The BIG DORSET OUTDOOR WEEKEND coincides with the RYA initiative of ‘Push The Boat Out’ as well as the British Marine Federation’s ‘Month of Watersports’. All the concepts and events are designed to encourage more people on the water … and are basically an excuse for us to have a bit of an open day! We we will be providing discounted taster sessions for both windsurfing (£15.00) and stand-up paddling (£5.00) throughout the day. Timings for the 1.5hr tasters will be 10.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 4.00pm.

Spaces will be limited, so get in touch ASAP to book yourself a slot and avoid disappointment!

Booking Procedure: Call the centre on 01305 230296 / 07817 717904.

Payment can be taken by card and will confirm booking confirmation.

Date: 20th or 21st May ’17 (whichever is the windiest – TBC week leading up to weekend)

Time: 10am at Overcombe Corner

During the same weekend we will also be organising the legendary Harbour Dash.

The Harbour Dash is a long-standing local event that was founded in memory of Brian Matthews, who died in January 1986, the day after his 60th birthday. Brian learnt to windsurf around 1979, having being taught by Phil Gollop at his original set up of a few lock-ups at the end of Old Castle Road. The concept of the Harbour Dash came about because Brian was always the first for a bit of a seafaring adventure, sailing from the harbour to Overcombe or Ringstead regularly.

The format of the Harbour Dash is quite simple. It’s a race from Overcombe to the harbour, where you dip inside the wall via the north shipping channel, and back out into the bay via the east shipping channel. It’s then a quick zip back to the beach, finishing the same point that you started.

Whilst stuff of legend, the event has always been quite a low-key affair … until now. Putting it on as part of the Big Dorset Outdoor Weekend, it is on during an ideal time of year to come along and give it a go, and doesn’t conflict with any other national windsurfing event. The title for the fastest time was held by local champ Adie Bugler for more than 20 years, but was broken by Olympic medallist Nick Dempsey in 2011. The ideal wind direction for a fast run is said to be west to north west. Will this year prove to be the year where the record is broken again? We shall wait and see…

The date for the event is yet to be confirmed, choosing the most ideal conditions between the Saturday or Sunday in the leading week leading up to the event. It will be a great day out for all, and not just those taking part. For more information, get in contact with the OTC on 013056 230296 / 07817 717904.

Booking Procedure: Book and pre-pay by calling the OTC centre on 07817 717904. Alternatively you can book on the day (cash only) by visiting the OTC trailer on the beach. Cost is £30.00 per entrant. All the money goes to the Will Mackaness Trust – a local charity supporting young people in watersports.