Searching for “windsurfing lessons near me”? You’re in the right place. At Oxford Sail Training Trust, we offer a full range of RYA-accredited courses designed to take you from your first time on a board to becoming a skilled windsurfer. This guide explains the courses we offer so you can find the perfect one for you.
Finding the Right Windsurfing Course for You
Choosing the right windsurfing lesson is simple with our structured pathway. Our courses help you build skills step by step, so you always feel safe and confident. We offer hands-on learning on the calm waters of Farmoor Reservoir and provide all the equipment. All you need to do is enjoy the thrill of the sport.
Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to improve your technique, we have a course for you. Our pathway is built around the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) scheme. This is recognised worldwide for its high standards of quality and safety.
Our Windsurfing Pathway
Our structured courses ensure a clear progression from beginner to advanced windsurfer. Each stage introduces new skills that build on what you’ve already learned.
- Taster Sessions: A great starting point if you want to try the sport without committing to a full course.
- RYA Start Windsurfing: The foundation course where you will learn how to get on the water, sail to a point, and return.
- RYA Intermediate Courses: These courses focus on improving your technique, using a harness, and getting the board planing (skimming) across the water.
- Advanced Clinics: For experienced windsurfers, these sessions cover high-wind control, advanced turns, and gybing.
If you enjoy harnessing the power of the wind, you might like other exciting activities. For something different, you could try a land yachting experience and see how your skills transfer to a new terrain.
Our aim is to make your search for “windsurfing lessons near me” a success. We provide a clear learning journey, expert teaching, and a safe, welcoming environment for your new adventure.
To help you see where you fit in, here is a quick look at the RYA courses we offer.
Oxford Sail Training Trust Windsurfing Courses at a Glance
This table breaks down our core RYA windsurfing courses. It shows who each course is for, what you will learn, and your next step.
| Course Title | Best For | Core Skills You’ll Learn | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| RYA Start Windsurfing | Complete beginners and first-timers | Sailing across the wind, turning, making progress upwind, and self-rescue. | RYA Intermediate (Non-Planing) |
| RYA Intermediate (Non-Planing) | Improvers wanting better control | Improving stance, mastering tacking, using a harness, and beach starts. | RYA Intermediate (Planing) |
| RYA Intermediate (Planing) | Windsurfers ready for speed | Getting the board planing, using footstraps, and maintaining speed and control. | Advanced Clinics & Technique Sessions |
| Advanced Clinics | Experienced windsurfers | Mastering high-wind gybes (carve gybes), advanced moves, and refining technique. | Club Windsurfing & Racing |
Each course is a stepping stone. They are designed to build your confidence and ability in a supportive way. Whichever you choose, our instructors will guide you every step of the way.
What to Expect from Your First Lesson
Your first windsurfing lesson is a day you will not forget. It is where you turn curiosity into action and feel what it is like to harness the wind. Whether you join a taster session or our full RYA Start Windsurfing course, our goal is simple: to get you sailing safely and with a smile.
We focus on building your confidence from the start, making sure you feel supported.
The session begins on land. First, we will give you all the kit you need, including a warm wetsuit and a buoyancy aid. You do not need any special gear – just bring a swimsuit, a towel, and some old trainers.
Next, your instructor will explain the equipment. You will learn about the board, sail, mast, and boom in a clear, simple way. No jargon, just practical knowledge.
From Land Drills to Water Time
Before you get in the water, you will practise the core movements on a land-based simulator. This is a great way to build muscle memory without the challenge of balancing on a board. Think of it as learning dance steps on solid ground before you hit the dance floor.
Your instructor will guide you through:
- The Secure Position: How to stand on the board for a stable platform.
- Uphauling: The correct way to lift the sail from the water, using your body weight, not just your arms.
- The Sailing Stance: How to position your feet and body to catch the wind and move forward.
This on-shore practice is a key part of the RYA method. It means that when you do get on the water, the basic movements already feel familiar. This helps you progress much faster. If you want to learn more about this approach, read our guide to beginner windsurfing from shore to sail.
Your First Sail on the Water
With the basics covered on land, it is time to head onto the calm, safe waters of Farmoor Reservoir. You will be right next to your instructor, and we always have a safety boat nearby. This allows you to focus on putting your new skills into practice.
The aim for your first session is simple: get comfortable controlling the board and sail. We will help you sail across the wind, make a basic turn, and sail back to where you started.
You will start by finding your balance and pulling the sail up while on the board. Then comes the fantastic moment you feel the wind catch the sail and the board glides forward. It is an incredible feeling.
Our RYA instructors are experts at giving clear, simple tips that make a big difference. By the end of the lesson, you will have experienced the thrill of windsurfing and have a solid foundation to build upon.
