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

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written by Poole Windsurfing , May 25, 2010

Hi Everyone,

Some very sound advice from Bert. All too often I here the same kind of comments about peoples learn to windsurf experiences!
With a technical sport such as windsurfing you really do benefit from some basic lessons to sort out the basics of how to windsurf, then some practice time hiring equipment to see just how quickly you are progressing before taking the leap into buying your first windsurfing equipment.

Also, the kit has changed so much, the beginners windsurfing equipment now being very stable, light & easy to use. Don't make the mistake of learning from a friend, who by all probability has far too an advanced windsurfing equipment setup that will just make the sport seem impossible, especially when he/she jumps on the kit 'to show you how its done'!!

Click the link below to have a read of an article on the www.poolewindsurfing.co.uk website for more information & a 5 Step Guide to learning how to windsurf in the right way....

http://www.poolewindsurfing.co.uk/windsurfing-lessons-learn-to-windsurf/

Happy windsurfing!

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written by Ramcy , September 25, 2009

I agree, that one of best way to enjoyed life is to have fun specially when you get bored.
In fact windsurfing can be said to straddle both the laid-back culture of surf sports and the more rules-based environment of sailing.The sport has a potentially shallower (longer) learning curve when compared to other so-called "extreme" sports.But, are there easy way to learn surfing?
Brin @ howtowindsurf.net

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written by tonyhill , August 25, 2009

hi,
Where can I get details of getting some tuition at west kirby. The RYA site refers to wirral local council and I can find any info there.

I am looking for some lessons. I went sometime ago to manlet mere and was not impressed, anyone got any reccommendations

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written by planetheaven , July 28, 2009

Seek proper instruction is the correct thing. I had one lesson in Liverpool and it made all the difference of making it a bad or good experience. One the best things I've done in life! Can anyone tell me of the best place to hire a board and suit ect over in West Kirby marina?

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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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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 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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