Making inroads

The ethos of OnBoard is embedded in developing school and youth group links, and providing low cost opportunities for youngsters aged eight to 18 to sail regularly.

The OTC currently works with eight local schools in Weymouth and Portland, with another 12 from further afield that bring regular visitors to the site.

So far the OTC has introduced around 110 children to windsurfing – that’s with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games intermittently halting operations over that summer – and Tris says their major focus for this year is targeting primary schools. He highlights the importance of finding the right person in a school to champion OnBoard to make sure the programme is embraced by staff and pupils.