This summer, the tow e.V. association once again organised a summer surf camp for children and young people from the Rügen region together with the "Rügen Piraten" water sports school and the town of Bergen auf Rügen. A total of 34 children and young people took part in the camp, some of whom were taking part for the fourth time and are now experienced surfers.
The aim of the camp is to introduce children and young people to water sports and teach them the skills they need to get out on the water independently. The "Rügen Piraten" water sports school actively supports the youngsters and the camp - and creates a new generation of enthusiastic windsurfers. Florian Krämer, VDWS instructor and one of the operators of "Rügen Piraten": "The first participants of our camp are already working at the surf school and spending half their summer on the water. This allows us to pass on the windsurfing virus to the next generation together." Three of the long-standing participants have completed an internship at the surf school this year and have already started training as water sports assistants.
First successes in foiling
Optimum conditions at the spot in Dranske and two surfing sessions a day enable all participants to make rapid progress. According to the organisers, many of the camp children have already developed impressive skills as a result. In addition to freestyling, which has been firmly established in the camp programme since the beginning, the first children and young people were able to try out windfoiling this year.
For participants who can already glide safely in the footstraps, there was an introductory course in foil surfing. Thanks to the existing basics, everyone quickly got "flying". Ken-Oke, a 10-year-old participant in the first lesson, commented: "I've always wanted to try it out. It's exactly what they do on TV." Or Neo Stein: "I was soooo fast!"
Guests from Ukraine and material support from Sailloft Hamburg
In addition to the enthusiasm for windsurfing, integration is a central concern of the organisation, which has been involved in this area for years and regularly offers projects with an integrative focus. This year, children who have fled Ukraine due to the current conflict took part for the second time. "The Ukrainian children were fully integrated in all areas right from the start. It's impressive how easily children, sport and community can overcome barriers," says Caroline Farke from tow e.V.
When the Wieker Bodden is full of sailors, the organisers are delighted. Andreas Schmidt for the tow e.V. association: "As the level of camp participants rises, we increasingly need more surfing equipment for advanced surfers. Sailloft Hamburg has recently started supporting us in this endeavour, enabling us to equip our camp and children's training with the best equipment." The tow e.V. surf camp will take place in Dranske again in 2024. Preparations are already underway.
