Hi, Started learning a couple of years ago but have let it all slide with periods of travelling. Don't feel confident to go out on the sea but does anyone know of anywhere inland around Bristol that is good for beginners as i have just moved and don't know the area? Preferably somewhere that i can do a few refresher lessons!

cheers. All advice appreciated.

Your best bet will be to get in touch with the Bristol Nomads... A few of them frequent these forums. They arrange trips fairly regularly including lots to Portland Harbour which will probably be the best place for you to get back into the swing of things. It is a couple of hours from Bristol but there are very few inland options actually within the confines of Bristol.. unless you want to take your chances with the rats at Baltic Wahrf in the docks... I wouldn't recommend it though even though thats where I learnt to windsurf. The only other decent option is the lakes at South Cerney in the Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester. Again Portland Harbour would be better as the wind is much cleaner there. iIve rarely had a good day at South Cerney.

I hope that helps. I'm sure MartinF will have something to add.

Al.

Hi Clare , belive the Nomad biys use axebridge res which aint to far from Bristol.
or the next nearest is Llandegfedd at Pontypool , about an hrs drive away but could prove quite costly with bridge fees and lake fee

http://www.gwent-adventures.co.uk/index.htm
hers a link to the rya school on llandegfedd if you want lessons

Where to sail all depends on what level you got to before

weston can be very good for advancing as at certain levels of tide the waves are always far apart the water shallow and the wind onshore all good but you have to be able to beachstart and sail along . My mate advanced more than at weymouth as he wasnt worried about being blown out to sea and once I got him on the right sized sail he was off.

Lakes are ok but they dont help once you can sail along and beachstart

get in contact I live in weston for my sins and and as a lapsed RYA instructor should be able to help you out with so tips ect

the wind season is on us and the sea is warming up

I'm not a Nomad, but know some of the crowd and the most of the local spots as I live in Bath. I'd avoid Weston at the moment, Even small waves are difficult for beginners. If you don't have kit, then really you are pretty limited. Luckily you have one of the best spots anywhere available to you. Try Poole Harbour. There are at least 3 shops that give tuition, and one that will hire you equipment if just want to practice. These are FC Watersports, Poole Harbour Boardsailing (just been re-named, but I'm not sure what to) and H2O Watersports. If you've never been to Poole, it’s a massive natural harbour, that is shallow enough to stand up in as far as you'll sail as a newcomer. I'd suggest getting in touch with one of the shops (can't lie, I like FC best for lessons as they taught me 4 years ago and they are right on the waters edge) and arrange a few hours sailing.
As you get better and get kit, JustAl's suggestions spot on. Portland is a Fantastic location, Weston can be great and I've never been to the reservoirs as I'm alergic fresh water!
Welcome to the area, hope you get some good sailing in!

Thanks to everyone for posting really helpful, thought about the nomads but i seriously think i need to go back to basics as been a good couple of years, tried to hire a board last year and just couldn't get it. Will try out your suggestions! will stick to inland for the mo though as bad experiences first time learning on the sea! Hangover, falling off, sea water...lots of it, you get the picture! I have never quite recovered but i am sure i will feel differently when i get more confident! thankyou again!

the no-nads (ha like that !)
sorry nomads , are doing some training fing sat 4th at axebridge res
heres a link to their web giving details
shure they would welcome any new member
http://www.bristolnomads.org.uk/location_reports/s_bristol_channel/axbridge.htm

Al ,
never get these bloody long links to work !
cut and paste it en !

no-nads.... I like that too!!

Fixed the link for you, I don't know what you are doing, but I just surround it with the BBcodes for a url...

Al.

Just to add, Portland Sailing Academy now does kit hire and lessons. All new equipment and the instructors seem very keen. I was sailing with a couple of them this weekend and they're good guys! They have a great area to learn in, well away from the mayhem of the boatyard where you would have kites boosting over your head!

Hi Wes just wandering how u wash- being allergic to fresh water, weird?

Wes washes himself every time its windy at Weston

I don't wash, its the reason I'm not married so can afford all these lovely toys!

As for Weston, after the nappy got wrapped around my arm, never again!

Nappies thats grose!!! bad enough changing em let alone windsurfing in em.
All the beaches r the same,crap pumped out everywhere just look at Brighton.
i clipped an outlet pipe at westwsard ho! with my fin, Lots of brown foam at the left hand side of the beach which is where they place the bathers flags with the life guards???

Do u live at the top of the hollow, c ur van up there alot...

I'm being stalked!

Yep, I've lived there for a year, but will be moving to Brock street in the very near future. I'll be the one playing with my sails in Victoria Park from now on….

ILL shall keep an eye out for a windsurfer in Viccy park then, when im up there with the Littlen feeding the ducks on the pond, im not stalking u honest....
how tall r u?what colour hair u got, etc.. not stalking u Honest...