RE:Queen Mary Resevoir - Staines
written by Paz , December 29, 2003

Hey, there is more water in it now. This is my local spot and I think it is great. Facilities are good including a bar so you can stop for a couple of pints of lager in between sailing, without the fear of drifting out to sea as they have rescue boats and its a reservoir. Its great for me as I am learning and being a member get cheaper training. Hot showers are great to. The shop there is also very handy selling most stuff. Can't fault it much really. I've been on the sea a couple of times but admit I feel safer on the reservoir, maybe when I am more experienced I will prefer other places but it is handily located and makes a good day out of London.

RE:Queen Mary Resevoir - Staines
written by Mungo , January 19, 2004

I agree with what Andrew and Paz have said about this venue. Good space, hot showers, bar etc all make the experience more comfortable, and having a rescue boat certainly gives peace of mind. Unfortunately the reservoir has a long concrete spit jutting out into the middle with trees growing on it, which causes lumpy wind and dead spots when the wind is anything other than SW. One also has to be careful when launching/landing because the steep side of the reservoir is concrete and it is very easy to take chunks out of your fin when you beachstart. Another bad point is that because the reservoir does not have any shallow areas, you cannot practise light wind freestyle tricks on your short board without having to swim back to shore every time you go down. All in all, if you get a good wind day, you'll come away happy. Similarly if you sail floaters you won't have a problem. But if the wind is marginal and you want to improve your short board technique, go somewhere else.