How to Progress to Intermediate Windsurfing
You have mastered sailing out and returning to shore. Fantastic. Now the real fun begins. Our RYA Intermediate courses are your next step. They are designed to sharpen your skills and unlock the speed that makes windsurfing so addictive. This is where you move from just sailing to truly connecting with the wind and water.
This stage is split into two phases: non-planing and planing. At first, the focus is on efficient control in lighter winds. You will master the beach start, where you step onto the board from the shallows and sail away.
Another game-changer is the harness. This piece of kit hooks you to the boom, channelling the sail’s power through your body instead of just your arms. It is the secret to staying out longer without getting tired and for handling bigger sails in more wind.
Mastering Non-Planing Skills
Before you can chase serious speed, you need solid control. The non-planing intermediate course is all about embedding these core techniques:
- Improved Stance and Trim: Fine-tuning your body position to make the board feel light and responsive.
- Faster Tacking: Nailing turns through the wind with minimal loss of speed.
- Harness Technique: Learning to hook in and out smoothly and safely, using your body weight to manage the sail.
These skills are the foundation for everything that comes next. They make you comfortable and in command, ready for the thrill of higher speeds.
Learning to windsurf properly is an investment in a lifelong skill. By following the RYA pathway, you build the right techniques from the start and avoid bad habits.
The Thrill of Planing
For most windsurfers, the ultimate goal is planing—that incredible feeling when the board lifts up and skims across the water at high speed. It is faster, smoother, and much more exhilarating. Our planing course is dedicated to getting you there.
You will learn how to generate speed, get your feet into the footstraps to control the board, and handle the power needed to keep planing. We also introduce the carve gybe, a graceful, high-speed turn that is one of the most satisfying moves in windsurfing. If you are ready for more, check out our advanced adult windsurfing courses to see what’s next.
Moving to intermediate skills is incredibly rewarding. However, the sport faces challenges in the UK. Equipment costs can be a barrier, with studies suggesting that around 25% of windsurfers have stopped or switched sports in the last decade. This is why our courses, which provide all the kit, are a brilliant way to progress without a big upfront investment. You can learn more about trends in UK windsurfing participation.
Why Choose an RYA Accredited Centre
When you search for “windsurfing lessons near me,” you will likely see the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) logo. Think of it as a quality seal for watersports training.
Choosing an RYA-accredited centre like ours is your guarantee of learning in a safe, professional, and effective environment. High standards are not just met; they are consistently upheld. This accreditation is a promise, backed by strict annual inspections covering every part of our operation.
From the moment you arrive, you know you are in safe hands and using well-maintained equipment.
The RYA Mark of Quality
The RYA framework is built on decades of experience, creating a learning pathway respected across the globe. It means you get a consistent, high-quality experience at any accredited centre.
To keep our accreditation, we must meet key standards:
- Qualified Instructors: All our instructors are RYA-certified, meaning they are professionally trained to teach effectively and safely.
- Safety First: We always have safety boat cover on the water during lessons. Help is never more than a moment away.
- Top-Notch Kit: Our boards, sails, and safety gear are regularly checked to ensure they are fit for purpose.
This commitment to excellence helps you learn the right techniques from day one. It helps you build a solid foundation for your windsurfing journey.
A Trusted National Framework
The Royal Yachting Association is the UK’s national governing body for sailing and windsurfing, with over 100,000 members. While this network is large, boating participation has slowed recently.
By choosing an RYA centre, you are not just booking a lesson; you are supporting a vital part of the UK’s watersports community. You are helping to pass these skills on to the next generation. You can find out more about UK sailing participation on totallytoria.co.uk.
Choosing an RYA centre means you are investing in a proven system designed for your safety, enjoyment, and progression. It’s the smartest way to start your windsurfing adventure.
Ultimately, RYA accreditation takes the guesswork out of finding great tuition. It gives you the confidence that you are getting the best possible start, guided by expert instructors. The RYA scheme is at the heart of all our training, which you can see in our full range of RYA sailing courses.
Understanding the Gear We Provide
One of the biggest questions people have when searching for “windsurfing lessons near me” is about equipment. Do not worry about the cost or complexity; we provide everything you need. This lets you focus entirely on the fun of learning.
When you arrive, we will fit you with a warm, comfortable wetsuit and all the necessary safety gear. This includes a buoyancy aid and a helmet, making sure you feel secure on the water.
Your First Board and Sail
As a beginner, you will start on equipment designed to make learning easy and fun. Your first board will be large and stable, making it much easier to balance as you get used to being afloat. This stability is key to building confidence quickly.
We pair this with a lightweight, small sail. The sail is the engine of your board. Starting with a smaller one makes it easy to pull out of the water (uphauling) and control in light winds. Your instructor will choose the perfect sail size based on your weight and the conditions, giving you just enough power without feeling overwhelmed.
