Hickling Windsurfing Club

Over 20 members brushed up their skills with help from Gareth, Philip, and Paul. Everything from Rigging to Gybes. Lots of practice time on the water too, and with the developing wind things did get quite challenging. The regulars had a great blast too.

The June training course was the highlight of the windsurfing year for me so far. 6 new members did extremely well to grasp the theory and getting to grips with the sport and doing very well as you can see. The 2nd time Richard and Martin have put on a course, and after receiving top marks from the student feedback scores then we are getting quite good at it too! Thanks to the volunteer instructors, Keith, and Paul for giving up their time for free.

Lots of sailing despite the wind blowing from all directions at once! Well done Sam, Mark, Darren, David, Mike and Esme.

Dave passed away yesterday morning (24 May), after several months of declining health. Dave has been a long standing member, on the committee for at least a couple of decades, membership secretary, and a very progressive Club Chairman (2009 to 2014). The Club boat, beginner equipment, and team of RYA instructors are all down to the grants Dave secured for the Club.
Our thoughts go out to Judith and family at this difficult time. We will be thinking of Dave when we are next out on the water.
Martin.

30 May update: The family are arranging a gathering on Friday 14 July to celebrate Dave’s life, everyone will be welcome. Details to follow. A ‘Just giving’ fundraising page has been set up to support ‘Outward Bound Trust’ to help equip children with skills for life. The link to ‘windsurfingdave’ with some pics, an explanation, and to donate via Just Giving can be found here.

With 25 volunteers (yes 25!), over a hundred visitors, 45 trained and windsurfing then this was another great open day to remember. The team worked hard to squeeze as many visitors on the day as possible, probably a record? So thanks go to Tone, John, Peter, Gillian, Leisl, Wendy, Steve, Paul, Trish, Chris, Neil, Darren, Keith, Richard, Simon, Martin, Wendy, Chris, Jeff, Gillian, Gareth, Dave, and Glen.

Excellent weather, great company – another perfect day at the Club. Let us know if you are interested in the June and July 2 day windsurfing courses. email martinhwc@btinternet.com

19 May update – places still available and a perfect weather forecast, yippee!

This is a day not to be missed, our open days have a great reputation, with hospitality 2nd to none. We love these open days and our guests do too! Everyone is welcome.

This is your chance to have a go at windsurfing, and or just come along to have a look, have a cake & cuppa and say hello. You should leave very chilled after spending time on our beautiful beach.

We teach the basics on our beach-based simulator by our experienced and qualified RYA Windsurfing Instructors, and followup with a session on the water.

• Open 10am to 3:30pm. Allow 2 hours, last entry 2pm.
• Land based simulator instruction by our RYA qualified instructors, and on the water coaching with safety cover.
• Bring: a swimsuit, towel, and old pair of trainers, £5 entry fee and go for it attitude.
• Wetsuit, buoyancy aid, instruction, drinks and cakes* all included
• Spare places will be available on the day on a ‘first come first served basis’, although booking in advance recommended, email martinhwc@btinternet.com

* Donations to cover the excellent drinks and cakes are discretionary.

Children under 8 yrs are unlikely to be strong enough, all students must be able to swim 25m, and be confident going on the water.

Anyone joining on the day and who wishes to complete a 2 days full beginner training course will be given priority, discounted joining, and ridiculously cheap training course fees.

Members, please remember the beach is closed to members for usual windsurfing as it’s just too busy on the beach, sorry.