Author: Martin

With 25 volunteers (yes 25!), over a hundred visitors, 45 trained and windsurfing then this was another great open day to remember. The team worked hard to squeeze as many visitors on the day as possible, probably a record? So thanks go to Tone, John, Peter, Gillian, Leisl, Wendy, Steve, Paul, Trish, Chris, Neil, Darren, Keith, Richard, Simon, Martin, Wendy, Chris, Jeff, Gillian, Gareth, Dave, and Glen.

Excellent weather, great company – another perfect day at the Club. Let us know if you are interested in the June and July 2 day windsurfing courses. email martinhwc@btinternet.com

19 May update – places still available and a perfect weather forecast, yippee!

This is a day not to be missed, our open days have a great reputation, with hospitality 2nd to none. We love these open days and our guests do too! Everyone is welcome.

This is your chance to have a go at windsurfing, and or just come along to have a look, have a cake & cuppa and say hello. You should leave very chilled after spending time on our beautiful beach.

We teach the basics on our beach-based simulator by our experienced and qualified RYA Windsurfing Instructors, and followup with a session on the water.

• Open 10am to 3:30pm. Allow 2 hours, last entry 2pm.
• Land based simulator instruction by our RYA qualified instructors, and on the water coaching with safety cover.
• Bring: a swimsuit, towel, and old pair of trainers, £5 entry fee and go for it attitude.
• Wetsuit, buoyancy aid, instruction, drinks and cakes* all included
• Spare places will be available on the day on a ‘first come first served basis’, although booking in advance recommended, email martinhwc@btinternet.com

* Donations to cover the excellent drinks and cakes are discretionary.

Children under 8 yrs are unlikely to be strong enough, all students must be able to swim 25m, and be confident going on the water.

Anyone joining on the day and who wishes to complete a 2 days full beginner training course will be given priority, discounted joining, and ridiculously cheap training course fees.

Members, please remember the beach is closed to members for usual windsurfing as it’s just too busy on the beach, sorry.

In August 2016 it came as a bit of a shock to learn our beach landlord had decided to sell the northern part of Hickling Broad, which naturally raised concerns with us, our neighbours, and other water users too.

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust are soon to be our new landlords. Brendan Joyce, Chief Executive of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust says:

“Norfolk Wildlife Trust wants to work positively with everyone who uses Hickling Broad including the sailing, angling and windsurfing interests to ensure we can maintain and protect its internationally important wildlife. This is a real opportunity to work together in a sustainable way where everyone who has an interest in Hickling sees the wildlife as its most important asset and works with us to protect it for the future.”

Martin Harwood says “The committee are very excited with the prospect of working with Brendan and his colleagues at the Trust, and look forward to building a great relationship for the benefit of all those who share the water”.

If you would like to make a donation to the NWT appeal then please use the link below.

NWT fundraising donations page

18th February Meal and Mardle – Everyone thoroughly enjoyed a lovely evening with an amazing spread, and meeting other members. Feeling stuffed, and relaxed after one of our best socials ever.

Was just £7.50, at the Norwich Tennis and Squash Club.

The best turn out we have had for quite a while and reflects the extra activity at the Club this year: Introduction of  Training Courses, extremely popular come and try day, more new members, Quay side and Changing room maintenance, professional training course, renewal of RYA instructors, BBQ, Fun day, and of course the work to try to secure our Beach for future generations.

Good to see founder members, regulars, and new members there too.

Pic: August 2016, Professional windsurf training course.

Lovely and Warm, with some very strong gusts, especially at the Southern buoy, resulted in some very challenging racing. Martin was given an unprecedented 3 minute handicap, for sailing his picnic table! Olympians galore…loads of gold, silver and bronze medals given away at the annual Fun Day.

Results. Tennis Relay: 1st (Philip and Neil), 2nd (Martin and JT), 3rd (Carl and Dave).

Slalom Ladies Gold (Wendy), Children Slalom Gold (Byony), Silver (William), Mens Gold (tied -Philip, Martin), Silver (tied Dave, Carl), Bronze (tied-Neil D, Neil W, Chris).

It isn’t often we have a world class windsurfing Pro at the Broad. Here are class 2016, looking confident and preparing for the 100th gybe/helli tack/fast tack of the day. We will definitely be inviting Simon Bornhoft back next year!

The re-schedule for 15 Oct was cancelled due to a poor weather forecast. Ironically, the weather turned out to be perfect! Apologies for any inconvenience.

The free SUP taster planned on the 7th August has had to be cancelled due to high winds. Steve from the Norfolk Paddle Board Co has re-scheduled for 15 October 10am to 1pm. Access will be from the Pleasure Boat.

No need to book, just turn up. First come first served.

* Over 80 members and guests made the BBQ, for a good catch up, and windsurfing/Hickling quiz in the lovely beer garden. Must have been the warmest evening of the year.

A quick Google will tell you that Simon is probably the leading Windsurfing technique guru on the planet, and he is coming to Hickling. A special price of just £89 for Club members. Suitable for both windy and non-windy conditions. £99 for non-members, + Club £10 day membership.

Unique Skills Training & Coaching System to guarantee your progress!
* Early Planing, Blasting, Fast Short Board Tacks, Gybing + any other requests!
* Perfect technique tune up to give your windsurfing a boost this season!
* You’ll benefit from the proven Windwise Skills Training System

Direct link to the Windwise information and booking page – Click here

See the Events link on the LHS for booking and more information.