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