46FEATUREMIC BRIGNALL
The bar is usually the place to convene , so most people who are on day off will meet there . If you have no plans , you know where to look .
As we all know there ’ s a slight drinking culture on seasons . There ' s always a party going on somewhere , and nights out in foreign countries can be some of the most entertaining – albeit confusing – experiences . Typically the locals , Greeks and Turks especially , are great at looking after you and the only thing they want in return is publicity ( recommend their restaurant / bar to your guests ). Loyalty is also a big thing to them , so the more you go , the better you will be treated – I can ' t think of anywhere in the UK that would let me have a tab running for several weeks in a row !
Recognising guests
You ’ d think it would be easy to get bored by the same routine week in , week out , but the ever-changing guests keep you fresh . It ’ s particularly rewarding when you start recognising guests season to season , and get to teach them again . As I have said already , it ’ s hard work , but there ’ s loads to be learnt and it ' s a great feeling when you have your beginner windsurfers all up , sailing and smiling !
Perhaps I have got you hooked on the idea of doing a season , so let me tell you how to go about it . Seasons can be done all year round , since winter-sun is becoming ever more popular . Travel companies are always looking for people at peak times , such as mid-summer or Christmas , so if you are a university student , it ’ s not a problem .
There are so many companies around , it ’ s hard to know where to start . Neilson ( who I work for ), Mark Warner , Ocean Elements and Club Vass are a few in the Mediterranean . If you have your sights set further afield then ION Clubs have some of the best names in windsurfing locations from Egypt to the Caribbean . These are just the big companies , there are hundreds of small companies to pick from too !
Without sounding too cheesy , deciding to do my first season was one of the hardest , but best choices I ’ ve ever made . I have been lucky enough to visit a different country every season , and I ’ ve met some lovely people . A particular favourite was Turkey , where I was good friends with one of the local beachies who introduced me to some of his culture . And here ’ s a piece of advice I shall never forget ; “ Never get a real job , it ’ s not worth it . Keep travelling , and enjoy what you do !” uk
WIND SURFING