Getting started

These are some of the common misconceptions held up as ‘daunting’ reasons why potential newcomers to the sport never go any further than thinking it might be a cool pastime reflects Amanda Van Santen, RYA Chief Instructor, Dinghy and Windsurfing.

There are arguably more routes than ever before into taking those first tentative steps on to a board, yet the common reasons not to remain all too well-worn.

Amanda and Gillian Wright, RYA National Windsurfing Development Officer, make it their raison d’être to explain to the population at large –adults and kids – why these ‘reasons’ are nothing more than myths.

Here Amanda and Gillian provide their top tips on getting started in the sport.

At the very earliest point of thinking you may like to learn to windsurf, have a look at the Where’s My Nearest section of the RYA website. You may have already decided that there can’t possibly be anywhere local to you cater for windsurfing as you live in the middle of the country or the middle of nowhere. But there are some 250 RYA Training Centres running windsurfing courses in Britain and overseas so chances are you actually won’t have to travel too far at all. The RYA Start Windsurfing course is for adults and Windsurfing Stage 1 is for juniors.

Amanda Van Santen

Not at the start anyway. RYA Training Centres can provide you with all the kit and equipment you need including a wetsuit. The only things you may need are something for your feet and your own swimsuit. A common mistake is newcomers buy equipment that’s not appropriate for them, either too big and they progress off of very quickly, or too advanced, which hampers progression. We recommend not even thinking about investing in your own equipment until you reach Intermediate course level.

The language specific to windsurfing can be baffling and off-putting to an outsider. A key part of our Instructor training is they are taught to keep language simple so people can understand it, the same language is then as you continue to progress throughout the whole scheme.

We try to get people on to the water as soon as possible. There is a bit of simulated activity on shore to start with but one of the great things about windsurfing is pretty much everyone can go in a straight line by the end of session one. Windsurfing is about technique, which is why size, age, gender etc. don’t matter and you can improve pretty quickly. At the end of a two-day course people generally can get up and move on the board, sail across the wind, downwind, upwind, tack, gybe and understand how to put the kit together. Seeing quick improvements is really motivating for people to keep on wanting to get better.

NWF, the perfect place to catch up with other windsurfers.

Like with any sport the more you do it the better you will get more quickly. Most RYA training centres and windsurfing clubs have a ‘pay and play’ facility to hire kit and get out on the water. Many centres offer ‘pay and play’ discounts for students on their training courses, to encourage them to practice, while others are aligned with windsurfing clubs where people can get discounted hire. When practicing new techniques, stay in a comfortable Force 1-3. People don’t realise how much conditions can affect ability to learn.

Gillian Wright – Team15 champs cup 2011

Windsurfing is a massively social sport, even right from the start. There is a lot more fun to have if there are a few of you, so you can learn and progress together. People of all ages are much more likely to continue with a sport if they have an emotional and social attachment with it. Hook up with like-minded people in your area.  Find a club or group via the RYA (www.rya.org.uk) or Project Windsurf-UK (www.projectwindsurfuk.org.uk) websites or if you’re 15 or under look for your nearest Team15 club. This is one front on which Team15 has been so successful; the emphasis is on being part of a club with your mates.

When the time comes to buy your own kit and equipment make sure you get the right stuff you need for you to be comfortable on the water. Learning can be made easy by taking RYA courses, either locally or on holiday overseas, where all the equipment is provided and suitable for your level. When you’re progressing the kit you can hire will be appropriate to your standard, and change as you progress. But get it wrong when buying your own and you could stop yourself wanting to go! Start with a good fitting wetsuit and buoyancy aid; if you are warm and comfortable then you will want to go more. Buying your own board and sail will help you get out more often. Get good advice before you invest depending on budget.

Take time to think about your options with windsurfing equipment.

Learn how to put your board on your roof rack securely. It’s quite simple, but only if you know how. If you don’t have a car, can’t drive or don’t have sufficient storage, don’t stop let that stop you buying your own kit. Some clubs and centres offer storage for a small fee.

A badly rigged sail can hinder progress. If you buy from a centre or shop, they will show you how. If you buy second-hand ask the seller or a more experienced windsurfer to show you. Someone in your windsurfing group can help you.

Do I need to say more!

Find out more about RYA Windsurfing training courses at www.rya.org.uk

Windsurfing at NWF

Love to Windsurf?  Then why not join the association that supports you?

