International windsurfing associations

By Adam Norsworthy

Anybody in contact with water sports in Britain will be familiar with the Royal Yachting Association (R.Y.A.).

The R.Y.A. is also recognised around the world. German windsurfers, meanwhile, will be more familiar with the VDWS (Verband Deutscher Wassersport Schulen).

So what are the differences between these two organisations, and can British windsurfers trust the VDWS to provide the safety and standard they are used to from the R.Y.A.?

"In the 1980s the R.Y.A. became the prime organisation in Britain for windsurfing."

The R.Y.A. was originally founded in 1875 in order to create a measuring system allowing yachts of different sizes to compete against each other in a fair way. Through its growth it regularly engulfed other associations. It is now active in instruction for all kinds of ocean related sports and skills; some examples are power boating, dinghy, catamaran and yacht sailing, navigation, etc.

In the 1980s the R.Y.A. became the prime organisation in Britain for windsurfing. It currently provides a standardised certification structure, trains instructors and affiliates windsurf schools all over the world.

International windsurfing associations

By Adam Norsworthy

VDWS, meanwhile, is a much younger organisation. It was founded in 1974 in Germany and its primary focus was on windsurfing; specifically on training windsurf instructors.

The aim was to provide a professional learning environment and standardised techniques for anybody wanting to start this sport.

In 1999, it took on kitesurfing and worked on developing teaching techniques to provide a safer learning environment. Their activities also include catamaran sailing.

"VDWS is a much younger organisation. It was founded in 1974 in Germany and its primary focus was on windsurfing; specifically on training windsurf instructors."

R.Y.A. is a larger organisation and offers a wider range of activities. VDWS is much more focused on windsurfing as it was founded by windsurfers.

They are both present in many countries. Both offer reliable teaching schemes, consistent instructor training and standards, and can be trusted by anyone wanting to learn windsurfing or enjoy windsurfing on holiday. They are both good organisations for anyone wanting to become an instructor.

Adam Norsworthy is the editor of leading windsurfing website, www.ActiveAdventures.co.uk.

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