I thought a new season called for a new thread plus the reality is the junior windsurf program doesn't just cater for kids we regularly have adult participants, some completely new to the sport and some with there own gear who are just looking for some tips on how to improve their sailing or learn a new skill.
Been some positive developments over winter with Yachting Australia getting right behind the initiative and contributing a sizeable investment to the future of windsurfing. A fleet of brand new boards has been ordered and has started to arrive at the club
12 new Techno293OD boards and with each board a new 3.0 and 4.5 mtr nova beginners rig plus 5.8, 6.8 and 7.8mtr one design rigs.
On top of that YA is contributing to the building of a new shed at the eastern beach end of RQ, complete with board racks and facilities to hang the beginners sails up fully rigged.
RQ has backed up this investment by ordering 10 new wind/sup boards with c/boards to be used in the program for a larger volume learner board or cross over as a SUP that parents will be able to use if they just want to have a paddle or for use in other club activities. RQ is also contributing the balance to the new windsurf facility that at this stage looks like it will located on the Northern side of the "Grandstand" a new gate will go in and the council have agreed to fix up he erosion at the Northern end of the beach to make it safer for people entering and exiting the water without having to scramble up and down rocks. Plans are underway with some urgency as the container we currently use just can't fit that amount of gear.
Further YA are funding a windsurfing "Centre of Excellence" to be based at RQ and run by Max Wojik (Raceboad World Champion and Aust RSX Olympic Coach) who returns in October to take up residence and begin his work of building a world class high performance windsurfing program.
The Learn to Windsurf program rolls on every week and the goals remain the same
Increase participation in windsurfing
Provide a safe, structured and fun environment
Keep cost to a minimum
Provide the skills and confidence to be an independent windsurfer
Free to members of RQYS
Junior membership is $17.00 per month (all gear and coaching provided)
Adult non members welcome on a casual basis for $15.00 per day (all gear and coaching provided)
We think it's pretty good value and relies on volunteers like most other sailing clubs to keep the costs low
Bring your kids down, spread the word to your friends and family or come and get involved yourself as a instructor or volunteer.
Hoping this season will grow the program bigger and better and already the signs are pointing in that direction
Where: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Manly
When: Every Saturday (call for details as times change depending on the tide)
Its great see such proactive people in our sport, and well done to YA for chipping in. These sorts of things don't just happen so hats off to you Cammed, the challenge is getting the message out to the masses. I look forward to meeting a few people this season. Cheers Jason
WOW!
What a seriously massive investment by YA, RQ, huge , great work Cam and everyone involved, amazing value for new participants.
Hi Cammd,
Whats the number to call?
Would love to bring the kids down when i get some weekends off in the next couple of weeks.
07 3396 8666 is the number for reception the girls have the roster and are keen to help. Look out on this thread for times also I will try to post the session plans prior to Saturday. Look forward to meeting down the track
Fantastic news for windsurfing. Great stuff RQ and well done on the initiative. Be great if NSW clubs could do something like this in the future also 
Select to expand quoteSurfinfreak said...
how will the forecast wind affect kids first time ?
Hi surfinfreak stronger winds are going to make it more difficult for first timers. We are starting earlier than normal for that reason high tide is at 1.00 so the session will be mostly in knee to waist deep water and it will get progressively harder towards the end as the bigger chop rolls in. Kids under twelve might not enjoy it so much but kids over will probably jag a few powered up runs and get a buzz. Your call really and how you think your kids will go we are doing this ongoing so if not this week next or the one after. Cheers cameron
Select to expand quoteWinddragon said...
Do we call RQYS to register first or walk in ? Thks
Hi windragon you can call and book or just call into reception on the day you will have to get a pin code for the gate from reception anyway to gain entry. The girls at reception a great they will direct you where to go.
Cheers
Cameron
Great program! Took the better half down to give her a taste and she was extremely well looked after!
Unfortunately had to leave in a hurry and managed to forget my kit, fully rigged on the grass 
oops! So if anyone see's this I'm coming back for it.
Was still there when I left, we were wondering why you left it but someone said they saw your car down the other end of the club so we assumed you took your other half down for lunch and you were just relaxing having some drinks by the water. We were actually admiring your strategy to get the other half into windsurfing.
Hope she enjoyed it, thanks for coming down
Learn to Windsurf start time for Saturday 26th September will be 9:00AM.
Low tide is a 1:57PM.
Cheers
Gday the kids loved their lesson last Saturday and both are keen to come down and have another go !!! 
Select to expand quoteSurfinfreak said...
Gday the kids loved their lesson last Saturday and both are keen to come down and have another go !!!
Awesome glad they enjoyed it
Select to expand quotecammd said..
Time change this weekend 3/10 to a 10.00 am start.
oh I thought start time is afternoon because high tide is 1.20pm.
By the way, I saw a restaurant there last time, can we have lunch in that restaurant or it only serves members?
Yep was going to be in the afternoon but we will have enough water by 10.00
The restaurant/cafe is more than happy to serve you and the foods good.
Last Saturday morning was quite windy with a 15 to 18 knot SE blowing.
We had a good roll up including 5 new starters participating in the our Learn to Sail program at RQYS for the first time.
