Opening Times

Wednesday – Sunday, February – November Inclusive. 7 Days during School Holidays. 9am until Dusk

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

We are a large reservoir of over 500 acres, overlooked by Windsor Castle, that feeds London and the surrounds and are situated right next to the M4 junction 5 with close proximity to London and easy motorway access to the surrounding counties. The size of our water allows us to use high performance asymmetric dinghies, catamarans and performance windsurfing equipment as well as the usual teaching kit thus students can progress right through to the higher RYA levels through to Instructor as well as learn at our site. The site is enclosed with security exit barriers for vehicular access giving a safe environment.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

The benefits of outdoor education links into the National Curriculum in many subjects and gives young people the chance to develop skills that enable them to work together, team building, problem solving, communicating and raising self confidence and esteem, learn about respect for self, others and our environment whilst taking part in fun adventurous activities.

What are the activities?

Dinghy Sailing and Windsurfing to RYA level of certification

What is the age range of the activities?

8 – 18 years plus adults

Sample programme of the activities:

We are very flexible. We have regular term time activity slots allowing progression through the RYA syllabus of both sailing and windsurfing. Also day or week visits to achieve a ‘taster’ or the full RYA syllabus.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

We provide wetsuits and buoyancy aids plus all specialist equipment. Students require swimming costume, towel, footwear that will get wet I. E. old trainers and hat sun cream according to weather.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

6 minimum 48 maximum 1 teacher free in every 6 students

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

We have set risk assessments for site and activities. We are examined by both the AALA Statute body– Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and the Royal Yachting Association and have to provide full details of written risk assessments and operating procedures, staff qualifications, H & S, insurance as part of the recognition process. All paperwork and a ‘Teachers Pack’ are made available.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Any teacher is welcome to come to the site for a personal tour with the Chief Instructor for familiarisation and discussion of their particular groups needs and requirements. They can also experience activities if required.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

Snack dispensary at all times. Café - during holidays and peak times.

Is specific clothing required?

Students require swimming costume, towel, footwear that will get wet - old trainers - and hat/sun cream according to weather.

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes. Every instructor has first aid qualifications and there are several first aid points around the site and each rescue boat carries first aid and radio communications.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

No

Additional information.

During school holidays we provide a youth RYA dinghy sailing and windsurfing Monday – Friday 9-4pm programme. We also provide membership and adult activities.

· Royal Yachting Association Recognised Training Centre
· 500 Acre Reservoir – that is over a mile across
· Excellent onshore facilities with large changing rooms
· Large fleet of dinghies, catamarans, single and crewed boats
· Large range of beginner to expert windsurf kit
· Large fleet of rescue boats
· Adventure Activities Licensing Authority Approved
· We use only highly trained qualified RYA instructors
· All staff carry full RYA first aid and powerboat driving qualifications
· Strict on-water instructor to pupil ratios maintained (8:1 or less)
· All equipment is regularly and extensively checked to exceed safety standards
· Regular risk assessment procedures are in place to ensure only the highest levels of safety
· Specific Teacher Tours for all prospective group leaders
· Copies of Insurance and AALA certification provided
· Copies of risk assessments and site specific SOP's available
· Copies of staffing matrix with qualifications available