They have used the grant to purchase Tushingham and Starboard beginner and intermediate windsurfing kit through partner Reactive Watersports in Plymouth, and 24 people aged between 5 and 62 took to the water to try it out.

Windsurf Plymouth was created in 2008 as a resource to provide young people in the Plymouth area with a viable and easy introduction into the sport of windsurfing.  Following a consultation process amongst local windsurfers in 2010, a club format was developed, involving a website that gives detailed information about all local windsurfing locations and weather conditions and a Facebook page linked to it. To this ‘virtual club’, with around 250 members, has now been added a club that meets for weekly sessions at TMSC on St John’s Lake – the most popular windsurfing spot in Plymouth.

Reaction from participants on the day was very positive. Matt Farrar said: “Just great. Thanks! The kids LOVED it. Got all three afloat. And then, better still, Red and Leeni tried it themselves and sailed on both tacks. Felt very proud. I’ve discovered something that’s even better than having a great sail: seeing your kids enjoy it for themselves. They all now want a Starboard Rio from Santa.”

Steve Baker added: “Thanks for a great day. The kids loved it so we’ve taken out family membership.”

And Jack Kellet said: “Thanks from us, what a great place St John’s Lake is for learning windsurfing!  And it helps with such nice people running it.”

Tim Cross, RYA Regional Club Coach is delighted with the grant funding: “Through the partnership with Torpoint Mosquito Sailing Club, members and volunteers are able to benefit from the shoreside facilities and have use of the sailing club’s safety boats for our club sessions.  These sessions are directly aimed at novice/intermediate windsurfers – perfect for those who are learning or just getting planing or learning to water start.”

Further information about Windsurf Plymouth and how to join can be found at www.windsurfplymouth.org.uk

We are delighted to be part of this story and we look forward to working with more clubs to help them gain similar funding. If you are part of a windsurf club and think you may qualify for this funding and want some assistance then send us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will help you through the process.