The Stanford Windsurfing Club offers a Beginner Windsurfing Class each Spring quarter.  Class signup is first-come first-serve and typically starts near Spring Break.  The class is a great stepping stone for ensuring a safe and fun experience if you ever move on to windsurfing in the San Francisco Bay.  It is also excellent preparation for an intermediate windsurfing course at any of the schools in the Bay Area.

In the class, you will learn basic proficiency in windsurfing.  This includes rigging, uphauling, sail handling, sailing a course, tacking, jibing, sailing etiquette, and self-rescue techniques.  Many of these skills require you to train your balance and muscle memory; you are holding a huge sail and standing on a tippy little board!  Thus, we place a heavy emphasis on time-on-the-water.  Unlike most windsurfing schools, we provide you the duration of time it takes to truly feel comfortable standing on a windsurf board.  Beyond that, Felt Lake and the hills that surround it are absolutely beautiful in the Spring.  At the very least, you will have spent many hours soaking up the sun and having fun in Palo Alto’s amazing weather.

There are no prerequisites for the class, though you must pass a swim test at Avery Aquatic Center before getting in the water.

Forms

You must complete and bring the following forms to the first day of class to participate in the class.

• Class Liability Waiver
• Felt Lake Use Agreement
• Swim Card: Note, you must go to Avery Aquatic Center during recreational swimming hours and take a brief swim test to complete the Swim Card. Just present the form to any on-duty lifeguard.
• Medical Form
• Driver Waiver (even if you don’t have a car)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the class cost?

The course is $100 for a full quarter of instruction, 3 hours per week.

Do I get Stanford course credits for taking the class?  Can I register on Axess?

No, this is an informal class offered by the Windsurfing Club under the Stanford Outdoors program.

OK, so how do I register for the class?

Sign-ups happen on our website towards the end of the Winter quarter.  Announcements are made on the windsurf-all mailing list.

Where is the class taught?

Classes are held at Felt Lake, a large reservoir located off of Alpine Road on the West side of I-280.

What do I need to bring?

• Check for $100 and completed paperwork
• Shoes
• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Wetsuit (optional)