Reduced subs - from 1st October to 31st March subs for new members are halved - now just £70 for an individual.
Water Level - the reservoir level is still low, but rose about 1 metre in the last week of November, following Storm Bert. The blue buoy which usually marks one of the shallow spots may refloat in the next week or two and the sailable area should then be quite reasonable once again. United Utilities have, we think, just re-started use of an interlinked reservoir for supply, so this will reduce the draw on Watergrove and improve the rate at which it fills. This has been out of action for the last year or so. Online data for the Irwell catchment (includes Rochdale) for the 12 months to the end of October indicates a wet Winter and Spring were followed by average rainfall in Summer and Autumn, even if it did seem a bit dry then. At the bottom of this water situation report it also suggests Watergrove reservoir has been held low due to maintenance.
Is it safe to go in the sea? After heavy rain sewers may spill into rivers, which then discharge into the sea. You can get live updates to see if this may impact on your coastal sailing - check here. The latest Bathing Water Classifications were published for England's beaches late Nov 2024. These range from poor to sufficient, then good and excellent. Fleetwood manages a good rating, but West Kirby and Fraisthorpe are just sufficient. See the full list here.
Windfoil Coaching - we're arranging coaching for April 2025, unfortunately only for those who have their own equipment. Contact
Wingfoil Coaching - see details here for recent and planned coaching for members. Alternatively, if you prefer private tuition, this is also available to members and non-members - click here for details. After you've had a lesson you can hire a wing from Robin Hood Watersports.
Wind-SUPs - members can now use 2 O'Shea inflatable wind-SUPs for paddleboarding, light wind windsurfing, or beginner windsurfing. Have a look at our latest acquisition when you next visit. It also means our Tabou Coolrider beginner windsurf boards are looking for new homes. Contact a committee member to make an offer.
Rules of the Road - ever been unsure who should give way on the water?
YouTube Channel - the Club now has its very own YouTube Channel, all thanks to Graham Snowdon. The channel can be found here. Don't be shy, upload videos to Google Drive here or to iCloud from apple devices here and send Graham an
Wing & Wind Foiling insurance - RYA now offers members free 3rd party insurance for both of these sports, as well as windsurfing. Please make sure you contact the RYA to activate cover if you intend to wing and / or foil, or you won’t be covered. See more.
Shoutbox - To register for the shoutbox, if you're new to the club, or a prospective new member, or maybe you've just forgotten your password, then please
Saturday mornings - please try to avoid arriving 8.45 to 9.10, or you may have to wait a few minutes while the parkrun gets started.
Video - Check out this short video from United Utilities, made in 2019 or 2020, which promotes recreational activities around Watergrove reservoir. The windsurfer is Jennie Roberts, who is now competing in IQ Foil at World Championship level!
And another - watch this short video of the club made by talented media student, and new member, Zac Harbour!
Bathing Water results - see here if you want to know whether the water at the coastal location you plan to visit is clean or not. Bear in mind though that testing for bathing waters is only carried out during the Summer months, so the water may be a little worse when we visit these places. Risk of pollution is highest after heavy rain. That's due to sewer overflows - you've been informed!
First Aid made easy - why not load the British Red Cross's First Aid app on your mobile phone? It gives simple step by step instructions for different injuries and symptoms. You can use it to learn in advance of an incident and/or guide you if you have to deal with one. Be prepared - get the app .
Foiling - Composite aluminium/carbon-fibre composite foils start at £800 and can be used with any deep-tuttle board. This video of the latest foils from Neil Pryde (sold by Robin Hood) may just whet your appetite! Or try this one for a few tips to see what's involved in getting started.
Planning a visit to somewhere on the coast you've not been to before? Have a look at this guide which gives tips on the best wind directions and states of tide to sail at each place, along with any hazards and suitability for beginners, intermediates and advanced sailors. It's been around for many years and is also available from our Useful Links page.
Technique - click here for some tips, especially if you're looking for a new challenge in perfecting some manoeuvres.
Speed - Entries on the ladder now range from 24.5 to 33.5mph. What can you manage? Get that GPS out and tell us how fast you've gone at Watergrove or elsewhere and we'll add it to the Speed Ladder We'll wipe older speeds if/when members get interested in the ladder again.
