Do I Need to Buy? 

To start with you don't actually have to buy anything since all equipment can be provided by the Team15 club, including wetsuits and buoyancy aids.

Team15 clubs only have a limited amount of club equipment though, so if you require this facility then it is advisable to book your Team15 sessions in advance. Contact your local club to book.

As you get into windsurfing and decide you enjoy taking part in your Team15 club, then you really should be investigating purchasing your own equipment.

What are the benefits to owning equipment?

More sailing time

Your windsurfing ability will improve no end if you have your own equipment and you can use it to practise on outside of Team15 club sessions, perhaps with your family.

Bigger improvements

The more you know something the better the results, so it makes sense to have your own board and sail. You will have the same equipment for every session so you can rig it in exactly the right way for you and as a result your windsurfing skills will increase rapidly.

You can participate in inter-club challenges more easily

If you are taking part in inter-club challenges then having your own kit will make things much easier to participate since not all Team15 clubs have sufficient equipment to let it disappear for the day to an event.

Cheaper sailing

In the long term having your own equipment will work out cheaper than hiring windsurfing equipment, which you may have to do in order to take part in the inter-club challenges.

You may also find that T15 club sessions are cheaper if you have your own equipment. Ask your club.

Team15 clubs can grow

As more families commit to purchasing their own equipment, more children will be allowed the opportunity to experience Team15 for the first time.

Club equipment should ideally be used to introduce children to Team15. If children continue to use club kit rather than purchasing their own, it means that the club will remain static in numbers since club kit is limited.

So as you discover how much fun windsurfing is, check out the equipment options - both new equipment and second-hand - then watch your Team15 club grow in size and fun!

First things first

If you do decide that windsurfing is your thing then probably the first items you should buy would be your own wetsuit and buoyancy aid. Your own wetsuit will be more comfortable than school wetsuits and will ensure a good fit so that you stay nice and warm.

Some shops offer a buy-back scheme on junior wetsuits so that you can exchange them quite cheaply for the next size up. This will ensure that you always have a good, tight fitting wetsuit that will keep you warm.

You may also want to consider buying wetsuit boots which will keep your feet warm and protect your feet in the shallows. If you don't want to buy wetsuit boots straight away, old trainers will do the job to start with. 

After buying your own wetsuit and buoyancy aid then the next thing to consider would be a board and rig, then finally a harness, although if you buy everything together you may get a better deal from the shop. 

Family equipment packages

Many manufacturers offer family equipment packages. It is possible for the same board could be used by both children and parents, with two rigs provided as part of the package - a junior rig and an adult rig. With the mast bases exactly the same it is very easy to switch sails in a matter of moments ready for the next person to have their go. Pack the kit, pack the picnic and off you go for a great family day out.

Ask your nearest windsurfing shop or RYA training centre for details on what family windsurfing packages are available.

The RYA as well as many windsurfing and sailing clubs offer family membership options too, so a cost effective way for everyone to get afloat and to join in the fun of windsuring.

And finally...

As T15 clubs expand there is an increasing demand on club equipment and sometimes this is not available to take off-site to T15 inter-club events. By buying your own, this will allow you to attend the T15 club every week, participate in inter-club challenges and improve your sailing further still as you become more familiar with your own equipment. Buying your own is definitely the way to improve.