WINDSURFING HOLIDAYS - INSTRUCTIONS - LEARN TO WINDSURF

LEARN TO WINDSURF HOLIDAYS

Learning to windsurf can be a really frustrating experience as the learning curve is a really big one, especially with no previous wind sport experience. But many things can make the experience quicker, and more fun. The overall best way to learn is to go on a Learn To Windsurf Holiday.

Duration of the instruction

To learn how to windsurf we would recommend taking a course lasting around 10 hours over several days. Each center differs with the courses they offer, and beginner courses vary from as little as 2 hours which only cover the very basics, and will only just leave you able to practice on your own. Whereas other centers offer 10 hour courses which are perfect for ensuring you are completely independent and having fun. You will also have a lot more structure to your learning by taking a long course as a structured plan will already be written. In contrast with only taking 2 hour lessons every so often with different instructors who don’t have a clear idea of how much you have already learnt, time can be wasted covering things you already know. The more intense option will also ensure quicker progress as everything will be clear in your mind for the following sessions. With this we would also recommend equipment usage hours, which usually come with the course, giving you on average one hour of practice for every hour of instruction.

How to learn

Learning to windsurf involves being taught both the physical and practical parts of windsurfing. The physical section is learning to be in control of the board and rig (sail), and to understand how to make your windsurf kit respond in the way you want it to. On the theory side you will learn about the wind, conditions, and choosing the right equipment. You will cover how to increase and decrease your power and speed using the correlation between the direction you are sailing in and the direction of the wind. In this section any previous wind sport experience will rapidly speed up your understanding, and awareness of which direction the wind is blowing from.

Your first lesson would begin with the instructor spending the first 10-20 minutes on land with you. Most centers use and old windsurf board and sail as a simulator, which they use to show you the basics of windsurfing, how to get on the board when in the water, stance, and how to perform a simple turn called a ‘Tack’. After that it’s straight on to the water to practice what you have learnt, with the instructor guidance. This is one of the best things about learning to windsurf as opposed to other wind orientated sports, your up on the board and having fun within the first 30 minutes.

After your first 3 hours you should have gained a really good understanding of windsurfing and the factors that affect it. A few hours of solo practice is now recommended to sharpen you new skills and get you ready for the next step.

If you are feeling confident by your next lesson, you can discuss with your instructor about learning to beach start and harness. Beach starting enables you to step on your board and sail away form the shore line, which is crucial for when you begin to sail in areas with shore break (waves which break on the beach). The harness is what helps you to sail in stronger winds. You can see from the pictures that a lot of people are wearing a harness around their waist which has a hook on it, and the boom (the thing that goes around the sail and you hold on to and steer the sail with) has loops on it. By hooking the harness onto the loops (the harness unhooks whenever you fall, especially as you begin with bigger loops) your arms are relieved from the weight of the sail and pressure of the wind, and you use your body weight to hold the sail. This not only means you can sail in stronger winds but you will be able to windsurf for a lot longer by not tiring quickly. Your instructor will show you how to wear the harness, hook in and out, how to use it safely and the new stance you need to adopt.

After more solo practice with your new skills, if you are feeling happy sailing with a harness, and can hook in and out, it’s time to start speeding thing up. Your instructor will start helping you to pick up speed, and begin planing. This stage is often referred to as getting the ‘bug’ because once you have experienced the incredible feeling of planing you just can’t get rid of the desire to windsurf, it happens to the best of us. Planing is what happens when you skim the water because you are going so fast, and a wake occurs behind you. This happens by using a bigger sail and smaller board in stronger winds. It may sound as though this would pull you over, but in actual fact, once planing the rig becomes really light. Once you have begun planing your instructor will introduce you to the foot straps, and teach you to control your new speed. This is now the point where you really need to put in the hours to practice, and remember what you have been taught, and eventually learn to control the sail with your arms and the board with your feet.

The rate of progression

This varies between people, as some people may get to the planing stage in 9 hours, whereas some people take longer. The plan above is not set within a certain time period, and each center and it’s instructors differ with their teaching methods slightly, there is not a specific ‘right’ or ‘better’ structure. But you can be sure that we only work with centers that use effective methods of teaching.

Learning to windsurf can be done as either private or group lessons. Needless to say private lessons will ensure quicker progression, but group lessons are a great way to have fun and meet new people. It is also a really good way to spend time with people, and can be done from as young as 6 years old, so is something that the whole family can enjoy and participate in!

There are many factors which affect the speed of learning, with the biggest one being the chosen destination. We would recommend you a destination with flat water, no shore break, and shallow water. Warm water is also good as you will feel more comfortable, and won’t tire so quickly. The center is also a big factor, the chosen center needs to offer a course which suites you, and any previous experience. The center must also stock good quality beginner equipment. We have all learnt at one time or another, and are able to work with you to choose a destination and center which will fit your requirements. All the destinations that we offer have been visited by at least one Planet consultant, and we are therefore able to recommend you the very best choices.

