The International Windsurfing Association was formed to unite the sport of windsurfing and provide a focal point for information, and central administration for all classes to use.

It was founded in January 2001, when it was first incorporated as a Limited Company here in the UK, but did not succeed in getting the backing of all sections until Feb 2002 – when IMCO and MJOD joined, and the Manufacturers (representative) accepted as a director/voting member of the Board. Soon afterwards the PWA joined up and Phil McGain, their Chairman, also became a Director.

Annie Smith took up the newly created post of Administrative Secretary in February 2002.

The office has been inundated with messages of support – the overwhelming belief of most people is that the IWA was long overdue. We have set ourselves a huge task – a full and frank report will be made available at the First AGM of IWA (Largs, Scotland in August 2002). Final details will be announced in forthcoming Web News.

The IWA Executive Committee (Board of Directors) is made up from:

Bruno de Wannemaeker (President) – IFCA President;

Ceri Williams (Hon.Secretary) – Aloha Chairman;

Marc Cardon – IFWC Chairman;

Diederick Bakker – IMCO rep;

Peter Krimbacher – MJOD rep;

Felipe Bellini – Raceboard President;

John Ellis (Professional Accountant) – Hon Treasurer;

Phil McGain – PWA Chairman;

Guy Chilvers (BIC Sport) – Manufacturers Representative

The Classes (and their members) remain in control of their own destinies through their constitutions, class rules, AGM’s and committees. However, the IWA will play a role in co-ordinating the International calendar, and in avoiding disputes between classes (and others) that have plagued the sport in the past.

The IWA will also present a strong voice to represent the sport to ISAF and other organisations – something also lacking in the past.

We are very keen to establish working relationships with all those involved/interested in Windsurfing worldwide. Constructive criticism will always be welcome -a complacent organisation will not be able to serve its members properly – but REAL progress is being made at last.

Not an easy task – but with our perseverance, and your tolerance, we will get there.

Apart from Annie manning the IWA office – the routine workload has been shared by Ceri Williams, IWA Hon. Secretary, and Rory Ramsden, who you may know as the Executive Secretary of IMCO.

The website is currently being completely re-vamped, but can still be a useful source of information – www.internationalwindsurfing.com

If you are not already on the mailing list for WEBNEWS, or for further information on the IWA, please contact Annie – info@internationalwindsurfing.com

April 2002