Kielder Water is a large, deep lake, ideally suited for windsurfing, windfoiling and winging – plenty of space to learn, develop and to have fun, whether you have been in the sport for years or have never even stood on a board. We welcome wind/wing surfers/foilers of all abilities from complete beginner upwards.
As a member of Kielder Water Sailing Club you can launch from the slipway or beach in front of the Clubhouse at Tower Knowe. A small bay which is semi-enclosed by KWSC’s jetty is ideal for beginners, after which the headland point is the target and then into the wide open space of Kielder Water for a blast across the lake, a freestyle flaka routine, a long haul up to the top end of the lake at Bakethin or an exploratory cruise into one of the many creeks – the choice is yours.
Come and enjoy the amazing sensation of being out on a vast expanse of silvery water surrounded by beautiful pine forests, with trout leaping from the water and ospreys flapping lazily overhead.
Windsurf coaching
“Windsurfing all-comers” instruction is available, to club members only, on the fourth Sunday of every month from April to October for all those who are looking for an easy entry in to the sport or who need coaching at intermediate and advanced levels. Potential members can arrange a “Discover Windsurfing” taster session (again on the fourth Sunday of the month) to decide if this is for them. We can provide windsurfing equipment and buoyancy aids, and we have a limited selection of wetsuits available for people who don’t have their own.
Windsurfing is a great way to get or stay fit — it’s a whole-body workout, a bit like doing Pilates and free weights while standing on a wobble-board. It’s also pretty safe, given that you’re falling into water, and it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and fresh air. Whatever your skill level, regular windsurfing sessions will improve your windsurfing ability very quickly. If you’ve never tried it before, you’ll have the basics mastered in no time. From first time windsurfer to a relative expert, come along and join in the fun.
Kielder Kestrels Team15
Team15 is a nationwide network of windsurfing clubs where young people aged 15 and under can get together on a regular basis to learn new windsurfing skills and have fun with their friends on the water. Our Team15 is the Kielder Kestrels. They meet on the fourth Saturday of every month from April to October, with a training session from 10:00 to 16:00.
Ideally young people attend all sessions over a summer, with many coming back on Sunday for informal practice as well. Since the same faces come back regularly, they definitely make new friends as well – there’s something about splashing about in the water together that encourages team bonding!
Equipment
The club has a selection of windsurfing boards and rigs that are available for members to use at any time they are not required for training. Even when training is taking place there are likely to be some windsurfers still available. A range of rigs are kept ready in our rig shed, so you don’t need to spend ages rigging kit; you can just grab the sail size of your choice and head out. The boards and rigs were purchased with club funds and a grant from the RYA and Sport England, and include:
- HiFly Matrix (149 litres)
- HiFly Mambo (175 litres)
- HiFly Motion (219 litres)
- HiFly Primo (240 litres)
- Bic Techno Team15 board (205 litres, youth racing board)
The club has its own GPS device for the use of its members and runs a yearly speed league.
Club equipment can only be used following an assessment and induction with the Chief Windsurf Instructor, Brian Coates.
Members are of course welcome to use their own kit, but all craft is required to be registered with Northumbrian Water. The annual fee for a windsurfer is £18.50. Northumbria Water also requires everyone to wear a wetsuit and buoyancy aid while windsurfing (foiling, etc). Be aware that there is no rescue service on the lake outside of organised club training activities, and you sail at your own risk.
Interested?
You can book a “Discover Windsurfing” taster session through our WebCollect page. Create an account if you don’t have one, sign in, find “Discover Windsurfing” under the “Events” tab, then click on “Book places”.
The webcollect page is also where you can book onto a “Start Windsurfing” course, “All-comer coaching”, or “Team 15” .
Any other questions, please contact us!