Join the RYA today and benefit from:

• Free third party insurance
• Representing your interests and defending your rights of navigation
• Personal advice and information on a wide range of windsurfing related topics
• Free sail numbers for Gold Members
• Legal advice on buying, selling and other windsurfing related matters
• The latest news delivered to your door or inbox by RYA magazine and e-newsletters
• Boat show privileges including free access to the exclusive RYA member’s lounge
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services

Get more from your boarding; support the RYA

Want to know more?  Call 0844 556 9556 or email member.services@rya.org.uk or join online at www.rya.org.uk/go/join

New to windsurfing? Find out more about getting into the sport in the Basics section here. 

New video from the weekend, thanks to rising star Sam Latham!

K15 Sam Latham @ OTC Weymouth winter slalom training from Sam Latham K15 on Vimeo.

The start of the competition calendar is quickly approaching and many sailors are getting serious about the pre season training now. Down in Weymouth over the weekend, Si Pettier showed the others exactly how to nail a start! Remember, Ross Williams will be joining the guys in Weymouth very soon for his pre-season training weekend.

Are you thinking of competing in the BSA or any other UKWA competitions this year? Have you started setting some on and off water goals to get you ready? Even sailing with a group and challenging each other could add that vital speed you’ll need to race to the front of the pack. If you’re looking for an active group of windsurfers to join, check out Project Windsurf UK and see what’s coming up in your area!

lesson

The Windsurf Club is based in Newburgh (just north of Aberdeen), Aberdeenshire, NE Scotland, and does exactly what the name suggests.

Blasting at Newburgh

The river Ythan in Newburgh is a tidal location which has been popular for decades and many of the local windsurfers who first got hooked here are now wave sailors, including Tiree Wave Classic Amateur competitors such as “Wavey” Davey Bichan who got a podium place a few years back. There is also Loch of Skene located West of Aberdeen which offers flat water but our main spot is the renowned Newburgh.

Newburgh

To be fair, the best bits of kit we had were the buoyancy aids, which we had bought specially for the occasion. Despite these kit limitations, the results far exceeded expectations with up to 11 children absolutley loving the experience and wanting more. The Awards for All grant that we subsequently secured has allowed us to start buying proper beginner and kids equipment and the club is preparing for a busy summer, with growing support and interest from the local community. After last year’s success at the Newburgh Jubilee Picnic where we were trying to give folk a bit of an idea of what we were trying to achieve, we have even been invited back by the Gala committee to let kids have another go on the simulator.

Learning to windsurf

The committee currently consists of four volunteers of mixed windsurfing abilities, ranging from ex-seasonaires to enthusiastic beginners:  President Ali Hardy, Treasurer Rob Walker, Secretary Danny Hawthorn and Club Welfare Officer Wendy Walker.

For more events like these in your area check out the Project Windsurf UK website and search the upcoming events!

RYA Winter Workshops and more!

On water action

We windsurfers can come across as a bit of a solitary bunch, so perhaps a club doesn’t immediately seem like our natural habitat. Hooked in, feet in the straps and skimming across the water, you are completely at one with the waves and the water. Having people around can be little more than an irritation.

Yet for all that, there is also a very social aspect to windsurfing. Rigging up prior to going out and chatting about the conditions and comparing kit is an essential part of the whole ritual. An extension of that is planning your next session with your mates over a beer or two, checking tides and winds (and enjoying a drink), is all part of the pleasure.

So why join a club?

There are plenty of good reasons to join a club. Of course, one massive benefit is having somewhere decent to store your kit instead of shoved under the stairs. Clubhouses also have the massive benefit of showers and changing rooms. How many times have you dreamt of a hot shower as you struggle back into your clothes in the cramped confines of the car?

Aside from this, clubs can also provide you with a bit of structure for your windsurfing and that can often give you the push you need to get out on the water as opposed to simply thinking it might be a good idea. It’s also great to be out on the water with other windsurfers in order to pick up tips; while a bit of extra training never did anyone any harm.

More coaches, better training

Behind the scenes, RYA Regional Development Officers (RDO’s) are busy helping clubs with planning and organisation, volunteers, new training courses and even organising windsurfing club workshops. All of which, will entice new members and encourage existing ones to windsurf more regularly.

T15 Champions Cup 2012

The number of instructors in training centres has risen significantly in the last few years which is great news as it means more opportunities for you to sharpen up your skills.

