WindsurfingUK Issue 8 September 2018 | Page 39

39 IT’S A DILEMMA FOR ANYONE INTO WINDSURFING WITH OFFSPRING. IMPARTING ENOUGH INSPIRATION/INFORMATION AND ENCOURAGING YOUR KIDS WITHOUT BEING OVERLY PUSHY CAN BE TRICKY. IF THE MAGIC HAPPENS THEN THEY TOO WILL HAVE THEIR IMAGINATIONS PIQUED AND SOON BE BLASTING BACK AND FORTH WITH MUM AND DAD (IF BOTH PARENTS SAIL). The difficulty, however, is not being the overzealous parent forcing the issue resulting in a complete lack of interest. Also, there needs to preparation in the event of none of your children ever becoming bug bitten. But you know what? That’s OK as hopefully they’ll find another active pursuit to while away the hours. We know of many a young un involved in other similar sports even if they’re not bothered by windsurfing per se. Beginnings Our eldest, Molly, has always been around boards of some description (how can she not with me as her dad!). From day one it was SUPs, surfboards, skateboards and windy boards/sails. Familiarisation has therefore been ongoing – something which is now happening with our youngest, Oscar. uk WIND SURFING