The motivation of hot chocolate

Lewis Limm was nine when he and dad, Nick, learned to windsurf at OTC. Tris devised a points system to reward Lewis for simple things, like getting sailing, spotting where gusts were coming from and adopting the right stance etc. 40 points a session equaled Tris buying the hot chocolate after sailing.

The goal? To get Lewis spending prolonged periods of time out on the water. It worked Nick says.

“We did an hour taster to start with and were both hooked, and booked some individual lessons, straight away.

“Although Lewis had sailed dinghies and swims for a local club there was something about being in the sea that freaked him out a bit. He wasn’t that water confident.

“The patience Tris and Maurin have with the kids is something else. The hot chocolate thing was so simple but very effective. They recognise kids need things explaining differently; they’re softly spoken and explain exactly what the kids need to look out for to be safe. They’re firm but there’s no yelling and the kids respect them.

“Lewis’ confidence and enthusiasm for everything has gone through the roof since he started windsurfing. That’s come from achievement. He’s not afraid to try new things or speak up and just wants to go as fast as he can on his board! Lewis has also seen what Tris and Maurin can do and how feasible it is for him to do it too. He loves it.”

Find out more about starting to windsurf at www.rya.org.uk

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