The success of the RYA’s Team15 Programme, which provides young windsurfers with a fun structured way of windsurfing as part of a club, means that club windsurfing is already on the up and the more like-minded windsurfers there are around, the better the post session chat will be.

Inter-club challenges are a fantastic way to raise the standard of windsurfing for the youngsters and it provides a great way for the younger generation of windsurfers to pick up some tips whilst having a laugh with their mates on the water.

Team15 also underpins the RYA’s youth and junior pathway, which is the very first step on the Olympic pathway, giving young windsurfers a real focus and goal. It also means that if they have talent that needs to be developed, they are not going to be overlooked.

How to get hold of a club

Ok, so you’ve decided that being a member of a club is a good idea and one that should help you go windsurfing more regularly, the next step is finding one near you.  The RYA has a directory of all RYA affiliated clubs within the UK and abroad. You’ll be able to find your nearest one by going to the RYA’s Where’s my nearest

You can also find your nearest club on Project Windsurf-UK, which aims to promote windsurfing clubs and groups in the UK, and link individual windsurfers with these local groups.

By offering an added social aspect to windsurfing, these groups hope to encourage more people to go windsurfing together, more often; visit www.projectwindsurfuk.org.uk and discover where your local windsurfing group’s located, or sign up your own group and invite others to join you. 

Loads going on at Northampton

Bringing it to life: Northampton Sailing Club

We asked Neil Patrick, Windsurfing Club Officer at Northampton Sailing Club how it works at his club….

Windsurfers at NSC range from six to 75 and often ‘compete’ with each other for the speed record, come together for charity events and keep in contact with each other to arrange to meet and sail when the weather conditions are promising.

10-15 year old windsurfers enjoy weekly Team15 sessions which provide the opportunity for beginners to be introduced to the techniques required for social windsurfing and racing including practice starts, advice on kit preparation and advice on progression to squads.

Pitsford Pirates

Our team the Pitsford Pirates are part of the T15 Inter-Club Championship and we were delighted this year to see them finishing 1^st place in the Midlands Zone and 6^th overall in the national final, the Team15 Champions Cup.

Experienced young windsurfers at the club are also available as volunteer coaches, and they offer an insight into the RYA racing programme, encouraging others to enter the racing events. This is particularly important as it creates an enthusiasm in the club and the new youngsters can learn first-hand from their peers. It creates a very special social bond providing the right atmosphere for the new members to gain confidence in their abilities.

Planning is already under way at NSC to offer freestyle opportunities and training to young people and adults looking for tuition or an introduction to freestyle events. All our windsurfing members are encouraged to join in with all social activities hosted by the club. Many of our young people attend both windsurfing and sailing tuition groups. There are also social activities for Windsurfers only such as the Windsurf for Cancer day or the ‘offsite’ trips to other waters.

Windsurfers at Northampton

The club arranges ‘open days’ throughout the year, offering new and prospective members the opportunity to try windsurfing with a coach on hand to give tips. Through the Northampton Watersports Centre, it is possible to then book courses to continue to learn to windsurf.

The adults and young people involved in both sailing and windsurfing create cross sport social groups reducing the ‘them and us’ situation! In the present economic climate it is a cost effective way for families to participate in a sporting activity and includes the advantage of a thriving social club. We have identified that many young people who participate in Team15 then move onto other sailing disciplines both as sailors and windsurfers, providing the club membership of the future.”

If you want to help to develop your windsurfing club, contact your local RDO. Find out who your local RDO is by contacting the RYA on 02380 604 251 or by emailing ben.reid@rya.org.uk 

Boards catches up with Boardwise to find out more about how the demos are run and what’s involved:

Just some of the Boardwise demo equipment set up and ready to go! Image credit Dave White.

“We run a summer demo at Aberdovey which coincides with the BSA slalom event. This is the biggest of the year with support from the town, the Yacht club and all the importers.

When someone comes along to a demo they can try all the latest kit, get advice from the people who really know about the products, but most of all just come to an event which gives them a great feel about the sport of windsurfing!

The main summer and winter demos are supported by brands including: Fanatic and North, RRD and Ezzy, Tabou and Gaastra, and Starboard and Tushingham. Not only do the brands supply top notch NEW equipment, they also bring along some top sailors too.

Demo regulars now include (to name but a few):  former PWA superstar Nik Baker, current Formula World Champion Ross Williams, master of speed Dave White, plus awesome coaches Jem Hall, Sam Ross, etc. They are all more than happy to help not only with rigging, tuning and choosing equipment but also can offer top technique tips too.

