Windsurfing Pro Clinics

2012 Pro Clinic

We're currently talking to Andy 'Bubble' Chambers about doing another Pro Clinic this season. Much will depend on a suitable forecast and Andy's PWA and Club Vass commitments. In an attempt to make the clinic more appealing to all levels we may choose to run one day at Derwent Reservoir for intermediates and one day at the coast for the 'wave heads'.

Costs - £65/1 day or £99/2 days

Social - Saturday night will involve beers with Andy and the Boardskillz Team

Pro Clinic - October 2009

After calling in a couple of huge favours, Boardskillz were proud to welcome two of windsurfing's current rock stars to the region last October. Andy 'Bubble' Chambers (UK Freestyle Champion and PWA Top 10 Freestyler) and Colin 'Whippy' Dixon (Club Vass Ninja with Top 5 UK Freestyle ranking) ventured past the Watford Gap on a 'crisp' October weekend to deliver our first Pro Clinic. Unlike many similar offerings the guys came up around a forecast which meant that sailing time was maximised!

Despite it being a brisk seven degrees twelve clients pitched up at Boulmer on Friday afternoon. After an initial chat about people's aspirations over a cup of tea in the local pub, we started rigging up with Andy and Colin offering some tips on how to set sails, harness lines etc for the best results then it was out onto the water. Most people rigged 4.5m-5.0m which was just as well as the wind kept building and building. Coming from the SE we were spoiled with a mixture of glassy flat water blasting which was great for the beginners and intermediates and as the tide came in we were presented with some first-rate starboard tack jumping over the reef which made pulling the loop trigger that little bit less daunting for the more adventurous amongst us. Dusk closed in so we were forced to pack up and revisit the pub for a quick pint and debrief, with some video coaching to reinforce what we'd be shown on the water.

Saturday didn't blow so we were schooled in the art of drinking around the taverns of Seahouses by the boys...

Although the wind returned the tides at Northumberland's beautiful Budle Bay meant an exceptionally early start so as to catch it with some water in. Again another good turn out with a mix of beginners and intermediates practising everything from water starts through to carve gybe variations.

Once the lagoon had become un-sailable the splinter group headed round to Mouth of Budle to meet up with the more advanced guys who were keen to enjoy the perfect side-shore conditions and get some more loop attempts in. A great day had by all despite the wind becoming a bit fluky later that afternoon. Another excellent debrief in yet 'another' public house before we all went our separate ways to rest our weary bones and suitably blistered hands.

The intention is to get Andy and Colin back up for Easter Weekend in 2010 so if you'd like to get involved this time, please register your interest through our contact form. Check out Andy's latest video.

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