The equipment you use evolves with your skills. As you progress, you’ll move to gear that offers more performance, reflecting your growing ability.
How Your Kit Changes as You Improve
As you move through the RYA courses, your equipment will change to match your skills. This progression is a huge part of becoming a better windsurfer.
- Boards Become Smaller: Once you have mastered the basics, you will switch to narrower, lower-volume boards. These are more nimble and allow for the higher speeds needed for techniques like planing.
- Sails Get Bigger: As you learn to handle more power, you will start using larger sails to catch more wind. This is especially useful on lighter wind days.
Windsurfing is a sport that is constantly innovating, so the equipment keeps getting better. The global windsurfing equipment market was valued at around USD 2.1 billion in 2023 and is set to grow. It is an exciting time to get into the sport. You can find out more about the windsurfing market evolution at dataintelo.com.
Ready to Get on the Water? Here’s How to Book
You have decided to stop searching for “windsurfing lessons near me” and start doing it. Great choice. We have made booking your course as simple as possible, so you can get from your screen to the water with no fuss.
Our course pages give you all the information you need at a glance. Whether you are a beginner or an improver, you can find the right level, check live dates, and secure your spot in just a few clicks.
Your Simple Booking Steps
We have simplified the booking process to make it smooth and easy. There is no need for endless emails or phone calls; what you see online is available right now.
- Find Your Course: Head to our main course pages. We have split them into adult windsurfing courses and our popular junior programmes to make it easier to find what you need.
- Check Live Availability: Each course page has a calendar with all our upcoming dates. This is linked directly to our booking system, so the availability is always 100% up to date.
- Book Your Place Online: Found the perfect date? Just click to book and follow the simple, secure online payment steps. You will get an instant confirmation email, and that’s it – you’re booked in.
What’s Included in the Price?
We believe in being upfront. The last thing you want is a surprise cost on the day, so our course fee is all-inclusive. Everything you need for a brilliant time on the water is covered.
The price you see is the price you pay. That includes expert RYA-qualified instruction, all your specialist kit (board, sail, wetsuit, buoyancy aid), and full safety cover from our patrol boats.
Our goal is simple: to give you a complete, high-quality experience from the moment you book. By providing everything, we make it easy for anyone to get started in this incredible sport. Your adventure is just a few clicks away.
Got Questions About Learning to Windsurf?
Starting a new sport always raises a few questions. To help you feel prepared before you book, we have answered some of the most common queries we hear from new windsurfers.
Our goal is to demystify the process so you know exactly what to expect. That way, you can focus on the excitement of getting out on the water.
Do I Need to Be Super Strong to Learn Windsurfing?
Not at all. This is one of the biggest myths about windsurfing. Modern equipment has changed the sport completely. It is now about balance and technique, not brute force. Our beginner sails are lightweight and easy for anyone to handle.
Your RYA instructor will teach you how to use your body weight and core—not your arm muscles—to control the sail. You will quickly learn the right technique for lifting the sail from the water (uphauling) in a way that is accessible for all fitness levels.
What Should I Wear for My First Lesson?
We provide all the essential specialist kit, so you do not need to buy anything expensive. Your course fee includes a warm, high-quality wetsuit and a buoyancy aid.
All you need to bring are a few simple things:
- A swimsuit or trunks to wear under the wetsuit.
- A pair of old trainers or wetsuit boots that you do not mind getting wet.
- A towel and toiletries for a shower afterwards.
- Waterproof sun cream is a must, even on cloudy days.
How Quickly Will I Be Able to Windsurf?
Everyone learns at their own pace, but our RYA Start Windsurfing course is designed to get you sailing confidently within a couple of days. The main aim of this first course is to teach you how to sail to a point and return successfully.
After completing this foundation, most people have the core skills to practise on their own or move on to our intermediate courses. You will be amazed at how quickly you pick it up in a structured learning environment.
Is Windsurfing a Safe Sport?
Yes, when taught correctly in a controlled environment, windsurfing is an extremely safe activity. As a fully accredited RYA Training Centre, your safety is our number one priority. We operate under strict, nationally recognised guidelines.
We ensure a secure learning space with constant on-water supervision. Our professional instructors are always nearby, and our dedicated safety boats are on standby throughout every lesson.
Farmoor Reservoir provides the ideal location for anyone searching for “windsurfing lessons near me.” As a large inland body of water, it has no tides or strong currents. This creates a calm and predictable environment that is perfect for building your skills with confidence.
Ready to start your windsurfing adventure? At Oxford Sail Training Trust, we have the perfect RYA course waiting for you. Find your course and book your place online today at https://oxfordsailtraining.org.uk.
