Learn to Windsurf at Wakatere

Wakatere Boating Club has a strong focus on family participation in sailing and particularly junior sailing (Ages 10-15). Children can complete a Learn to Sail Course in the Optimist class and as an alternative to the Optimist they can progress to windsurfing in conjunction with Mad Loop Windsurfing at Lake Pupuke.

Courses are organized on demand with groups of 4 or more children completing 4 x 2 hour sessions at Lake Pupuke Cost $185.00. All equipment is provided, but warm thermals, are recommended for under the wetsuits in winter

8 hours instruction is a minimum requirement before sailing at Wakatere, but many children continue with another 4 x 2 hour sessions to gain confidence and skill with larger sails and using a harness.

Equipment

All Wakatere windsurfers use their own equipment. The board used is the Bic Techno293 which is sailed in large numbers around the world. Complete Techno Boards and rigs can be purchased from Watersports South Pacific (WSP) or they are frequently available second hand. New sailors generally require a smaller sail to begin with 4.5 to 5.0m. The smallest Bic Techno sail available is 5.5m. Sailors under 15 years can compete at regattas with up to a 6.8m sail and sailors under 17 years old compete with up to a 7.8m sail. There is an open division for sailors over 17 years old.

Sunday Coaching and racing

During the sailing season we offer Sunday morning Techno coaching at the club, followed by afternoon racing. There are also many regattas held at different yacht clubs, with a Techno division.

Times vary each season but we are generally on the water at 11am for coaching. Costs depend on numbers enrolled.

Summer Mid Week coaching

We will be running mid week coaching at Wakatere after school. The timetable and cost will depend on demand and availability of coaches.

Winter Sailing

There is training and racing for Technos from all yacht clubs on Sundays at Lake Pupuke and at various yacht clubs during the winter.

Links

WSP Watersports South Pacific http://watersports.co.nz/

International Techno Class Association http://www.techno293.org/

Mad Loop Windsurfing          http://www.madloop.co.nz/