Windsurfing demos are one of the best ways to both try new equipment and get fantastic advice on setting up and sailing the gear from some of the UK’s best windsurfers. Many shops, schools and clubs run demo days across the country and throughout most of the year, so there is always an opportunity to get down to one. Some shops such as Juice Boardsports run demos on forecast, so if you’re anywhere near Fraisthorpe beach and the wind is looking promising it’s well worth following their forum page and facebook to see what’s on. Others, such as Boardwise run even bigger demos with a whole host of brands and activities laid on.
Boards catches up with Boardwise to find out more about how the demos are run and what’s involved:
“We run a summer demo at Aberdovey which coincides with the BSA slalom event. This is the biggest of the year with support from the town, the Yacht club and all the importers.
When someone comes along to a demo they can try all the latest kit, get advice from the people who really know about the products, but most of all just come to an event which gives them a great feel about the sport of windsurfing!
The main summer and winter demos are supported by brands including: Fanatic and North, RRD and Ezzy, Tabou and Gaastra, and Starboard and Tushingham. Not only do the brands supply top notch NEW equipment, they also bring along some top sailors too.
Demo regulars now include (to name but a few): former PWA superstar Nik Baker, current Formula World Champion Ross Williams, master of speed Dave White, plus awesome coaches Jem Hall, Sam Ross, etc. They are all more than happy to help not only with rigging, tuning and choosing equipment but also can offer top technique tips too.
Lots of people turn up and sail on Saturday. Then Saturday evening usually involves a few drinks, before getting on the water again to blow away the cobwebs on Sunday morning.
All images from the Boardwise Bonfire Bash 2013 and credit Dave White.
We are usually fairly lucky with the weather, and the huge range of equipment on offer means people can almost always get on the water. But even if the wind doesn’t blow we all have a great weekend; there’s normally a good night out on the Saturday at least!
We also go to all of the student events through out the year; the SWA run a great series of events through the autumn, winter and into spring. They really focus on getting as many people onto the water at all levels; there is a great contingent of beginners and improvers at the student event and we are proud to support them by taking all our gear for them to use! Plus our van goes up to the local club once a week in the summer.
On Guy Fawkes weekend each year we run a Bonfire Bash, it’s a bit late in the year so it can be a little cold, but again we have a great weekend none the less with fires on the beach and an amazing firework display! Check out the full report from Boardwise on the here.
Whilst most of our demos take place at Aberdovey, we do offer some more local ones and we are looking to do a few more at different venues next year.”
There are lots of clubs, schools, brands and shops that run demos. At Boards we always try to have the latest info on up coming demos online, but if one is happening at your local spot that we haven’t promoted then please do contact [email protected] and let us know!
Find all the windsurfing demo news on Boards through this link.
Boards Recommended Demos
Boardwise – based in Cannock, demos at various locations but regularly run at Aberdovey. Follow all the Boardwise news on Boards here.
Robin Hood Watersports – based in Yorkshire, frequently run demos at West Kirby. Follow all the Robin Hood Watersports news on Boards here.
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Juice Boardsports – based in Huddersfiled, regular demos on forecast run at Fraisthorpe announced both here on Boards and through their forum.
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Bray Lake – based in Berkshire, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Bray Lake news on Boards here.
Lagoon Watersports – based in Hove, run occasional demo days (usually with Fanatic/North). Follow all the Lagoon Watersports news on Boards here.
L.A.R. Watersports – based in Pagham, run occasional demo days. Follow all the LAR Watersports news on Boards here.
Puravida Boardriders – based in South Glamorgan, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Puravida Boardriders news on Boards here.
Quayside Windsurfers – based in Norfolk, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Quayside Windsurfers news on Boards here.
Wet n Dry Boardsports – based in Basildon, run occasional demo days. Follow all the Wet n Dry Boardsports news on Boards here.
4Boards – based in Southampton, run occasional demo days. Follow at the 4Boards news on Boards here.
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Many more demo days and information about similar events can be found on the RYA’s Project Windsurf – UK website. They even have a specific demo events page right here where many chose to share event info. Project Windsurf UK also gives you the opportunity to share what is happening at your local windsurfing spot, so head on over and get involved!
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