What's involved...
Ask anyone coming in from the water, and they all say the same; windsurfing is a fantastic sport. From crude, specialist beginnings the sport has grown in practicality, safety and scope over the passing seasons to become a watersport that is many things to many people. Whether you are ripping up the surf in lines of perfect swell, cruising effortlessly through the water punctuated with the odd long floaty jump, or powering through some of the most athletic and technical of unhooked freestyle moves, windsurfing has a lot to offer every rider.
It's not just the talented or physical elite who prosper; windsurfing is easy and thanks to modern designs, is safer than ever, meaning the sport can be learned at your own pace with the scope to push as far as you feel comfortable. The kit is easily transportable so you can go wherever the conditions suit your sailing style.
The Road Forward
There are many different ways to learn, top of the list must be a lesson, which although not essential will save you a lot of messing around, and stop you from picking up any bad habits which could impede your future progress. There is plenty of media available, books, web resources and dvd's to help you through every aspect.
Learning to windsurf can be extremely easy; the starting point is getting the right kit. Kit choice is critical, so if you are buying your own kit, make sure you understand what you are buying and seek professional advice if possible. There is a lot on the market that is unsuitable for the beginner or intermediate where as some designs are easy, safe and offer performance you will never outgrow.
Windsurfing has never been as easy to learn. The lake by the shop, here at Bishopton is perfect for learning and progressing. We are a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) approved teaching establishment, with qualified instructors. We use modern lightweight wide style boards, light monofilm sails and carbon reduced diameter masts... Struggling to uphaul is a thing of the past! We have a range of equipment to suit all ages and sizes depending on the weather conditions. Too small a sail or board can be just as difficult to learn with as equipment that is too big for the conditions.
Learning Steps
First on the dry land simulator to learn the basics and then onto the water. Most people at the end of their first two hour session can uphaul, turn the board around and sail across the wind and back. All equipment is provided including wetsuit and buoyancy aid, you must be able to swim a minimum of 25mts.
All instruction here at Surfstore must be pre booked with an instructor (see instructor tab above).
Similar to taking driving lessons, once you have had your first lesson, you will want to either continue with structured learning or you may want to practise with board hire until you feel you want more coaching, or you may want to do both! You may feel you just want to go and buy some kit and get on with it yourself!
As mentioned before learning to windsurf can be extremely easy; the starting point is getting the right kit. Kit choice is critical, so if you are buying your own kit, make sure you understand what you are buying and seek professional advice if possible. There is a lot on the market that is unsuitable for the beginner or intermediate where as some designs are easy, safe and offer performance you will never outgrow.
Here at Surfstore we can help you with all your windsurfing needs, so don't hesitate to give us a call - we're more than happy to help!
Our coaches can help you from your first steps on the board as a beginner right through to advanced techniques such as waterstarting and carve gybing. These sessions are more flexible to arrange and so the chances of having favourable wind conditions for the level you wish are more likely.
Equipment is provided or you can use your own.
Individual: One hour all equipment provided £40.00 Available by arrangement with instructor.
Group: ( Maximum of 6 ) Two hours, all equipment provided £30.00 adult; £25.00 Junior (Under 16). Available midweek evenings, 6-8pm Tuesday or Thursday; Saturday mornings.11-1pm
Hire: two hours, all equipment provided £20.00 adult; £15 junior. Available 10am-5pm seven days and also possible on Tuesday and Thursdays evenings until 8pm if an instruction session is taking place.
Helen Bainbridge - HB Windsurf
Helen has worked in various exotic locations teaching windsurfing to all standards and is an advanced windsurfing instructor and also a qualified Trainer which means that she can also run Instructor courses for all aspiring windsurfers who would like to become instructors. Helen's special interest is wave sailing and freestyle.
Contact
helenbainbridge@me.com or call 07825 212985
View Helens website here.
Session One Easter Weekend 2010
Session 2 2009
All instruction must be pre- booked- please see contact details on Instructors tab.
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