Travel: Getting Wet Behind the Ears

The Royal Yachting Association (01703 627400) training scheme is used by schools throughout the UK. Call them for details of your nearest affiliated windsurfing school. Level One, which ensures you can do the basics, including sailing round in a triangle, can be covered in eight hours.

A week-long course should transform reasonably fit novices into competent Level Two windsurfers, which allows you to sail without safety cover - ie, you are able to get back to where you started with confidence. Bewl Windsurfing (01892 891000) runs courses for all levels at Bewl Water in Kent, one of the biggest stretches of water in the South-east. Equipment, including wetsuits, is provided by schools; bring swimming kit and old trainers for use in the water.