agreement. As a result, content and examinations can be transferred or recognized for instructors.

Target Audience: Faculties of Exercise Science
Prerequisites: Methodical and didactical experience through teaching, as well as sufficient practice in the respective sport
Examinations: Practical and theoretical assessments within the university course
Duration: Varies—adapted to the university curriculum
Special Features: An online day with VDWS-specific content for final recognition

Exclusive Courses

VDWS exclusive courses for participants with methodological and didactic experience are designed for individuals from all target groups with a pedagogical background.

Target Audience: Athletic trainers, instructors, students majoring in physical education or education, university sports participants (ADH), and teachers from public/private schools
Prerequisites: Previous experience in teaching methodology and didactics, as well as sufficient practical experience in the respective sport
Examinations: Conducted by VDWS instructors, as in the standard VDWS instructor course
Duration: Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Sailing, Wingfoiling: 6 days / SUP: 3 days

University Excursions

An excursion for students with prior water sports experience can be recognized as instructor training if it takes place at a VDWS school and is supervised by a VDWS instructor. The instructor serves as the link between the association and the university. Under these conditions, a reduction in the course fee may be possible.

Target Audience: Faculty of Exercise Science or University Sports
Prerequisites: Prior experience through 1 field trip or equivalent
Examinations: During the excursion, VDWS criteria must be met
Duration:
- Sports Science: Reduced to 6 days (Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Sailing, Wingfoiling) or 3 days (SUP)
- University Sports: Reduced to 6-7 days (Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Sailing, Wingfoiling) or 3-3.5 days (SUP), depending on previous experience
Examinations: Conducted by VDWS instructors, as in the standard VDWS instructor course

Cooperation with Associations and Training for Instructors

Instructors and trainers from other water sports associations have the opportunity to qualify as VDWS instructors through shortened specialized courses. Trainings from other water sports associations may be credited or converted into further education. The eligibility and process for this will be determined by the examiner.

Natursport Akademie

Together with our partner, the Natursport Akademie, we aim to foster interest exchange and provide an easy introduction to nature sports, both on and off the water.

About the Natursport Akademie

The Natursport Akademie (NAka) represents the interests of nature sports instructors in the commercial and professional sectors. It connects a network of associations, organizations, universities, ministries, and authorities.

The Natursport Akademie pursues the following goals:

Networking seasonal nature sports offerings to establish nature sports as a year-round activity
Maintaining consistently high quality standards in the training and continued education of all nature sports instructors across all disciplines
Providing training and education in “teaching sustainable outdoor sports,” tailored to each discipline
Promoting respectful use of nature and environmental resources
Developing seasonal nature sports schools into year-round businesses through the “growing together as a team” concept
Acting sustainably (ecologically, socially, economically) in all practices and with its competence and strategy partners

Learn more about the Natursport Academy

Exclusive Trainings

Target Group: Coaches from associations or clubs
Prerequisites: Prior experience in teaching methodology and didactics, along with sufficient practical experience in the respective sport
Examinations: Same as the standard VDWS instructor course
Duration: Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Sailing, Wingfoiling: 6 days; SUP: 3 days
Formalities after the course: First aid, lifeguard certification, motorboat confirmation, etc.
Internship exemption or reduction: Possible under certain conditions

Training and Professional Development for Teachers

The VDWS acknowledges the pedagogical training and experience of teachers at public and private schools. It offers this group the following opportunities to specifically qualify for teaching water sports:

Training for Teachers

This course is aimed at teachers, both with or without prior experience in teaching water sports. It covers the basics of teaching water sports, as well as providing an introduction to organizing class trips with a water sports program. The goal is to equip teachers with the skills needed to organize a class trip in cooperation with a VDWS water sports school and to manage parts of the course themselves. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of participation from VDWS. This training can be conducted in cooperation with the ministry of the respective federal state, allowing it to be officially recognized.

Target Audience: Public and private school teachers / student teachers
Prerequisites: No admission restrictions
Duration: 2 days

Instructor Training Level 1/2

Teachers at public or private schools who already have advanced experience in teaching a water sport can qualify as VDWS instructors by attending a shortened special course. If the teaching demonstration and the exam during the course meet the required high standards, the internship can be waived.

Target Group: Teachers at public and private schools / Student teachers after completing the intermediate exam
Prerequisites: Methodological and didactic experience in teaching, along with sufficient practice in the relevant sport
Examinations: Same as for the standard VDWS instructor course
Duration: Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Sailing, Wingfoiling: 6 days. SUP: 3 days
Formalities after the course: First aid, lifeguard

VDWS: Your Competence Partner for School Water Sports Trips

Contacts in each state:

Nordrhein-Westfalen:
Jörn Kappenstein
Telefon: +31-525-682212 oder +49-234-41482141
E-Mail: info@lifetime-sport.com
Website: https://www.lifetime-sport.com/angebote/fortbildung-wassersport-lehrer-referendare/

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern:
Florian Krämer
Telefon: +49- 1797573058
Email: fkraemer@vdws.de
Website: https://www.ruegen-piraten.de/fortbildungen/

Brandenburg:
Aaron Backhaus
Telefon: 0170/4147775
Email: a.backhaus@teamgeist.com

Niedersachsen:
Axel Meyer
Telefon: 0176/20003334
Email: meyer@gaussschule-bs.de