Watersports Tasters

Challenge yourself to try a watersport!

Our taster sessions are incredibly popular and have won three awards over the last two years. The sessions are special because we combine top quality tuition with great equipment and facilities but, above all, we really want you to have fun. An awards assessor reported that: "after about 5 minutes I nearly forgot why I was there!"

Our sailing or windsurfing tasters are each an hour and a half long, which we have found is the ideal length of time: enough to properly get to grips with it without getting completely knackered! A typical session starts with a short demonstration on land and then we get you on the water right away. A qualified instructor is constantly on hand and a safety boat is there to fetch you back if you set off to France.

For sailing, there are two options: a bigger (Wayfarer) dinghy which you share with an instructor and up to two others, or a single-handed Pico dinghy. The Picos are recommended for people who like a challenge and want to get wet, whereas the Wayfarer is perfect for families and those who prefer to stay dry(ish).

For windsurfing, we pick the equipment that is ideally suited to your size and the conditions. After four years, we know exactly how to maximise the chance of getting you windsurfing along happily and most people do achieve this and more as long as the sea state is reasonable.

For paddleboarding, the format is similar but one hour in length.

Ages and abilities

The minimum age for all tasters is 8. There may be up to six people in your group, and we don't normally mix adults and children unless you're a family group. We recommend that windsurfing sessions for the under 10's are limited to one hour.

If you already have some experience, we simply modify the content of the session to suit your existing skill. We don't have a mix of different skill levels in the same session.

How to book

Simply call in at the centre or phone us on 01726 813306 and we will find a time and date to suit you. Price reductions apply for groups of three or more booking together; see the pricelist for details. In busy periods, tasters start at 10.00, 11.30, 13.30 and 15.00. A deposit is required and we take a phone number so we can ring you to rearrange if the sea is too rough or the wind too strong.

What to bring

We provide all equipment, including a full wetsuit and buoyancy aid. You need to bring your swimming gear and something to wear on your feet (aquashoes, wetsuit boots, old trainers). Footwear is highly recommended and we stock inexpensive aquashoes in the shop if you need some. Use of changing rooms and showers immediately before and after your session is included in the price.