Windsurfing Beginners

If you’ve never windsurfed before you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to grasp the basics. We offer free and inclusive lessons all week, in all our Beach Clubs; and you’ll love the learning experience - whether you’re a tentative learner or a more gung-ho sportsman - because we have warm, waist-deep waters, expert instructors and gentle morning winds. Progress at your own pace in our sociable group lessons and return home a fully-fledged and qualified RYA Level 1 Windsurfer. Now that’s an achievement!

Our ‘Start Windsurfing’ Course

All our centres are ideal for learning to windsurf and we offer free and inclusive five half-day beginner courses for everyone. They follow the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) syllabus so you also get an internationally recognised qualification at the end of your stay.

Over the last decade, we are proud to have taught all ages from 8 to 70 years old! So, whatever your fitness level, your almost always going to be able to join in. It’s low-pressured and it’s lots of fun because the conditions are so nice! Even guests who’ve come away with no intention of windsurfing – are tempted to “give it a go” and leave us with a new skill and sport to continue at home.

RYA Start Windsurf courses: Free in all our Beach Clubs
Duration: 5 days, 2.5 to 3 hrs/day
Free for guests: age 14+ (all levels of fitness!)
Under 13’s: can join our free Kids Club with water sports tasters.
8-13 year olds: Can join Youth Squad for dedicated RYA coaching (paid for)
Group Size: Normally 8-12 persons and a 6:1 student / instructor ratio
Course content: Teaches you the basics of windsurfing in light airs
Ability after course: You’ll be able to sail to a chosen point, turn around and come back to your start point in light winds.

About the Course

All our centres offer idyllic conditions for learning, with warm waters and light morning winds to encourage all ages (even the old folk!) onto a board. Our friendly instructors are fun to be around, energetic and expert at teaching all ages and levels of fitness.

You will start with some shore based theory and using a simulator our expert instructors will familiarise you with the kit and controls. Then its straight to the water without further ado!

You will start off in warm, waist-deep water with an instructor on hand or nearby to help you along. At any point, you’ll be able to walk or wade back in or a support boat will be on hand to assist.

Ability After the Course

If you complete all five mornings then you should be able to windsurf to a chosen point on the water and return to where you started in light winds. You’ll also go home with a new internationally recognised RYA Level 1 qualification to prove your new skill.

Who Can Join In?

Our free courses are available to all guests 14+. Younger sailors (4-13) can join our free Kids Club which include water sports tasters. The 8-13 year olds can join our excellent Youth Squad for dedicated RYA coaching

We encourage all fitness levels to join the fun, and we’ve taught a few 70 year olds before, so there’s no excuse! Group sessions are always very sociable and range in size from 8-12 persons, with a maximum 6:1 student/instructor ratio.

Where Can I Learn?

All our resorts offer perfect conditions for beginner windsurfers, where reliable winds and warm, waist deep waters (along with free tuition!) help to quicken the learning curve.

Learning has never been easier with our latest generation of wide and stable beginner boards with small sails and lightweight rigs. The Start Windsurfing course takes place during the mornings when the breeze is light and the sea is flat; all our resorts follow the same weather pattern.

Visit Porto Heli >

Visit Horto-Pelion >

Visit Vassiliki >

RYA COURSES AVAILABLE
Start Windsurfing: Beginner 2.5-3hrs/5 days	Teaching the basics of windsurfing using the right equipment.
Intermediate (non-planing) 2.5-3hrs/5 days	We'll introduce new equipment and techniques such as beach starts, fast tacks and the harness. All in preparation for high wind blasting!
Intermediate (planing) 2.5-3hrs/5 days	This course builds on all your skills to get the board planing and emphasises technique for blasting control; getting your feet in the foot straps and an introduction to the carve gybe. Beach starts may be taught in this course or as a separate clinic.
Advanced 2.5-3hrs/5 days	Focus on planing techniques, water starts, carve gybes, bump and jump, basic freestyle and more. Help, tips and advice is on hand from our resident advanced-level and pro-am instructors.
Age 13+ yrs

What to Wear and Bring

Wear shorts you can get wet
Wear a quick dry T-shirt or Rash Vest (can buy these locally from us)
Do wear sunglasses (can buy an elasticated band, locally from us)
Do wear plenty of sun cream
Some sailors wear a sun hat or cap for extra protection.
No need for wetsuits - the water is very warm - even in May!
We supply buoyancy aids and helmets for kids.

Top tip:
We sell sailing gloves, rash vests, quick dry T-Shirts, sunglasses bands at all our centres.

A Great Team of RYA Instructors

Our very own team of British instructors are fully qualified by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association). Many of them return a second or third year… and some have done more, so they know many guests well.

We pick them for their friendly and outgoing natures, and they’re always on hand to help you rig up and get launched, and teach you some tips, either inside or out of a lesson. They love to share knowledge and talk about their favourite subject - that’s windsurfing or sailing we hope – so do tap them for advice… after all its what we’re there for.

Our instructors love teaching because it’s their chosen profession and they’re pretty-darn good at it – just look at our 5* reviews! They basically play an active role both on and off the beach, in all parts of your holiday, and always in an unobtrusive way.

Private Tuition

Our holidays include more than enough tuition to get you up and started on a windsurf board or boat. However, you may prefer some private tuition to top-up your free lessons or to help focus on a specific technique or skill.

Our instructors can tailor a lesson or a course of lessons to suit your requirements. We can offer discounted rates for one-on-two.

• One hour Private Lesson 1 to 1 (Beginner to Advanced) £41/hr
• One hour Private Lesson 1 to 1 (Beginner to Advanced) £40/2hrs
• One hour Private Lesson 1 to 2 (Beginner to Advanced) £64/hr
• One hour Private Lesson 1 to 2 (Beginner to Advanced) £86/2hrs

“Fantastic Holiday!”

“The hotel is right on the beach and has its own sunbeds for guest use. The main reason for going was the sailing and we have nothing but praise for the Ocean Elements staff, right from airport pickup they were friendly and helpful. The watersports on offer were varied and whilst there was always someone there to assist - we never felt we pushed into anything.

The intention was for my husband to attend the RYA Level 1 course and for me to sunbathe and read books. Once I saw the setup and felt the genuine enthusiasm of all the staff, I decided to have a go as well. I am a large lady with no previous experience but the staff never made me feel uncomfortable and were always encouraging and full of praise.

Thanks in particular to Tom and Josh for getting me through my Level 1. We’ll definitely be back next year for level 2!!”

Jan Pope, May 2015, travelled as a couple