Are you under 18 and want to windsurf? Read on as here we’ve got all the windsurfing advice kids and young people need – from the kids themselves!
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If you’re young, keen and active, you’ll pick up windsurfing really quickly, in fact you’ll soon be way better than your parents! You’ll definitely impress all your mates, get fit, strong and experience a rush that beats any other sport, video game or phone APP!
There’s some amazingly neat user-friendly kids kit available just for YOU! You can learn to blast fast, do tricks, maybe compete and even ride waves. So, whilst your mates are doing the same old computer games or kicking a ball around the park, you could be literally having a blast.
We spoke with three young windsurfers, Ella 9, Harry 12 and Ed 15 and they have related some of their thoughts and questions for you….So here’s our KIDSWISE guide on the best and quickest way to get into windsurfing!
How To Convince Your Parents
- If your parents already windsurf then it’s a no brainer! Just tell them how much more time ‘they’ will get on the water if you can all get down to the beach and sail together – how cool will that be? Plus, as you get older you can use their smaller sails and boards! Just don’t get better than your parents too soon!
- If your parents don’t windsurf that’s not a problem. Use the RYA club finder to find your local club or RYA centre. They can help you with kit hire, lessons and you’ll meet and sail with others of your own age and ability.
Common Questions
Here’s some questions and thoughts from Ella, Harry and Ed…
Ella: “What age do I have to be to start windsurfing?”
Whilst there are some exceptions, if you’re an active four to five year old you can start to learn to windsurf.
Ella: “Do I have to be a good swimmer?”
Provided you sail where there is a rescue boat and you can tread water, you’ll be fine.
Ed: “Should my parents teach me or should I get lessons?”
If you’re parents are very patient and understand how a windsurfer works, then they ‘can’ teach you. But it’s a really good idea to join a kids group lesson so that you can be taught properly and you’ll have more fun and learn off your friends.
Ella: “How long will it take before I can windsurf?”
It usually takes one day to get the very basics, one week to really feel you’re getting the hang of it and then in a few months to really get rocking.
Ella: “Will I be any good?”
Anyone can become good at windsurfing, it’s down to practicing the right skills, having fun and enjoying every minute on the water.
Harry: “Sometimes, I feel like giving up, what should I do about it?”
Windsurfing can be tough and everyone goes through some difficulties, but you have to have faith in yourself and get help when it get’s tough!
What To Avoid
- Don’t let your parents buy cheap, old heavy rigs or narrow boards off Ebay, or try teaching yourself – you’ll waste your time and money.
- Don’t use small adult kit (like your Dad’s small 4m wave sail) until you are at least nine or ten years old or in strong winds, as the mast and boom will be too heavy – using specifically designed kids kit is the ONLY WAY!
- Don’t get cold! Get a really good fitting, warm 4/5mm long leg and long arm wetsuit.
- Never sail on your own, always with others of a similar level, it’s much more fun!
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help, other windsurfers will always give you assistance and advice, so take it.
There’s more to come from the kids soon, so stay tuned!
