National Windsurfing Week has provided the perfect launch pad for a new initiative at Polkerris Beach that will propel 42 young people into the sport for a derisory amount of money.

Largely funded by Sport England through a Sport Unlimited grant, the 10 week course for secondary school pupils costs just £26. By running the term-time course over ten weeks, the objective is to retain as many as possible by giving them time to get properly into the sport.

Centre manager, Bob Shillito said: ‘“this course is an ideal way to introduce young people to windsurfing and it fits perfectly with our mission to grow the windsurfing scene in our area”‘, adding that ‘“grant funding makes it possible for everyone to get involved, regardless of their circumstances”‘.

Almost everyone on the course was recruited from the nearby Fowey Community College, with word of the course spreading so fast that the first series filled up in days. A second series is planned for the Autumn term.

Polkerris Beach provides a complete range of windsurfing courses to all ages and is equipped with a range of kit suitable for everyone from eight-year-old beginners to expert adults. Family windsurfing weeks are available with accommodation right by the beach.

For more information, see www.polkerrisbeach.com or call 01726 813306