Start Windsurfing is where you discover that standing on a board with a sail is both logical and humbling. Your instructor guides you through rigging, balance, steering and sailing across the wind to a point you chose on purpose, not by accident.
No prior experience is required. Most centres spread eight to ten hours over several sessions or two full days. You will fall in. That is not a failure; the board is patient and your wetsuit is essential.
Under-sixteens may prefer the Youth Windsurfing Scheme at some venues, but Start Windsurfing welcomes all ages on the National Windsurfing Scheme. The grin when you first glide across the wind is worth the cold water.
Start Windsurfing is continuously assessed by your RYA instructor on the water.
There is no written exam. Progress is measured in metres sailed, not pages read.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesIt is the RYA entry course for windsurfing. You learn to rig, balance and sail across the wind on a beginner board in light conditions.
Think of it as learning to ride a bicycle on water with a sail attached.
No. Complete beginners are welcome. Swimming confidence matters more than prior board sports.
Leave a comment when you book if you surf, paddle or sail already. Instructors use it to pace day one, not to skip basics.
Eight to ten hours total, split across sessions or two long days. Centres match format to wind forecasts.
Booking a block in a windy week sounds clever. Light wind teaching is often better for week one.
Continuous practical assessment. Your instructor signs off when you can sail across the wind under supervision.
Falling in is expected. Panic is what they watch for, not wet hair.
No RYA minimum for Start Windsurfing. Under-sixteens may prefer Youth Windsurfing Scheme stages at some centres.
Ask about junior kit sizes and wetsuit availability when booking for children.
Swimwear, towel and sun cream. Centres usually provide wetsuit, buoyancy aid, board and sail.
Old trainers or neoprene shoes you do not mind getting sandy. Flip-flops blow away.
Yes. Repeatedly. That is normal, not a sign you are failing.
A warm wetsuit and cheerful instructor matter more than natural talent on day one.
Wide beginner boards with small sails in light wind. Stable, slow and forgiving on purpose.
Do not expect to plane on course one. Speed comes on later modules.
Intermediate windsurfing modules, club hire, holiday improver sessions or the instructor pathway long term.
Your centre recommends the next National Windsurfing Scheme module for your progress.
Arms and back work harder than they expect on day one. Technique reduces strain as you improve.
Hydrate and eat properly between sessions. Beginner windsurfing is surprisingly aerobic.
adventuro lists RYA windsurfing centres at lakes, reservoirs and coastal bays nationwide.
Compare wetsuit hire, wind guarantee policies and whether sessions are mornings-only or full days.
From £ 1499
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £ 289
Somerset and Dorset, United Kingdom
From £ 220
East Anglia, United Kingdom