Why Windsurf?
People windsurf for a number of reasons – there are lots of different aspects to the sport and it can be whatever you make it. But above all Windsurfing is an addictive, high performance sailing sport. It takes place in all conditions anywhere there’s wind and water. It’s fun, challenging great for fitness and you’ll meet heaps of like minded people.
Why Pt Chev?
Raymond St Reserve is Auckland’s premier windsurfing spot – it can handle wind directions from south thru west to north easterly. The prevailing south to west winds are perfect and in these conditions it’s usually the harbours windiest spot offering much cleaner winds than more sheltered areas. There is shallow standing depth water fore at least 50m at all tides. It offers a great introduction to all the advantages of real windsurfing on the sea without having to deal with surf or rolling swells.
Is it difficult?
Windsurfing isn’t easy but with a professional lesson on modern beginner equipment you’ll be sailing back and forth within an hour.
It’s not like it used to be. Now boards are super wide, short and very stable. The rigs used at the school are lightweight and easy to pick up.
Do I need to be strong?
Learning to windsurf will get you fit but with modern equipment and a small sail strength isn’t an issue. We teach children from 7years old on a regular bassis.
Why Auckland Windsurfing?
All lessons here are structured to give you the best windsurfing experience possible. All adult lessons and holiday programmes are given by school owner Pete Smith – WNZ master instructor with 20 years worldwide teaching experience ranging from flat water lakes to sideshore surf high wind locations. Trained by the Royal Yachting Association to their highest level 5.
All courses offer guaranteed success.
Lessons are offered at all levels from complete Beginner, thru harness, planing, footstraps waterstarts. Carve gybe lessons are very popular, tune up your speed or learn wavesailing or maybe daring freestyle moves old and new.
We use Widestyle boards with small lightweight rigs for learning and offer a complete range of intermediate and pro equipment. in all sizes. There are no extras, wetsuit, shoes, harness and buoyancy aids are provided. Your safety is taken very seriously and although windsurfing is a relatively safe sport the support boat is on hand at all times.
The environment is friendly and intimate and there are often BBQs and drinks at the weekends.
If the wind’s good we stay open late in the evening.
What about tides?
Obviously being on the coast there is a tidal range. High tides are convenient and launching is straight from the beach. At low tide there’s a short walk but you’ll be rewarded with shallow water for most of the sailing area.
Do I have to be a good swimmer?
All we ask is that you’re confident in the water.
Buoyancy aids are provided.
Is age important?
We regularly teach students from age 7 to 70 years old.
We can arrange for your fellow students to be of similar age upon request.