Windsurfing Society (1980-[1983])

The first mention of the windsurfing society was through a notice in the what’s on section in the McGarel in October 1980. The notice mentioned how enthusiasts would have to attend a meeting about completing a windsurfing course as a part of an induction to the society. During the academic year of 1980/81, the society managed to run two training courses and purchased two sailboards despite the lack of student union funding for the society. Training courses took place in Snodland near Maidstone. For the academic year of 1981/82, the society had training based at Thorpe Park, which was a Royal Yachting Association recognised training centre where proficiency certificates were awarded. In that year, the society was hoping to run courses earlier on in the term when the water wasn’t so cold. The society also expected to enter some inter-college competitions that year too. Within the first three weeks of training courses, 35 people had joined the society and attended the course at Thorpe Park. Around 70% of students who had joined the society, had gained their R.Y.A Proficiency certificates, which enabled members to enter races and organise trips to the sea. Sailboards were kept in Surrey Docks in London, where there was a large expanse of water allowing members to race and practise. On December 18th 1981, six members raced on the South Coast of Wales, in a competition organised by the Polytechnic of Wales.

In April 1982, intermediate courses were available for students at Thorpe Park and Chelmsford. A year later in 1983, the society had reopened with weekend tuition courses being available to students at reduced rates, with the well known London Windsurfing School. The course was accredited with the standards of the Royal Yachting Association, with students being awarded with a certificate for completing their tests at the end of the training period.