15
1 GET THE RIGHT KIT
AVS: “With the right personal equipment, you can windsurf all year round.
A good winter wetsuit will enable you to carry on sailing right through the
winter months. The different seasons brings different sailing, summer can
bring some lovely evening sea breeze sails, while autumn and winter can
bring classic strong wind frontal conditions. The best thing about UK sailing
is its diversity through the weather systems we have bringing such a variety
of sailing conditions, coastal and inland.
“The RYA has 250 Training centres across the UK and overseas recognised
to deliver windsurfing tuition. That must mean there are plenty of patches of
water across the UK!”
If you’ve dipped out of the sport, how do you pick up
where you left off?
2 WORK ON YOUR CONFIDENCE
AVS: “Getting someone to provide you with a few coaching points will
speed up your progression and bring you up to speed with any changes
or equipment updates.
“People often think tuition is only for beginners, and means
commitment of a full day or weekend, but most RYA Training Centres
provide flexible coaching up to an intermediate or even advanced
level, anything from an hour’s recap to longer durations.
“With equipment available and often hire options, the centre can
help you get back on your way quickly and hassle free.”
What training would you recommend if you’ve
been out of the loop?
AVS: “The tuition or course you take has to be akin to the
level you are, you might just need an hour of an instructor’s
time to crack a particular skill, or a more structured course
to bring you back up to speed. Chatting it through with
your local centre would be the best way to see what will
suit best.”
3 BECOME AN ACTIVE CLUB
MEMBER
AVS: “Windsurfing is a sociable sport, so it’s
always nice to go with other people. Clubs often
have specific nights people get together, as well
as events and race nights.
“With the added knowledge that other people are
on the water or about, joining a club often makes
people feel more comfortable about going afloat,
especially if you’ve taken a break, or need that
added push to progress yourself or try a new skill!”
uk
WIND
SURFING