Wielders of Authority, Examined
Let's Sail Through the Rhine: Vibrant History and Thriving Water Sports at Volmerswerther Deich 130
The graffiti-artist has adorned the boathouse at Volmerswerther Deich 130, home to the lively Düsseldorfer Wassersport-Verein (DWSV). Erika Bartsch, a 72-year-old club icon, explains the four visually captivating motives, celebrating the club's jubilee that had to be postponed due to COVID-19.
For over a century, the DWSV has stood as a beacon of water sports in Düsseldorf, offering titles at world championships, German championship fights, and world cups throughout the 1970s to 1990s. Notably, women's teams were particularly successful, with Karin Wahl, a local legend and world championship winner, leading the charge.
Today, the club's emphasis has shifted from racing to touring, appealing to both beginners and seasoned water sports enthusiasts. Small, large, and wild rivers excite the brave spirits, while taster paddling sessions during the annual summer festival and training trips are on offer for newcomers. Recognized water sports instructors train club members to tackle the Rhine confidently, teaching the Eskimo roll and capsize recovery techniques.
"Safety first!" “You gotta be able to turn or get out of a boat quickly, should you capsize," advises Erika Bartsch, with Rudi Vetten, the president, adding, "Having a swimming badge would be a nice start." The DWSV's membership remains steady around 200 members, but club life has been curbed for the past two years due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The delayed jubilee celebration was celebrated at the end of April, and last Saturday, the club embarked on its first large group tour since the pandemic hit. A record 25 water sports enthusiasts set sail on the Rhine from Hitdorf to the Volmerswerther boathouse, a historical section for the club. Over 100 years ago, the club's founders salvaged sunken bathing facilities and transported them to Volmerswerth, laying the groundwork for the first boathouse. The members' hard work also led to the club's subsequent homes. Now, the club's life is set to thrive again, with a jam-packed summer program in the pipeline.
Erika Bartsch gleams with excitement, "Because the view from the water is always different!" Follow the DWSV's Facebook or visit their official website for more information on upcoming events and training schedules.
"The vibrant history and thriving water sports at Volmerswerther Deich 130, home to Düsseldorfer Wassersport-Verein (DWSV), offer a unique sailing experience along the Rhine."
"Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned water sports enthusiast, the DWSV provides opportunities to explore and master river paddling, with safety instructions emphasized in their training schedules."
