Sailors
So you’ve taken the first step and joined your Team15 club, which is great news, but what comes next?
With Team15 joining a club and having fun is just the starting point. Team15 clubs can offer an insight into all windsurfing disciplines. Where you end up is down to your windsurfing personality - but there's help along the way.
Whilst Team15 inter-club challenges are fun and the easiest area to get into, it's not the only option. If you fancy trying something different have a look at our Other Key Events page and speak with your Team15 coach to see what may be possible in your area.
Below is some information about exciting things to get involved in through and develop your skills through T15.
Would you like to become a member of the RYA Zone Squad?
For further information about the RYA Zone Squads which run through the winter, what's involved, where they happen and how to qualify, go to the link; RYA Zone Squads
If you want to be considered for a place in the RYA Windsurfer Zone Squads, you have to tell us! To do this, please fill in the online form by going to www.ryaracingevents.org.uk and follow the link to RYA Squad Applications.
Visit the website for information regarding deadlines for applications and further information.
Team15 Inter-Club Events
The T15 Inter club events happen within each Zone throughout the season and are welcoming, there are people there to help provide advice and support throughout the day. As well as being fun, they are suitable for anyone who has completed Stage 2 of the RYA Youth Windsurfing Scheme to come along to, you can enter individually or....Start a team at your club?
Newcomers are particularly welcomed and the T15 Competition Organisers who run the events, will speak with the coaches and set the challenges according to your abilities. Very soon you'll be improving your skills and may just come in the top three.
If your T15 club doesn't yet go to inter-club events, then why not start a team this year? You can enter the inter-club challenges as a team of just two or three sailors to start with - and we're sure you will have so much fun that other windsurfers from your club will soon want to join you. Before you know it your club will be at inter-club events with a full team of 15 sailors.
There are also Merit Awards to be won. You might get one of these for being the most improved or the most determined, or whatever has stood out on the day for the T15 Competition Organiser who presents these awards.
These events will really help improve your windsurfing and also provide the opportunity to make a whole new load of friends with the same interests, this includes mums and dads!!
Mum and dad can mix with other mums and dads from other clubs, making friends and discussing the on-water action. If they don't windsurf yet themselves, then perhaps encourage them to have a go at your windsurfing centre on the next T15 club night. Windsurfing as a family means you get to go windsurfing more often!
Find out where your next event is - and join in!To find out more about T15 Inter-Club Events in your zone, check out the Zone Events page.
Fun for everyone!
What is a Team15 PRO? Well, the PRO bit stands for Press Relations Officer, so if you are good at writing, or plan to take media studies at school or college, this role could be ideal for you...and it will look good on your school CV too!
In 2012 we're changing the way we report on T15 inter-club events. To ensure we get good coverage for your club - and from the club angle - we need to find a T15 PRO in each Team15 club. You may be participating in the event yourself, or you may be attending simply to cheer your team on, either way, you could nominate yourself as your T15 Club PRO
So what's involved?
- Nominate yourself as your club T15 PRO. Please email: Susie.NationGrainger@rya.org.uk
- You would then need to download the T15 PRO Media Form (on the right in downloads) and complete this electronically following each event.
- Send your completed form to the T15 Press Office by the Monday evening following each T15 inter-club event:
Susie.NationGrainger@rya.org.uk
Without a T15 Club PRO, your club could be missing out on local and regional publicity, so we would encourage you to sign up today!
Team15 Ambassadors
Team15 Ambassadors are all members of the RYA Zone or National Junior Squads. They have all been selected through an application process and their role is to be able to hep and support at the T15 club and at T15 Inter club events by sharing their experiences and knowledge.
So if you see one wearing their rash vest at an event go and ask them any questions you might have about where they went from T15.
Start a club for ex-T15 sailors?
As you outgrow Team15 consider setting up your own club that caters specifically for ex-T15 sailors; a type of youth windsurfing club within your sailing/windsurfing club which caters for people aged 16+.
You can set up your own mini-website free of charge on Project Windsurf-UK, and use this as a tool to promote your group to oterh young people in your area. Youe can link the group page to Facebook, Twitter, etc.
There may be funding to help develop your club, i.e. to purchase club kit, etc. Check out the resources page on Project Windsurf-UK website for further details.
Become an instructor
You may decide to become an instructor - an Assistant Instructor or Start Windsurfing Instructor - depending on your age. By doing so you can help the next generation of Team15 sailors to develop their skills and help your Team15 club or Project Windsurf group to expand.
Working in watersports
Maybe you could use your instructor qualification to get a job or gain work experience in watersports? The RYA book 'Working With Water' may help you decide on your future career path. You can buy a copy from the RYA webshop.
Tools to help you develop your windsurfing
Use your Youth Windsurfing Logbook to guide youTo help you progress your windsurfing skills and set yourself small, fun challenges along the way - including a few freestyle skills - then make sure you are using your RYA Youth Windsurfing Logbook & Syllabus.
Ask your T15 coach to sign off relevant sections during your T15 club sessions. Remember to take your logbook along if you attend any open training days and training camps. If you don't have your own copy, then you can buy one from the RYA website shop or your Team15 club.
Download the 'Pathway to success' poster
If racing is one of your chosen pathways options, then make sure you download the 'Pathway to success' poster for an idea of which events and training opportunities you should be considering at every level from Team15 up to National Junior Squad level.
Attend open training days and camps
Open training opportunities are arranged throughout the season and are aimed specifically at Team15 sailors. You should grab the chance to attend these days, since they will really improve your sailing - and they're great fun too!
Check out the Open Training Opportunities page for further information about the following:
- Open Training alongside T15 inter-club events
- Open training as part of UKWA Inland Series events
- Summer Training Camp
- Freestyle Training Camp
Learn from the best...
...and give them your support. Who are we talking about? Skandia Team GBR, that's who. If you are not already a member of the Skandia Team GBR Support Crew, then sign up now - it's fun, free, informative and interactive. You can also wish the Olympic Sailors and Windsurfers good luck at the 2012 Olympics taking place at Weymouth. Check out the website.
Contact UsArticle Published: September 04, 2009 11:43
Article Updated: March 22, 2013 12:11