Do I need to buy?

This is the first question most people ask - and to start with no, you don't, since everything can be provided by the team15 club, including wetsuits and buoyancy aids. But this said, team15 clubs will only have a limited amount of equipment so if you require this facility then it is advisable to book your team15 sessions in advance.

As you get into windsurfing and decide you enjoy the team15 sessions, then you really should be investigating purchasing your own equipment. Your windsurfing ability will improve no end if you have your own kit and you can use it to practise on outside of team15 sessions with your family. The more you know something the better the results, so it makes sense to have your own board and sail; you will have the same equipment for every session, can rig it in exactly the right way for you and as a result your windsurfing skills will increase rapidly.

If you are taking part in inter-club challenges then having your own kit will make things much easier to participate since not all team15 clubs have sufficient equipment to let it disappear for the day to an event - and in the long run having your own will work out cheaper than hiring equipment.

As more families commit to purchasing their own equipment, more children will be allowed the opportunity to experience team15 for the first time. Club equipment should ideally be used to introduce children to team15. If children continue to use club kit rather than purchasing their own, it means that the club will remain static in numbers since club kit is limited, so as you discover how much fun windsurfing is, check out the equipment options, both new equipment and second-hand and watch your team15 club grow.

First things first

If you do decide that windsurfing is your thing then probably the first items you should buy would be your own wetsuit and buoyancy aid, which will be more comfortable than school wetsuits and will ensure a good fit so that you stay nice and warm. After that it would be a board and rig, then finally a harness, although if you buy everything together you may get a better deal from the shop.

Family equipment packages

Many manufacturers offer family equipment packages these days; the same board could be used by both children and parents, with two rigs provided as part of the package - a junior rig and an adult rig. With the mast bases exactly the same it is very easy to switch sails in a matter of moments ready for the next person to have their go. Pack the kit, pack the picnic and off you go for a great family day out.

New or second-hand?

To help you in your choice we have provided an indication of some of the       new kit available on the market and information about sourcing second-hand so lack of equipment should no longer hold you back from participating in team15.

As T15 clubs expand there is an increasing demand on club equipment and sometimes this is not available to take off-site to T15 inter-club events. By buying your own, this will allow you to attend the club every week, participate in inter-club challenges and improve your sailing further still as you become more familiar with your own equipment. Buying your own is definitely the way to improve.