El Medano/Tenerife: Jordy Vonk takes over TWS and Duotone Pro Centre

Tenerife Windsurf Solution (TWS) and Duotone Pro Centre Tenerife are heading into the future with a new management structure. Jordy Vonk, long-time PWA rider and third-placed in the Slalom X 2025, takes over the management as co-owner together with long-time TWS owner Harco-Jan Folkerts. The two centres in El Médano are among the best-known addresses internationally for windsurfing, kiteboarding and wing foiling. TWS in particular is known for its professional slalom camps, where the best racers in the world train together throughout the winter - Jordy has also been part of the regular crew for over ten years.

• Time travel: Behind the scenes at TWS slalom training in Tenerife

TWS positions itself as a multi-brand test, race and rental centre, while the Duotone Pro Center offers professional courses and premium equipment as the flagship of the Duotone Pro Centers. For Vonk, this closes a circle that began as an employee in 2013 when Folkerts took over the TWS Centre. The Dutchman was already working in the team at the time, later wrote his thesis for the local university, managed the TWS Pro Slalom training programme and organised numerous clinics. Vonk's connection to El Médano now spans 13 consecutive winters.

From employee to co-owner

Vonk quickly made the decision to become a co-owner. "When the opportunity arose to take over the centres and the shop, I was immediately enthusiastic and basically wanted to start straight away," explains the professional. El Médano has become home for him. While he was thinking about his future after his active professional career, this opportunity presented itself. With his university background and passion for water sports, Vonk sees the combination as the perfect foundation. He wants to continue his sporting commitment in parallel. "I definitely don't plan to end my professional career. People can still expect to see me on the starting line at the World Cups," emphasises Vonk. He will be moving to Tenerife permanently from September, which will allow him to train at the spot all year round and work in the centres on a daily basis.

I'm definitely not planning to end my professional career." (Jordy Vonk)

Harco-Jan Folkerts deliberately did not look for a traditional buyer for his company. "I didn't want to sell the company, I wanted to find someone who would continue to run it with passion, energy and fresh ideas," says Folkerts. The person should understand what has been built up over the past few years and have the drive to develop the concept further. The success of TWS, the TWS Shop and the Duotone Pro Centre is not based solely on the equipment or the unique location in El Médano, where all board sports are possible at every level 365 days a year. "Our real success lies in the people. In their energy. Their commitment. Their passion. The way they interact with our guests," explains Folkerts. They make the difference between a good day on the water and an unforgettable experience. This is precisely why he was looking for a future-proof solution - someone who understands the company's DNA, knows the culture and values the team. Vonk fulfils all of these criteria.

Proven concept with development potential

The structure of both centres remains unchanged. Regular guests will find the familiar atmosphere, while the team is looking forward to welcoming new visitors. Both centres will continue to develop, in line with the evolution of the sport. The goal remains the constant improvement of quality, efficiency and customer experience. TWS was founded in El Médano in 2012 and taken over by Folkerts in 2013. The passionate windsurfer from the Netherlands pursued a clear goal right from the start: to make TWS the best multi-brand test, race and rental centre in the world. "Travelling abroad to windsurf is great, but only if you can ride better equipment than at home, with comfort and excellent service from a passionate and friendly team," is how Folkerts formulates his philosophy. Over the past 14 years, TWS has developed into one of the most renowned windsurfing centres in the world and is appreciated by the many guests who come to El Médano every year.

• Spot Update: El Médano - Stations and shops in Tenerife's windsurfing capital

The Duotone Pro Centre Tenerife offers professional courses and high-quality rental equipment for kiteboarding, windsurfing and wing foiling from Duotone as well as ION accessories. The service is aimed at all skill levels with certified instructors, annually updated equipment and practical facilities. This combination makes it the most modern water sports centre in El Médano. Its location on the spot allows direct access to the different areas, which can be used depending on wind conditions and skill level. Due to its geographical position on the south-east coast of Tenerife, El Médano offers constant wind conditions and different spot characteristics from flat water to waves.

Info under tws-windsurf.com and dpc-tenerife.com