The sport of windsurfing is now 40 years old, but it has come a long way from it's origins of a heavy board and unwieldy triangular sail. Modern equipment is lightweight and easier to handle and consequently offers higher levels of excitement. Windsurfing combines elements of sailing and surfing and also aspects of skateboarding, snowboarding, waterskiing and wakeboarding. With the top quality windsurfing lessons, excellent equipment and conditions it is possible to learn the basics of sailing across the wind, steering and turning around in a few hours. Progression to more advanced manoeuvres like planing, carve gybing and jumping requires commitment and practice, but the rewards are well worth it - you'll certainly get the buzz. Windsurfing provides something for everyone from cruising in light winds, flat water blasting, wave sailing, freestyle racing and speed sailing - in fact, a windsurfer currently holds the world speed sailing record of 48.7 knots which is over 50mph!
Firstly our location is second to none. We have an excellent teaching area right opposite the shop, in the shallow flat waters of the duckpond (see the webcam). The water is mostly waist deep with a sandy bottom, meaning you can fall off and easily get back on your board and learn in a very safe environment. We also have an excellent grass area where you can learn the basics before taking to the water giving you the perfect head start.
Secondly our instructors are hand picked for their love of the sport and their dedication to tuition. They are all experienced, qualified instructors who will expertly guide you through every stage of the sport from rigging to ripping. So please feel free to pop in for a chat or give us a call. Whether you just need advice on windsurfing in the area, want some tuition or are looking for some new equipment, we will be very happy to help.
Finally our shop stocks only the best brands, this translates into the equipment you will use on the water. Excellent boards and sails specifically tailored for learning the sport and progressing. We pride ourselves on supporting our customers and pupils so once you have learnt with us we can help guide you through the best kit to buy, where to sail and give you advice on improving.
This is the first day of the Start Windsurfing course so if you just want to a 'taster', this is the course for you. If you find that you enjoyed it (and most people do), you can complete the Start Windsurfing course by attending the Start Windsurfing second day later on. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve in one three hour session. We aim to have you up on the board and sailing both ways across the wind by the end of the session.
The Start Windsurfing course is a 2 day course (3 hours per day) designed to take you from complete beginner and get you sailing around in light winds. First we'll get you up and sailing across the wind in both directions, then we show you how to go up and down wind too. We also cover some theory and safety information so that you are ready to go and practice on your own.
Once you've mastered the basics you'll be ready for sailing in stronger winds. We'll show you how to beachstart and use a harness and get your tacks and gybes happening more quickly and smoothly. This 2 x 4 hour course will also introduce the RYA Fastfwd coaching method which is a great way to get you progressing quickly.
You're now ready to take the leap and get the board planing. We use the Fastfwd method to show you how to use the harness and footstraps and really get the board blasting.
This is for anyone of any level and our instructors will help you with any new skill you are looking to learn or improve. If you find yourself making the same mistakes over and over again, we can help you to break free and start progressing again.
