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Written by Bert   
Thursday, 03 August 2006

In this brief article I'm going to teach you how to windsurf.....

 

Maybe not - but I would like to suggest some ways you might go about it which could save you some heartache and misery.  Many times I have heard the story during social chit chat, maybe at work or on a bus etc. "I tried windsurfing once on holiday - it was terrible - I sailed out from the beach and fell in and couldn't get  back - they had to send a rescue boat for me - I was so embarrased and I've never tried it again" or maybe "I borrowed a friends board and  tried it at our local lake/reservoir - I just fell in all day and got really cold" 

Stories like these can be avoided - in my opinion the best way is to seek proper instruction.  In the UK the RYA is a body which trains and certifies instructors and establishments to ensure that people (like you) are trained to a consistently high standard. 

 

I personally took most of a summer to learn to windsurf, looking back I'm surprised I kept at it.  Since then I have spent some time as an RYA windsurf instructor and using their system was amazed to see many people learn the very basics in a few hours and be reasonably proficient after a weekend course.  

The RYA has a full and progressive suite of courses to teach you to windsurfing from basic to advanced, here are the titles of those courses - each is a link to the RYA site giving full information; 

RYA Start Windsurfing course

RYA Intermediate Windsurfing course (non-planing)

RYA Intermediate Windsurfing course (planing)

RYA Advanced Windsurfing course

 

My local RYA recognised centre (and the one where I used to work) is Wirral Sailing Centre based at West Kirby - click the link to get full details  on the RYA Website

 

 

Comments (3)add
...
written by sockgoblin , November 03, 2006
My sons took lessons at Astburysailsports near congleton , very good tuition , very safe. You can hire wetsuits, boards , sails the whole deal.

We also went on a Neilson holiday which is a great option , falling in is quite nice in warm waters and hot sun. Excellent setup , good kit , good teaching and the most important a group of people at the same level as you with the same objective, to learn

There are also other companies that provide tuition and hire such as clubvass(see the links section of this site)

dont buy any kit until you have had some instruction and have tried different kit.

Do ask windsurfers,either on sites like this or at the places where they sail, they were all learners once and want to encourage others into the sport ( be careful if they want to sell you kit tho!)
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written by lauralove , January 06, 2008
Hi bert...do you know when they will be doing instructor courses/powerboat courses at the lake, and the cost?

Laura
x
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written by bert , January 07, 2008
Hi Laura - I have no idea - they tend to be run as and when required. Try ringing them on 0151 625 2510 or 0151 625 3292, I think the second number is the school the first is the wardens but it's all one phone system....
Unless it's changed Joanne looks after bookings and courses etc.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 03 August 2006 )