Lots of people turn up and sail on Saturday. Then Saturday evening usually involves a few drinks, before getting on the water again to blow away the cobwebs on Sunday morning.

All images from the Boardwise Bonfire Bash 2013 and credit Dave White.

We are usually fairly lucky with the weather, and the huge range of equipment on offer means people can almost always get on the water. But even if the wind doesn’t blow we all have a great weekend; there’s normally a good night out on the Saturday at least!

We also go to all of the student events through out the year; the SWA run a great series of events through the autumn, winter and into spring. They really focus on getting as many people onto the water at all levels; there is a great contingent of beginners and improvers at the student event and we are proud to support them by taking all our gear for them to use! Plus our van goes up to the local club once a week in the summer.

On Guy Fawkes weekend each year we run a Bonfire Bash, it’s a bit late in the year so it can be a little cold, but again we have a great weekend none the less with fires on the beach and an amazing firework display! Check out the full report from Boardwise on the here. 

Whilst most of our demos take place at Aberdovey, we do offer some more local ones and we are looking to do a few more at different venues next year.”

There are lots of clubs, schools, brands and shops that run demos. At Boards we always try to have the latest info on up coming demos online, but if one is happening at your local spot that we haven’t promoted then please do contact amy@boards.co.uk and let us know!

Find all the windsurfing demo news on Boards through this link.

Boards Recommended Demos

Boardwise  - based in Cannock, demos at various locations but regularly run at Aberdovey. Follow all the Boardwise news on Boards here.

Robin Hood Watersports  - based in Yorkshire, frequently run demos at West Kirby.  Follow all the Robin Hood Watersports news on Boards here.

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Juice Boardsports – based in Huddersfiled, regular demos on forecast run at Fraisthorpe announced both here on Boards and through their forum. 

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Bray Lake - based in Berkshire, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Bray Lake news on Boards here. 

Lagoon Watersports -   based in Hove, run occasional demo days (usually with Fanatic/North). Follow all the Lagoon Watersports news on Boards here.

L.A.R. Watersports - based in Pagham, run occasional demo days. Follow all the LAR Watersports news on Boards here.

Puravida Boardriders - based in South Glamorgan, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Puravida Boardriders news on Boards here.

Quayside Windsurfers - based in Norfolk, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Quayside Windsurfers news on Boards here.

Wet n Dry Boardsports - based in Basildon, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Wet n Dry Boardsports news on Boards here.

4Boards  - based in Southampton, run occasional demo days. Follow at the 4Boards news on Boards here.

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Many more demo days and information about similar events can be found on the RYA’s Project Windsurf – UK website. They even have a specific demo events page right here where many chose to share event info. Project Windsurf UK also gives you the opportunity to share what is happening at your local windsurfing spot, so head on over and get involved!

You might also like to read:

These and many more event are always displayed on the Project Windsurf UK events page, so head here http://www.projectwindsurfuk.org.uk/events to check out everything that is going on in the UK windsurfing scene.

Windsurf Plymouth, an active group on Project Windsurf - UK. Image courtesy John Warren www.h2ophoto.org

With summer here and autumn winds around the corner, it’s definitely time to brush the dust off our kit and get out on the water. But, getting back into watersports after a long break can be challenging and sometimes a little motivation and encouragement from others goes a long way!!

The RYA pumps huge resource into supporting local clubs, helping to ensure clubs are able to offer the service you and I require to get out on the water. I spoke to three clubs; Notts County, Minis Bay and KGSC about the secrets of their success!

Notts County

‘Variety is the Key’ says Gerry Ball, RYA Trainer, Regional Club Coach and member at Notts County SC. ‘Every windsurfer loves to go fast’, says Gerry and so Notts County Club purchased two GPS’s, which the members contribute £10 (per year) to use and introduced the Speed Ladder. Designed as a bit of fun and low key competition, GPS speeds are recorded both monthly, and annually, with the best six results counting towards an annual trophy. This definitely encourages people to turn up more regularly; any windy days now just cannot be missed, with members discussing top tips and kit set up in the bar afterwards!

The success of the GPS lead us to expand the speed and introduced a ‘Very short (>2mins)’ timed lap,  set around a course – similar to a concept run by the famous car show on BBC 2, basically a timed Speed Trial, with times not being revealed until everyone gets back in the clubhouse. We have found that this encourages people to work on their technique, setting themselves targets, knowing that if they can improve their stance, or perhaps skill around the corners, they will get quicker!

