Tree Maintenance - please watch out for Shoutbox and Facebook posts from Fred. We'd like help with some work from now onwards. It won't be on the scale of last year's efforts and it will improve wind flow for windsurfing and foil sports. Next work - to be advised/see Shoutbox.
Membership - full year subs run 1st April to 31st March 2026. We reduce them by 25% from 1st July. See How to Join, or contact our
Ridley - series 2 of ITV's detective drama returns to the small screen 8pm Sunday 10th August. Our clubhouse was used as the main character's home!
Bala weekend in doubt - we planned to go 19 to 21 September, but members who normally go on the trips are away then. We'll find another date or cancel. Many of us are retired, so it's possible we'll look at a mid-week stay. Post any thoughts on Shoutbox please.
Day Ticket price rise - we've held the price of day tickets at £10 for at least 20 years. For 2025 these will now cost £15 per person (not board), which is broadly in line with comparable clubs and West Kirby. A maximum of 3 day tickets are allowed in a year.
Events - take a look at our programme for 2025, including a first aid course, watersports coaching and weekends away.
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
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.
Wingfoil Coaching - we held improver coaching in 2024 and hoped to run a beginner session in 2025 but the reservoir level is now too low for boat launching. See details here. 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 when you visit. It 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.
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.
