INTRODUCTION
Connect to Windsurfing
is an IWA initiative designed to share ideas and information which has evolved from the ISAF Connect to Sailing programme. We believe you will find this section informative, but above all we hope to encourage the development of windsurfing in a sustainable and effective way. We welcome your input and your questions.Contact -
iwaoffice@internationalwindsurfing.com
BROWSE CONNECT TO WINDSURFING below . . . or choose from the menu on the left
Getting Started - “The thing that puts most people off windsurfing is they think it’s too difficult. Or they won’t be strong enough or are too old. But none of these things are true. Windsurfing is about learning technique and anyone can do that, especially with all the new developments in equipment. Then the windsurfing world is their oyster.”
These are some of the common misconceptions held up as 'daunting' reasons why potential newcomers to the sport never go any further than thinking it might be a cool pastime reflects Amanda Van Santen, RYA Chief Instructor, Dinghy and Windsurfing. There are arguably more routes than ever before into taking those first tentative steps on to a board, yet the common reasons not to remain all too well-worn. Amanda and Gillian Wright, RYA National Windsurfing Development Officer, make it their raison d'etre to explain to the population at large - adults and kids - why these 'reasons' are nothing more than myths.
Are you fit to Windsurf? - RYA Physiotherapist, Matt McGovern, looks at the simple things you can do to make sure you don’t spend the summer nursing niggles or watching on frustrated from the shore.
Have you got what it takes? - Dan Hallam, UKSA's chief watersports instructor, talks us through the skills required to become truly inspirational within this booming industry.
Club Windsurfing - Getting People Hooked In! - The RYA is always looking at ways to get as many people as possible to enjoy the pleasures of windsurfing; but you may be surprised to hear that one of the best ways to do this is by joining your local windsurfing or sailing club.
Team 15 - Every sport needs a "grass roots" scheme . . . Team 15 could be the model for you follow; to adapt and modify to suit your needs and resources.
Project Windsurf UK - created by the RYA, "aims to promote windsurfing clubs & groups in the UK, and link individual windsurfers with these groups, encouraging more people go windsurfing more often . . ."
Techno 293 - "The Techno 293 Class is devoted to fostering the development of windsurf racing for competitors under the age of 17 years old around the world through the promotion of an inexpensive racing format."
FLOW Riders - FLOW has brought together a fantastic group of female watersports ambassadors, who like FLOW are intent on encouraging and developing women's watersports
Start Windsurfing - To get as many people as possible on to our sport, Starboard have created the new Start-Windsurfing website.
More People Windsurfing, More of the Time - The RYA's Chief Instructor, Dinghy and Windsurfing; Amanda Van Santen takes a look at what is happening at UK windsurfing clubs to motivate us this year, as well as providing others with top tips from those clubs who are clearly doing it right
I'm too old for a sport like that - Learning to windsurf is often thought of as something for younger people only, but actually the great thing about windsurfing is that it is a sport for everyone, regardless of age.
Never too Old - Chief instructor for the RYA Amanda van Santen introduces one of the most enthusiastic groups of windsurfers you could ever hope to find. - I often get asked by people what the best age to learn to windsurf is, or if there is a suggested time to stop. My reply is always the same, just like every sport, 'you're never too old', and 'try and keep going as long as you can and it is safe to do so!' Your location and kit choice may change, but there is no reason why, as long as you are fit and healthy, that you can't carry on enjoying such a great sport.
Progressing Your Skills - Top Tips on how to from RYA Chief Windsurfing Instructor Amanda Van Santen. -
Taking that initial step to learn a new sport can, for some people, be the biggest hurdle, for others it's the learning curve that follows . . .Out of Africa - British wave sailor Vickey Abbott has made the beautiful island of Sal, Cape Verde her home. With her own business on the island Vickey has both, fully settled into Cape Verde life and been able to score some incredible windsurfing conditions. Whilst it is usually the reef breaks you here about from CV, Vickey has a slightly different story to tell ....
Tips and Tricks - Starts, Recovering, Buoy Rounding, Tuning, Testing, Training . . .
THE INVENTION OF WINDSURFING