Notts County

And why does it work so well?  Because it can be done on ‘club’ boards and sails, with no hi-tech kit needed!

Gerry’s two top tips – Communication and catering

• Communication, email groups work well and Facebook and/or twitter have aided and increased club communication and can actually be more productive.
• Catering, very important! This is really important to knitting together all our initiatives at the club, and without the social element the whole thing would falter.

Minis Bay, who after receiving a grant in 2010, were able to invest in new equipment, safety boat engine and additional safety boat training for their volunteers, helping their club go from strength to strength.  Last year the club also benefited from six days professional instruction, due to being an RYA Affiliated Club.  The RYA’s adult participation scheme, ‘More Adults Sailing More Often’ provided the club with access to a pro coach, who provided the club members with coaching support at a variety of skill levels, aiming to improve technique and help sustain interest in the sport, through inspirational coaching and encouragement, helping them tackle plato’s in their windsurfing progression. It was amazing – every session was fully booked and people left encouraged and enthused!!

King George Sailing Club (KGSC), North London, had just nine windsurfing members, with kit that was over 25 years old, but with hard work, commitment and dedication, membership today is 53!

KGSC

By selling old abandoned kit, the club started to raise money to kick start the funding process and purchased some second hand kit. Becoming an RYA Training Centre gave KGSC exposure to the general public, while giving credence on course deliverables and helped put them on the map.

So what do they do to encourage their membership? Membership discounts for newly qualified beginners, offers on courses at the club, storage containers; since KGSC is located in London many of our members have problems with storage facilities, so funding was gained and three containers and open days to attract potential new members.

Like Notts County, KGSC feel communication is key and uses email to give their members periodic encouragement throughout the year.  They also use the distribution list to provide help for their beginners.   Being a beginner can be a bit daunting, so to overcome this there is a ‘buddy’ list available of names and contact numbers of people the beginners can contact during the week to go windsurfing with.

KGSC

GPS speed trials, course racing, Tag Team racing, all topped off with end of evening BBQ are just some of the evening activities KGSC have in the evenings to add to the social element.

An important element that runs through all three of these and their success is the support and dedication from their volunteers, the teamwork, that without they would not be able to achieve all they have.

If you would like to find out where your nearest windsurfing club or Training Centre is, don’t waste another second, get online and check out ‘Where’s my nearest’ at www.rya.org.uk.

With this in mind, what are you up to over the bank holiday weekend and beyond? The Project Windsurf UK events page is a great place to check out what’s happening…

Windsurfing Stithians

Down in the South West Stithians Lake are running a Windsurf Rally over the whole weekend, whilst on Sunday Windsurf Plymouth are running a demo day with all of their new equipment.

As mentioned previously on Boards, in Wales Puravida Boardriders are running the Caldy Island Relay and windsurf festival. Check out all the information about these events, plus a many more here on the Project Windsurf UK events page.

Who are the Manx Windsurfers?

There have been windsurfers around on the Island since the early 1980’s but the ‘Manx Windsurfers’ group has been going since the end of 2011.

At the moment our group is mainly male.  We have one female member but we are trying to encourage more,  unfortunately we are not the youngest bunch! This could be due to the fact that there is no shop or established watersports centre that teaches windsurfing but we hope to see some more younger members joining us soon.

Neill in action.

Where are the best windsurfing spots on the Isle of Man?

The majority of Manx windsurfing takes place in three bays in the south of the Island. Castletown, Derbyhaven and Gansey.  However, being an Island there are other beaches available in various wind conditions. The conditions range from flat water to large swell and even occasionally full on waves.

How often do you manage to get out on the water?

As often as possible! Whenever the wind blows there is usually somebody out, whatever the time of year. Windsurfing has been a significant part of my life for many years.  I have found myself planning family holidays on the basis of where the wind will be good and the water not far away.

Are beginners welcome?       

We are always welcoming of beginners or visitors and are keen to see that they are kept safe, enjoy their experiences and want more. If you are new to the sport and want to sail on the Isle of Man. I would recommend signing up to Project Windsurf-UK and joining our group!  Also don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice, especially on where to sail in certain wind or sea conditions.

What about socialising?

The majority of our social activity takes place on the beach or indeed on the Project Windsurf-UK forum.  However, there have been trips to the pub and beach BBQs are planned, if and or when our summer turns up!

