Welcome to Teesdale Sailing Club's Windsurfing Section

Windsurfing is based at Selset reservoir, further up the valley from Grassholme reservoir where the sailing club is based.

Selset is higher and more exposed to the wind, giving stronger conditions. Launching is based from the old slipways on the northern shore, giving a ¾ mile reach across the full width of the reservoir in a westerly wind.

The location works well with westerly winds, due to the geographical lie of the land, northerly winds are often very gentle on the water as are southerly winds. East winds blow straight across the dam wall giving very flat blasting conditions. As west winds are the most frequent across our country, this is ideal.

Due to the strong wind conditions which usually prevail, the windsurfing is for more experienced sailors.

As there is no rescue boat at Selset, it is important that sailors wear buoyancy aids at all times when on the water. In fact this is one of the conditions Northumbria Water stipulates in allowing us to sail at this venue.

Also lone sailing is not permitted and sailors should have a companion with them to raise the alarm if they get into difficulties.

But if something does break, it’s not as though you will be blown out to sea!!

However these safety issues should not discourage anyone from wanting to sail, as we work a system whereby members phone each other to find out who is going sailing and then arrange to meet at the reservoir.

So, what’s the windsurfing like?

Brilliant…Selset is perhaps one of the best inland venues in the country.

Westerly winds are very clean, with constant strength across the entire width of the reservoir. A good chop can build down the middle length of the reservoir allowing perfect ramps for launching jumps. The water at the sides tends to be flatter, and suited to perfecting gybes.

So, why isn’t the reservoir crowded with sailors?

Selset is a very remote, isolated location. There are no creature comforts’, changing is outside and it’s often cold…usually 4 degrees colder than in the main Teesdale valley. Its also very windy, couple with the remoteness means a winter steamer wetsuit is required throughout the year. Most sailors use a minimum suit of 5/6mm thickness. The water does warm up from June onwards, but early in the season, falling in is like an ice bath!!

Also as the wind is often strong sailing is best suited for more experienced sailors, on short boards with small sails. The most frequently used size being 5m or 4.5m. There are plenty of 6.5m days but Selset should be considered as a high wind location!!

But best of all there is no restriction to sailing at just weekends. We can sail seven days a week if conditions allow….unfortunately work often gets in the way.

It is important that members display their current membership in their vehicle as Northumbria Water often check the cars at the reservoir to ensure no unauthorised use.

We look forward to welcoming any new members. Just £50 gets you access for the season; 1st April to 31st October. Give us a ring and we will arrange to meet you next time one of us is available to sail.

Contacts:

Mick Hancock 01748 823953

John Lumbard 01748 823114

info@teesdalesc.org.uk