Prices for a learn to windsurf holiday vary, but you can expect to pay around £190 extra for 10 hours instruction and 10 hours of rental.
 

A GREAT WAY TO SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY

As well as being a really fun way to spend time with your loved ones, a family windsurf holiday is also very health beneficial for everyone as the sport works the arms, legs, and stomach, giving a really good work out, ensuring everyone arrives home fitter and healthier. Kids can start from as young as 6 years of age, as long as they are supervised by a professional, and qualified instructor.

A family learn to windsurf holidays will not only teach everyone to windsurf, the new learned skills can be transferred to other sports like sailing and Kitesurfing. Windsurfing teaches wind awareness, and how to co ordinate a sail taking into account the wind direction which is very similar to traditional sailing in particular.

Windsurf lessons can be held in either group lessons, or private one to one lessons. If each family member is either new to the sport, or at a similar level a series of group lessons would be the best and most economical option. After several group lessons, people will be progressing at different speeds, and if initially a beginner, practicing solo. Further lessons can then be added further on in the holiday, to work on new things and reach the next level in windsurfing.

For kids, there are great kids camps available at some of our centers which will introduce kids to an array of watersports, along with the supervision of a professional instructor, and have the chance to meet new friends from around the world. The camps usually run for around 4 hours everyday for 6 day, but do vary from center to center. Kids Camps at watersport centers are generally for kids 6 and up due to the sports involved.

For toddlers and babies who cannot participate in the sports for obvious reasons, we work with lots of hotels which offer nanny services night & day, who will look after your child whilst you are on the water, or dining out. Nanny services are available for kids of all ages, and kids clubs vary. Usually the clubs are held for kids  to 12 years old, or for older kids and teen clubs maybe 10 - 15 years old, some hotels like Lux Le Morne in Mauritius for example, runs both separately. Whereas other hotels are happy to have younger kids at the clubs, but ask that an adult accompanies kids under 4 years old.

What we look for in a family windsurf holiday areconditions where everyone is able to either learn or progress, activities which everyone can participate in either as a family or individually, a variety of sports so that everyone can be on the water regardless of their level, and hotels with a high standards and a pool where everyone can relax.

Our top Family Windsurf Holiday destinations are:

Family Windsurfing Dahab in Egypt
Family Windsurfing Soma Bay in Egypt
Family Windsurfing Sardinia in Italy
Family Windsurfing Golf De Roses in Spain
Family Windusrfing Kos in Greece
Family Windsurfing Sotavento in Fuertaventura
Family Windsurifng Zante in Greece
Family Windsurfing Alacati in Turkey
Family Windsurfing Cyprus in Greece
Family Windsurfing The Algarve in Portugal
Family Windsurfing Le Morne in Mauritius
 

Multi Watersports Training Clinics

We are really excited to now be offering 3 new amazing clinics, specialising in Windsurfing, SUP, and Kitesurfing held in 3 of our favourite destinations, Mauritius, Maui, and Tarifa. To participate in the clinics you should be independent in at least one of the sports, and then it is your choice as to how much you get involved with the others, making it the perfect way to learn a new sport, advance in your first sport, and be on the water regardless what the weather decides to do.

Each destination boasts different events, down winders, and excursions, but all 3 of the sports are held in all 3 destinations. The clinics are run by extremely passionate and motivated professional instructors who will push you to progress, and ensure your will be pulling the moves you want by the end of the week, or just be there to help with whatever you want, the choice is yours. The instructors know each of the destinations like the back of their hand, and will show you how to make the most of your time by taking you on all the best activities, showing you all the best sights, and taking you to the best spots for the sport, it’s like having a local at hand the whole time.

The quality of the training that is given throughout the clinics is so high, that the VDWS International (German windsurf governing body, like RYA) recognises all of the clinics as official Instructor Training courses in order to extend the validation of Trainer Licences.

A normal day would begin with the option of a Yoga workout on the beach, or an extra hour in bed, followed by a good breakfast with the instructors. After breakfast one instructor will offer windsurfing, another will offer Kitesurfing, and the other will be going Paddle Boarding. After the groups have been on the water for 3 hours it is time for lunch, when everyone is offered another 3 hour session in all 3 sports, giving the option to change, or stick with the same sport. Throughout the day pictures are taken, and videos are made for video analysis to maximise progression, which are reviewed before dinner accompanied by a sundowner.

To find out what is unique about each destinations, and the amazing opportunities they offer, either select them in ‘HOLIDAY TYPE’ or click the links below.    

Price: around £950 (the price includes Return Flights from the UK, 7 nights 4* accommodation, the clinic, and transfers. The price is subject to change until the time of booking due to flight price)

Amanda Beenen is from Holland and a high level competitor in the PWA worldcup wave. Besides windsurfing she is also crazy about Surfing and SUP in the waves!