How has Project Windsurf-UK worked for you?

Project Windsurf-UK has been excellent.  I can keep in touch with other members and co-ordinate when and where I sail. I think the project has had a major effect on the sport. We have had over 700 posts on the forum and for a community of 19 that has to be impressive.

I think the feeling of ‘community’ and togetherness has given the new members confidence and has encouraged them to sail in more ‘challenging’ conditions and in places that they would never have considered previously.

All we have to do now is encourage more newcomers!

Project Windsurf-UK is brought to you by the RYA.

Signing up is easy. Simply register as an online member and follow the step by step guidelines on the website homepage.

Check out Project Windsurf-UK at www.projectwindsurfuk.org.uk

Nick is currently lying in 4th with Bryony in 7th overall. Things are far from decided and Boards will continue to bring you all the action and results from the event site in Weymouth.

Stay tuned!

Elsewhere but sticking with the Olympic theme we reported that there has now been an official legal challenge against the ISAF ballot to not include the RS:X discipline in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Boards will monitor this situation closely and bring you updates as and when they happen.

The battle to save the Weymouth and Portland Rescue Helicopter is underway and you can pledge your support by signing the e-petition here

Saskia Sills reported her amazing success during the Windsurfing Worlds that were held in Dublin Bay recently. Read her write up here

We were given the good news that the Scottish Wind Fest has been confirmed. All the details can be found here

And finally, get involved with the RYA’s Project Windsurf UK initiative -

Are the Olympics whetting your appetite to get out there and get involved in sport?
When did you last go windsurfing? We’ve had some great conditions meaning a large number of you have been very active, but there’s definitely people who have yet to make the connection with a local group to help them get back out there. Check out the map – to find your local group and then click on their home page to join them – and then get posting! And if there’s not a group in your area yet, consider starting your own… 

Project Windsurf UK

Have a great weekend and pray for wind!

On the face of it, windsurfing is a fairly straightforward sport; you head to a windy waterside location, rig up your sail, attach it on to your board and get out there with the hope of some high speed sailing, spectacular jumps, perhaps pulling off some fancy freestyle, whatever floats your boat, or in this case, board.

On the other hand, windsurfing is far more than this. By getting involved in a sport as absorbing as windsurfing, you are, one way or the other, tapping into a lifestyle as well. This might manifest itself in small ways; little things like the Naish sticker in the back of your car window and subtle differences in your clothing, but it’s still marking you out from the crowd. For others, the effect of windsurfing on their lifestyle can be all consuming: This can even be as drastic as jacking in your job and heading off to distant shores to chase wind and wave.

The point is that, in taking up windsurfing, consciously or subconsciously, you become part of a community. It’s not always obvious, because windsurfers are generally a fairly disparate group, but it’s there all the same. This all brings us rather neatly to Project Windsurf-UK, a new initiative set up by the RYA to tap into that sense of community and forge stronger links.

Windsurf Plymouth, an active group on Project Windsurf - UK. Image courtesy John Warren www.h2ophoto.org

How does it aim to do that? The RYA believes that social networking is the key and at the heart of Project Windsurf-UK is a rather nicely put together website which allows you to sign up and share ideas, thoughts and experiences with other windsurfers either through blogs or an online forum. In addition to this, you can inspire others by uploading your latest photos or video footage.

The RYA’s Gillian Wright has been the driving force behind the project and she explains a little more about the basic concept:

“With Project Windsurf-UK we wanted to create a focal point within the windsurfing scene, which would not only bring windsurfers together into local communities, but would also inspire people who haven’t been out for a while to dust off their kit and get back out there.

The crowds gather for W4CR. Many of whom share their experiences on Project Windsurf - UK.

Just as importantly we want an easy mechanism to be able to promote every windsurfing group and club across the country and a single website publicising all local opportunities to get on the water. 

Windsurfers love to share and discuss their experiences, and the sport lends itself to spectacular photos and footage, which should generate even more interest. For keen windsurfers, this will also be a great way to get in touch with other windsurfers and share tips and experiences.”

The website will also provide the perfect platform for windsurfing clubs and groups which have already been established to further promote their various activities. Whether you’re a club or just a loose collective of mates who windsurf together, you can register and you’ll be given your own page where you can post comments and chat to other members, provide links to your own website if you have one and generally just let people know what’s going on and what your group is all about.

Continue on page two…