[ Windsurfing Clubs and Water Sports/Outdoor Pursuits Centres ] [ Outdoor Pursuits Shops ]
[ Organisations and Associations ] [ The Internet: Web links ]
Where to Look
If you want to learn more about windsurfing or perhaps try it out yourself, here are some suggestions where to look for more information.
- Books, magazines and videos
- Windsurfing Clubs
- Outdoor Pursuits Centres
- Outdoor Pursuits teachers in school
- Water Sport Centres
- Outdoor Pursuits shops
- National Organisations
- The Internet: Web links
Books, magazines and videos
Look in your local library or larger newsagent for information. A librarian may be able to order books from another library that they do not have in their stock.'Windsurfer' is a monthly magazine available from newsagents. Larger newsagents may also have up-to-date books and videos available. A local windsurfing club will recommend good titles to look out for.
Boards at http://www.boards.co.uk/ is an on-line windsurfing magazine.
Windsurfing Clubs/ Water Sports Centres/ Outdoor Pursuits Centres
Windsurfing is a very popular sport and windsurfing clubs are springing up all over the country. Many water sport centres will have a local windsurfing club attached to it. Most will encourage junior members to join and some may organise introductory lessons for beginners or juniors. Outdoor pursuits centres will have contact with windsurfing instructors and the Centre leader should be able to advise you about lessons for individuals or groups. Some Centres have Open Days in the summer to give you an opportunity to see what the centre has to offer.
Look in yellow pages for local centres and clubs and check out the tourist information office. This office should have up-to-date information about local events and services.
Outdoor Pursuits Shops
A good shop will be able to advise you about the specialist equipment they stock. They should also have information about windsurfing equipment suppliers. Getting Started outlines the type of equipment you need.Organisations and Associations
UKBSA, the UK Boardsailing Association is the biggest specialist windsurfing association in the UK. It provides most of the Olympic class competitors through its regional and national level racing series for the Raceboard and Formula 42 classes. Although they promote top class racing, UKBSA arrange events that can be enjoyed by all windsurfers. Regional groups offer racing, training and other activities. Most competitors love racing just for the fun of it. The Association publishes it own magazine RACEBOARD for all members. For details contact:UKSBA (UK Boardsailing Association)
PO Box 28
Fareham
Hampshire PO14 3XD
Tel 01329 664779
Web site http://www.zagato.demon.co.uk/ukbsa/
The British Windsurfing Association (BWA), concentrates on competition racing with short boards. They run a series of ten national events throughout the summer months, counting towards a National Championship called the British Funboard Cup. These events are always held in coastal waters to ensure the roughest and most exciting conditions possible. 'BWA News' is the Association's magazine available to members. For details contact:
The British Windsurfing Association
Mengham Cottage
Mengham Lane
Hayling Island
Hampshire PO11 9JX
Tel 01705 468182
Web site http://www.zagato.demon.co.uk/bwa/
The International Boardsailing Association (IBSA) aims to promote the sport of Boardsailing on a world wide scale. IBSA is the only official body for the organisation of Continental and World Championship Events for Raceboard and Aloha Class and works closely with The International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU).
Web site http://www.zagato.demon.co.uk/ibsa/
The IYRU is primarily responsible for the Olympic class of windsurfing, and the style of racing carried out by UKBSA here in Britain.
The Internet: Web links
Boards On-line Magazinehttp://www.boards.co.uk/
UKSBA, UK Boardsailing Association
http://www.zagato.demon.co.uk/ukbsa/
The British Windsurfing Association
http://www.zagato.demon.co.uk/bwa/
The International Boardsailing Association
http://www.zagato.demon.co.uk/ibsa/
On some sites you will see equipment advertised for sale. If you do decide to buy from this source you should use the same caution as if you were buying from any mail order source. Make sure you can return the goods at no personal cost if they are not suitable. You should seek advice first from a qualified instructor about what you need and how much you should pay.
