VDWS

In 1974, the VDWS has been founded as an association of Watersportschools for the purpose of educating water sport instructors and supervising their schools. As an Independent association , the VDWS has succeeded in promoting watersport at an international level. By means of worldwide, professional network of schools and together with it's qualified instructors, VDWS offers a high quality education system with standards that are internationally recognized and applied.

Basic Kite Licence

After an adequate training, the VDWS hands out a proof of qualification – the 'International Kitesurfing Licence'. Compared to the basic licence for windsurfing or sailing this kite licence requires a much more extensive training. This is due to high security requirements according to examination directions by the VDWS e. V.. In the future the licence is intended to become a proof of qualifications of a basic safety training in kitesurfing with public authorities.

The document guarantees that its owner has the necessary basic knowledge and the necessary ability and is able to exercise this sport in accord with the environment and his fellow sportsmen.

Training in 8 steps
The training for the International Kitesurfing Licence is divided into 8 steps. Depending on previous knowledge, every step takes some time in theoretical and practical training. Your practical kitesurfing skills are tested at each level. With reaching the Level 3 including the theory exam the students will be able to train by their selves. However ideally they so this at the area of a Kitescenter where they get help, if it's necessary.

The Level System

Level 1:
Safety Basics, Getting Ready, Start Flying, Take Off, Bodydrag
Level 2: Bodydrag, Relaunch

Level 3: Waterstart, Going Downwind (min. 50 meter)

Theory: Basic theoretical knowledge, test

Level 4: Going Downwind, Changing direction, Keep Position to Wind, Basic Jibe

Level 5: Going Upwind

Level 6: Basic Jumps and Carved Jibes, or Transition Jumps

Level 7: Rotation or Kiteloop, Grabs, One Foot, Board Off or Railey

Workook

Learn the basics of kitesurfing and improve your skills: By means of this 96-pages workbook, the VDWS team of trainers has compiled 20 up-to-date manoeuvres and manoeuvre’s preparations.

More than 300 high colour prints and figures illustrate the 7 different levels of kitesurfing in a detailed and clear way. All important terms are explained and defined explicitly. VDWS proposes a global survey of the different kite-systems and reveals many tips and tricks for your first kite-exercises, before entering the matters of holding height, basic jumps and freestyle moves.

The VDWS’ experiences of the past years have led to a new concept of apprenticeship, which is now published for the first time in this workbook. According to a well-established level-system, the corresponding training-units will lead beginners and advanced to the perfect technical know-how and prepare them for their objective – the kiteboarding licence. Made by Kiteboarders, for Kiteboarders.

The book is available in German and English.