Learn windsurfing in the UK!

Always wanted to give windsurfing a try but never knew where to start?

Learning to windsurf can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life, and the UK coastline (which is amazingly over 7000 miles long) offers a huge variety of windsurfing conditions and facilities. This is not to mention the lakes and inland waters that cover the British Isles and make great places to start windsurfing and explore the country.

In this post, I'm going to tell you about what to consider, the essential equipment you need, and share links to some of the top schools and training centres in the UK where you can learn windsurfing.

Windsurfing off Hayling Island, Hampshire, UK

Points to Remember Before You Learn Windsurfing

• It’s not as difficult as you think!

• One of the best things about windsurfing is that it can be enjoyed at any age. The risk of injury is much less than compared to snowboarding or skateboarding. In fact, many windsurfers sail well after retirement age!

• Choosing the right windsurfing gear is important. (I’ll post a blog specifically on this at a later date but for now read on..)

• As a beginner, you should start with large, stable boards with lots of buoyancy and a small sail. They can help you learn to balance on water without falling in every 2 seconds (well, that will happen...but it will happen less on a stable board).

• The sail should not be too heavy or too big. Else, it can be a frustrating experience (as a beginner) as you will need to be able to pull it out of the water each time to start.

• Once you improve your windsurfing skills, you can use smaller boards which are more manoeuvrable and ultimately more fun.

• Get windsurfing lessons from professional instructors (Find list of schools below).

• Take your time to learn, practice, and you will rock it eventually I promise! It’s all about enjoying the experience so don’t push yourself to learn too much too soon. If you tire you will make mistakes, get frustrated and the fun leaves town.

• You’ll gradually learn how to up-haul your sail, turn around, and windsurf upwind (if you are familiar with tacking in sailing it’s a similar thing).

Cool Windsurfing Schools/Training Centres in the UK

Here are some of the top schools in the UK that will introduce you to the basics and can help you get started with the right techniques, gear, and those little details only a professional will know!

• East London Windsurfing School, Nazeing

• Lagoon Water Sports, Hove, East Sussex

• Poole Harbour Sports, Dorset

• Siblyback Water Sports Centre, Cornwall

• Rye Water Sports, East Sussex

• Wild Diamond Windsurf, Hebrides, Scotland

• Edgbaston Water Sports, Birmingham

• RYA Windsurf School, London

• West Wittering Windsurf Club, Chichester

• Coverack Windsurfing Centre, Helston

Thinking of Taking Up Windsurfing?

What is stopping you? Most people say they have no time, or they think they aren't strong enough. This is a sport anyone can try and its more about technique than sheer strength. You can choose to windsurf on the enticing lakes and lochs which are calm and great to begin on, and then of course, the ocean which has protected calm bays and harbours to start on.

Are you ready for the fun involved in catching the breeze? Try it, you will love it.

Patrick

SeaWolf