What do I need to get started in the sport?

All you need is a willingness to get out on the water and have fun. Windsurfing is a lot easier than it is used to be back in the early days. Now there are special starter boards and sails, which give more stability and are lighter to handle. The progression of newcomers is rapid. There are loads of windsurfing shops and teaching establishments all over the country. Neilson also runs some very nice holidays in the Med where you can learn in perfect conditions. Take a look at Tushingham.com for a list of UK windsurfing retailers, pick the one closest to you and give them a call to enquire about lessons. If they don’t run lessons themselves they will know someone who does. Check out neilson.com for details on learning windsurfing in some idyllic locations. For a relaxed learning experience in the UK check out coverack.co.uk

Is there a basic fitness level required at entry level?

Confidence in the water is more important that how far you can swim. Most of the time when you are windsurfing you’ll never be that far from your equipment, which is the biggest buoyancy aid ever you’ll need.

Good places in the UK to try out the sport.

Coverack Windsurfing Centre in Cornwall, Poole Harbour, Rutland Water or Rhosneigr in North Wales on a light wind day!

Any big events coming up we should know about?

The Tiree Wave Classic – Miles from anywhere in the Herbrideean Islands of Scotland. A classic event, as the name suggest.

Whenever the wind is blowing head down to your local beach or lake: It’s not an event as such but if you ever need persuading to go windsurfing, just go and check out the fun everybody else is having.

Do you know any good websites?

www.ukwindsurfing.com
www.boards.co.uk
www.windsurf.co.uk