About

Parkdale Yacht Club offers an exciting Learn To Windsurf program using state-of-the-art SC Training Boards and trainings rigs (mast and sail). The 8-week program will run from December through to March on Sunday mornings from 9:30am-11:30am and suits beginners to intermediates aged 14 years & over. Our Australian Sailing Windsurfer accredited instructors will adapt the program to suit the participant by selecting the appropriate sail for their ability and size, with the option of using a lighter inflatable training rig.

Our program utilises a Dry Land Simulator teaching aid to provide a realistic on-water experience without 'getting wet' on the beach. This enables our instructors to demonstrate fundamental concepts easily in a small group and allows participants to practice these techniques. As part of our Learn To Windsurf program we actively encourage participants to transition to our afternoon club racing upon completion of the course. This is a great way to consolidate and build upon your new sailing skills whilst joining the largest racing fleet of the Windsurfer class in Victoria.

Windsurfing can be competitive or social and is a popular worldwide sport. There is scope for learners to reach the highest international level. Parkdale Yacht Club is the proud home to the largest and most successful Windsurfer Class racing in Australia. We boast having State, National and International champions amongst our members including recent Windsurfing World Champion, Nick Bez.

Skills 

At the completion of the course, our participants will have these skills:

• Knowledge of windsurfer parts and functions,
• How to rig and unrig a windsurfer,
• How to launch and return the windsurfer to shore,
• Correct sailing techniques and board handling,
• Understand weather conditions and wind direction,
• Safety on the water and beach, 
• Master basic skills and become self reliant.

Key information 

Participants should have basic swim skills and water confidence; ideally be able to swim a short distance and be able to tread water comfortably.

We train in small group sessions.

Experience the inner workings of our Club by either electing to join our rescue boat crew on the water or assist in the race-control tower during one Sunday afternoon's club racing session. This experience allows you to observe how racing is conducted on the water and how we monitor the safety of our fleet from the race-tower, plus you get to meet and socialise with other members of our Club.

 PYC is Sunsmart. Our Club encourages sunsmart behaviour. 

 It is important for a lifejacket to be a good fit, age and weight appropriate. A Type 1 (level 100+), Type 2 (level 50) or Type 3 (level 50S)  lifejacket is a legal requirement and will be supplied by the club or may be purchased. A badly fitted lifejacket may become dislodged by going over the wearer's head. All straps should be secure and consider a low profile jacket for optimum performance and safety.  Life jacket Information

Cost 

• $450 for our 8-week program.

Includes:

• Complimentary PYC Membership for the first season,
• Use of club training SC board and rig,
• Use of appropriate life jacket supplied by the Club,
• Australian Sailing Membership,
• Coverage by Australian Sailing's Personal Accident Insurance Policy.

Register your Expression of Interest in our Learn To Windsurf program.

Don't delay, places are limited!

 Register your interest HERE  

What to bring 

• Hat and sunscreen,
• Wetsuit (optional),
• Flexible split-toe surf-type booties (optional),
• Towel and dry change of clothes,
• Life jacket, Type 1, 2 or 3, (optional if you wish to have your own).

Dates and session times for 2024-25 

Sunday mornings 9:30am-11:30am 

• Dec 1st, 8th, 15th
• Feb 2nd, 16th
• Mar 2nd, 16th, 23rd