Today’s equipment available for kids is a far cry from what many of us learnt on a few years ago. Fully battened, ‘proper’ rigs and mini boards are now available for all ages and abilities, meaning kids can also progress even quicker than before too. 

The Tushingham Dino, is a popular kids rig, being used by many a whipper snapper around the country. They’ve updated the model for 2013, so Boards found out more about the development and how they have improved it from the Tushingham team.

Who has helped develop the sail? 

The majority of the feedback used to develop the sail has come from schools and centres that have been using the sails in the past.

Who uses the Dino now? 

The kids using this kit are Team 15 sailors like those from the Polkerris Pirates who are looking to progress in all areas of windsurfing, some RYA training schools like Rye Watersports and all Neilson Holiday centres.

What is different about the sail that makes it great for kids? 

Kids want much the same as bigger kids (sometimes known as adults) but the rigs need to be tailored to very different height and weights.

One principal difference with the Dino range is that sail sizes are designed to match different sailor weights more than wind strength. (The 2.0 is for smaller kids rather than force 8 wind). We developed masts that suit the lower loads, this makes a huge difference to the ease of handling and results in a very light rig. The luff lengths are short so with the light responsive mast, easy uphauling and manoeuvring enables a fast learning curve without stress to the body. The sails have been developed to work well in lighter non-planing conditions as well as planing conditions and consequently give good feedback to help develop correct technique. Because of the variation in height in growing kids, there is a long boom cut-out and two clew positions to enable comfortable sailing stance as they grow.

Dino Rigging and Tuning from Tushingham on Vimeo.

Who in particular would you recommend the sail for and why?  

The Dino is designed for kids of all standards from first time out to freestyle, small waves and racing.

What the kids say; Polkerris Pirates Team15 sailors also gave us their feedback:

“I think it feels really light compared to some of the other sails the same size!”

“The colours are really cool, especially with the big skull and crossbones they look wicked!”

“The Dino is awesome because it’s a proper sail so it means I can go out with my Dad on windy days.”

Check out more about the Tushingham Dino on their website here www.tushingham.com/windsurfing/sails/dino