How did you come to become a VDWS member school?
As our watersports school was opened by Ernstfried Prade, the co-founder of the VDWS, it was a bit of a natural progression. After Toni Sichler took over the school, he naturally remained in the VDWS because of his friendship and shared passion for the VDWS. For my part, I got to know and appreciate the philosophy and quality of the VDWS from a young age, so it was clear to me that I would remain a VDWS school after taking over the school.
What do you think has changed in the sport and in the scene during this time?
In the 80s, windsurfing was the trend sport that fascinated everyone. Everyone who was anyone had a board on their roof rack. In the early years, our school only offered beginner courses for adults, with buoy training and 5.7m2 regatta sailing or the 4.7m2 storm sails. There were three to four beginners' courses with up to 15 participants per day, later advanced and children's courses were added.
A windsurfing-only school no longer has a chance today."
Of course, the material has changed dramatically. When I think back to the time when I was nine years old and tried to pull the heavy children's sail out of the water on the very long and yet wobbly board, and I look at how easy it has become now thanks to the wide boards and light rigs, it's a huge difference. However, there are also many alternatives to windsurfing today, such as kitesurfing or now wingfoiling and other water sports that convey the same attitude to life, freedom, coolness and a wild and self-determined life. That's why a pure windsurfing school no longer has a chance of survival these days, a school has to position itself more broadly in water sports.
What influence has the VDWS had on you as a school over the years?
The VDWS has of course had a big influence on our training programme with its courses, course sequences, textbooks and examinations. As I think that the VDWS has a very high standard and I also obtained all my licences from the VDWS, we have always followed their guidelines very closely. What's more, we can contact the VDWS if we have any problems and they really do everything they can to help us.
What would you like to see for the sport, the scene and the association in the future?
I hope that efforts will be made to ensure that VDWS diplomas are recognised at least throughout Europe and that VDWS diplomas do not have to be painstakingly recognised in some countries, such as here in France. Furthermore, I hope that the VDWS remains as serious but flexible as it has been up to now and that it is open to expansion with new trend sports - so that it always moves with the times so that the fun of water sports never goes away!
Interview: VDWS
More interviews on 50 years of VDWS:
