Windsport Self Launch

Launch your own equipment on our beautiful and wind prone lake in a controlled and safe environment! We will have a control boat on the water whenever watersports activity is taking place, which can provide assistance if required.

Please read the minimum requirements to ensure your craft is suitable, we will only be allowing windsport craft list only. Battery or motorised craft are not permitted such as E-Foils or power assisted dinghies are not permitted.

Please be aware that all customers launching their own equipment MUST have 3rd party liability insurance, which will need to be shown on check-in and must wear a 50N minimum buoyancy aid at all times when on the water.

Age requirements:

The minimum age allowed on the water for windsport self launch is 8.

8 to 13 years old - Can sail their own craft, whilst supervised by a responsible adult aged 18+ on the water.

14 to 17 years old - Can sail their own craft with a responsible adult aged 18+ on site that is contactable in the case of an emergency.

18+ can use inline with our T&C's.

Please note we only allow 1 person per craft capacity. 1 windsurf = 1 person entry, double handed sailing dinghy = 2 person entry etc.

Dogs must be kept on a lead and are not allowed in or on the water.

Weather:

Safety is always our number one priority. If weather conditions are poor (e.g. strong winds or thunder and lightning) or safe supervision cannot be maintained, we reserve the right to restrict or cancel the activity. Advance notice will be given where possible. However, sometimes decisions must be made at short notice due to the nature of weather conditions and forecasting inaccuracies. If we close for activities, we will contact all customers impacted to either reschedule or refund.

Maximum wind speeds:

Sailing, windsurfing and foiling:

·If the wind is consistently exceeding Force 4 (18mph) sailing, windsurfing and foiling activities will be restricted to experienced participants only. Experienced participants must be able to travel up and down wind competently in Force 5-6 wind conditions.

We reserve the right to terminate the session for any participant that we do not deem suitably experienced for the conditions or cannot control their craft in a safe manner.

Requirements

All customers launching their own equipment MUST have 3rd party liability insurance, which will need to be shown on check-in. 3rd party liability insurance is often included with National Governing Body memberships or can be purchased as an insurance policy.

Dinghies: One person aboard must hold RYA Youth Stage 3 or RYA Adult Level 2 Basic Skills, or have equivalent experience.

Windsurfers: Must hold RYA Youth Stage 3, RYA Start Windsurfing, or have equivalent experience.

Wing foilers: Must be able to sail upwind in light wind conditions.

Note: If certificates are not held, the water safety team may ask you to take part in a skills assessment to ensure your competency is sufficient to meet the requirements.

All access is from the slipway adjacent to the boatshed.

Foiling is permitted, this activity may be zoned during peak times.

The launching of inflatables and beach toys is strictly prohibited.

·There will be a control boat on the water whenever the water is in use, which will provide assistance if required.

Biosecurity rules are in place and users should follow the national Check, Clean, Dry biosecurity guidance.

What to bring

Please complete your disclaimer and medical information online ahead of your visit – this will be prompted through your online booking. If this information isn’t completed in advance, it can cause delays to you starting your session. This information must be completed for every person participating.

Accessible 3rd party watersports insurance.

A correctly fitting buoyancy aid (EN 393) must always be worn when on the water. This may be replaced by an impact vest when using a harness only. Buoyancy belts are NOT accepted. Life jackets are allowed; however, we would advise not to use automatically inflating ones.

Your self launch equipment must be in good condition and meet the relevant EN safety requirements. You are accepting responsibility for ensuring your equipment meets these requirements.

Shoes you are happy to get wet (old trainers or water shoes) – footwear must be worn when entering or exiting the water

Wetsuits and buoyancy aids can be hired from the Activity Centre if needed.

Itinerary:

1.Make sure you arrive in good time and have signed all relevant disclaimers and medical declarations in advance

2.Check in at the Activity Centre reception

3.Changing rooms and lockers are available (£1 refundable).

4.A safety briefing will be provided at the start of your session.