WHAT TO EXPECT
Ok here is the deal, she wants to help you improve your skills. What better way to do this than with a bunch of other windsurf girls? Because she believes the first step to improving on the water, is having fun on the water:)

Your home base will be the El Medano in Tenerife (the Maui of Europe). Every day she will take you on the water to work on your skills . We’ll work on things as, getting into wave sailing, basic posture, building confidence, keeping speed in bottom turns, improving your cutbacks, improving your jumping and even learning some new jumps

El Medano has three different spots within sailing distance, so whatever it is you want to learn, there we can make it happen. The best way to learn is by seeing what you are doing. So she has a few gopro’s to mount in your sail so that we can do some very precise video coaching. And guess what? There will also be a professional photographer to make cool action pictures of you in the waves!

Besides windsurfing there are loads of other things that you can do on the island. How about a SUP Safari in search for Dolphins and sea turtles, downhill mountain biking of the volcano or  surfing in the easy surf in Las Americas? We can make this an unforgettable week.

WHERE TO EAT & SLEEP
We have arranged a 5 nights stay at a nice Hostel walking distance to the beach. You will stay together with the other girls. It also has a nice living room, a kitchen and a sunny terrace. There will be free wifi and every morning you can have breakfast there together. You can move in one day before the clinic starts.

When we get hungry in the afternoon, the surfy Flashpoint cafe straight on the beach, will recharge our batteries with a good and healthy Lunch. This is of course all in the price.

In the evening you will have to provide for yourself. There are a lot of nice restaurants in El Medano. You can either make some food at the hostel or we can go for dinner all together.

GETTING EXCITED ALREADY?

There are a few things that you have to think about. First of all, There is no age limit but it is very important that you are confident that you can do a  water start and that you can plane in harness and footstraps . If you are not sure if you have the right level to attend this clinic, please contact us.

To make this clinic as efficient as possible, we will need know your windsurfing level and what you would like to learn. In this way we can prepare and make sure that all of you girls will get the most personal coaching and larn as much as possible.

“Last but not least, this week is all about having fun together and getting better at what we love to do. So don’t forget to take your smile, you’re going to need it!”
 

MAURITIUS, WINDSURFING QUOTATION 12 SEPTEMBER 2013

GUY CRIBB CLINIC

FLIGHTS – WINDSURFING CARRIAGE ON AIRCRAFT NOT INCLUDED

Flights are included at today’s prices (12/4/13) – The flights quoted are currently the best price for the direct service – we can use indirect options and other airports if needed

12^th September 2013                     London Gatwick – Mauritius                     15.00 – 06.00 (next day)

22^nd September 2013                    Mauritius – London Gatwick                     08.00 – 17.00

ACCOMMODATION

Staying at Lux, Le Morne – based on FULL 9 nights in 1 x twin occupancy Superior Room with HALF BOARD included.

A real paradise on earth is the recently re-opened Spa-Hotel Lux Le Morne. A magnificent and sophisticated yet relaxed 5-star resort for highest demands in a beautiful setting. The hotel is located at the foot of Mont Brabant, close enough to walk or cycle to the Club Mistral & Skyriders Centre, where you can windsurf, Kitesurf and SUP.

TRANSFERS

We have included transfers.

WINDSURF RENTAL

We have included 9 days Windsurf Kit Rental

GUY CRIBB’S  CLINIC

Before the clinic you should be blasting comfortably in both foot straps, experience on boards under 120 litres volume, windsurfing experience in winds over force six, basic gybing skills- getting round occasionally, but no need to be pretty!

The week will include a mixture of the following to ensure you are a competent wave sailor by the end of the clinic.

Rough water/ coastal /wave sailing with INtuition's Damage limitation (how to prevent injury or breaking kit), getting over waves, catching and riding waves, safe zones, jumping, radically improved stance, tuning, gybing, tacking, upwind, acceleration, wave sailing game plan, forward looping, faster waterstarts and much more.

Guy also arranges every evening dinner to ensure you enjoy the very best experiences with the international INtuition group in Essaouira. Guy's been travelling to Essaouira for ten years so knows the venue incredibly well so expect a radical time both on and off the water!

Guy's ten day course runs Sunday 8th until Wednesday 18th

For any questions about the windsurfing and coaching please email Guy directly guy@guycribb.com and / or check out www.guycribb.com for FAQs, venue and course info. 

COST

The current TOTAL COST of the above itinerary will be from £3849.00 per person based on double occupancy.

(Flight costs may alter from day to day)

THE COST OF THE ABOVE WIHOUT FLIGHTS WILL BE £2975.00 per person

(SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT is £880.00)

EXTRAS

If you need to book Extra Legroom Seats, Business Class Fares or any upgrades to your accommodation you will find a link at the bottom of the ‘client area’ on our website, where you can book these online. Alternatively these can be requested at the time of booking and be added (where possible) to your reservation.

For Airport Parking, Hotels and other pre departure extra please visit www.holidayextras.com

Should you wish to proceed with a booking we require full payment if the holiday is within 12 weeks of departure or a non refundable £250 p.p. deposit + flight costs if applicable. Please note that there is a 2.5% bank charge for credit card but not for any type of debit card (including Solo, Visa Debit, Maestro and Electron).