Preparation for the 2022 watersports season

Anyone can learn to wind surf – whether young or old, athletic or not so much. The only requirement: But if you want to feel the wind in your sails, you should be able to swim safely. A basic swimming licence isn’t mandatory in many waters in Germany and other countries. But it is required in northern and central Germany. And not only for this reason is it advisable to take advantage of the off-season and acquire a basic swimming licence. It will not only give you unrestricted access to conquer the waters with a surfboard next summer, it also enables you to rent surf gear around the globe. In the event of an insurance claim, the basic windsurfing licence is also recognized as proof of competence.

If you want to prepare yourself for practising this on-trend sport in the spring flexibly and without any worries, is to enrol in a beginner's basic course with a trained instructor, for example in a school of the Association of German Watersport Schools (VDWS). In addition to the practical and theoretical basics of windsurfing, they also teach useful knowledge about equipment, as well as nature and water preservation in connection with sporting activities and safety rules. After 6 to 10 hours in the classroom - depending on the region and type of waters – there is a mandatory written exam and the windsurfing basic licence is yours for a small fee. More information can be found on the VDWS website or the sites of windsurfing schools. For your own bedtime reading, we recommend the VDWS Windsurfing Workbook for Beginners.

Stand Up Paddling is becoming more popular every year. Although a licence is not usually a prerequisite, more and more SUP spots are making it a requirement to be able to practice there. Therefore, it’s advisable to learn the basics of SUP in a course, for example at a school of the German Stand Up Paddle Association (GSUPA) or the VDWS, and acquire the SUP licence. Because although it may look easy, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to this trendy watersport.
Taking an SUP course now in the winter not only has several advantages: not only will you be paddle and show off your polished technique when the temperatures get warmer in the spring, a professional course also guarantees an easy start when it comes to safety, the right equipment and also the right conduct on the board. This knowledge is especially essential when it comes to rivers where there is boat or ship traffic.

You won’t have to invest a lot of time, as the beginner's course usually takes between 90 and 120 minutes and covers all the basics you need to get started on the water. Stand Up Paddling can be learned by anyone who can swim - no special prior experience is necessary. The SUP licence is proof completion of the course and if you want to improve your skills and learn more specific techniques, you can find advanced courses in many schools. Aside from the course, novice stand up paddlers can also gather information in advance through numerous SUP blogs and YouTube videos.

Lightness, weightlessness, dynamics – kitesurfing is the perfect combination of fun on the water and in the air. Similar to windsurfing, a basic licence isn’t mandatory for practicing this fast-paced sport, but having a licence also has some advantages: it serves as proof of having completed a kitesurfing course, and will be required for hiring equipment at kitesurfing schools worldwide. In many cases, you’ll need to show your licence to even get in the water with your board. This licence is offered by VDWS-certified kitesurfing schools.
In addition to basic swimming skills, no special abilities are required to start kitesurfing. However, the basic kitesurfing course is much more extensive than the course for the basic windsurfing licence. The International Kitesurfing Basic Licence training course of the VDWS is divided into six levels. Each level covers 15 to 20 lessons in theory and practice and finishes with a separate exam. To get the licence you have to show proof of qualification in all six levels. So it’s a good idea to start preparing early in the winter months.

If you want to acquire additional theoretical knowledge, for example on handling and manoeuvres, these are summarized in the VDWS kitesurfing textbook - available in every VDWS kitesurfing school and in bookstores.

Wingsurfing and Wingfoiling are the right choices for those who like variety. Wingsurfing combines elements from different watersports - from windsurfing and kitesurfing to Stand Up Paddling. Basic courses for beginners are offered, for example, in VDWS centres and are similar to classic windsurfing courses. This is because Wingsurfing is also initially about being able to control the wing and maintain balance on a surfboard. The basic course takes about 8 to 10 hours and can also be completed with a VDWS licence.

With the right preparation done early, watersports enthusiasts can hit the ground running in the spring. More information about the theoretical basics can be found here. A recommended supplement to the Wingsurfing or Wingfoil course is, for example, the VDWS Wingboarding Workbook for beginners and intermediate learners.