Visitors & Day Sailing

Windsurfing at Watergrove

Why Watergrove?

Most of us come along just to blast back and forth and hopefully improve our gybes, as well as to learn from those who always seem to be able to do it better! There are a few members who try their hand at freestyle and some that like to check their top speed by GPS … then brag about it! The Club has a long tradition of racing and some winners in Regional and National events. We have some promising new young members and a developing link with Hollingworth to cater for young racing windsurfers. Informal competitions are held on regular occasions, but there is always plenty of space for those who just like sailing.

The water is relatively clean and the sailable area is about 375m x 800m. There is a good Clubhouse with changing facilities and hot showers, cooking facilities, plenty of free parking, ample grass rigging areas between car park and water, and a safety boat that is launched or ready to go when there are powerboat-qualified members present. Above all, it’s a friendly environment in which windsurfers of all abilities are encouraged. We have new members who have just passed their RYA Start Windsurfing course, and some older, returning windsurfers who have rediscovered the delights of the sport …. and most of us somewhere in between.

The prevailing wind direction is SW or NW. Most directions work well and the reservoir is about 650 feet above sea level, so it gets a good amount of wind. If you stand at the Clubhouse and look towards the dam you are looking due South. So, a Southerly wind has to come over the dam wall. This is usually okay, though you may find some wind shadow if the water level is very low – not usually an issue but can happen mid-Summer if it’s particularly dry. Wind with an Easterly component is the least good direction - it can be a bit gusty, though still very sailable and you can get some very strong winds from this direction.

When can you sail?

When you join (or when you enquire about a day sailing ticket) you’ll be given the code to the combination lock for the gate to the access road and a key for the Clubhouse so you can sail any time during daylight hours. Thursday evenings and Sundays are particularly popular, but whenever there’s wind you’re likely to find others on the water. The shoutbox on our website also helps many members check who else plans to sail when they plan to, which helps with both safety and friendships.

What about kit storage?

We have storage for about 40 boards and rigs in the Clubhouse. Spare storage slots aren’t vacant for long, as many members like the convenience of keeping their kit at the Club. The quality of the sailing available at Watergrove is good enough so that many members rarely sail elsewhere!

Do I need my own kit?

We have a few Club boards and rigs that members occasionally use, but practically all members have their own kit. There is a regular trade between members of boards and rigs as abilities progress, and a good grapevine of information on the latest equipment and where it can be found for the best prices.

What about complete beginners?

As individuals, we have sometimes taught new members with no previous experience, but the most time-effective way of learning is to attend an RYA Start Windsurfing course at a Recognised Teaching Establishment, where they will have a wide range of beginners kit to try out. Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre (01706 370499) is an excellent teaching establishment just two miles away. When you have achieved your Level I (or Level II if you wish), you should easily be competent to sail at West Pennine SC. We also hope to offer some instruction in the near future to help members progress after they have grasped the basics.

What about Safety/Insurance at the Club?

Members will be made aware of the few dangers there are on this water. On occasion, if water levels are low then some shallow areas are to be avoided. A safety boat is available, and members are always on the look-out for anyone in difficulty. We have an excellent safety record, but members have to be aware they sail and use the facilities at their own risk, and indeed are required by the Club’s constitution to carry insurance against third party liability, such as that provided by RYA or UKWA membership (which we encourage), or through many household policies (but check the small print). The Club is affiliated to the RYA.

Other Activities

Watergrove is a good place for other activities as well as windsurfing. There is a radio controlled model yachting group affiliated to WPSC. Our members are permitted to canoe on the reservoir. An excellent range of footpaths and bridlepaths (some permissive so not shown on maps) ensure that the club is a good starting point for walks and mountain bike rides - you can borrow a route map from the Club. An angling club has the fishing rights for the reservoir.

Clubhouse – water and electricity

We are not connected to mains water, so please bring drinking water with you. The water supply is fine  for showers and washing, but has to be boiled before drinking. Electricity is supplied by a generator which is normally timed to stay on for a limited period after starting; it can be re-started if required. Hot water is heated by gas when the generator is on. Space heating, when necessary, is by radiators and/or wood stove. Being ecologically-minded, we try to use fuel economically. There is a microwave, kettle, and basic cooking facilities.