Always on
This project successfully funded on 9th October 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Equipment for the Next Generation of Windsurfers
Bristol, Bristol City, United Kingdom
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Aim
Fundraise for essential new equipment for university windsurf clubs, keeping the sport accessible, inclusive and exciting for all.
Who are we?
The Student Windsurf Association (SWA) is a volunteer-led organisation that coordinates and organises university windsurf events across the UK, fostering a community of young windsurfers.
The SWA welcomes students from complete beginners through to advanced riders and wave sailors. We aim to make windsurfing accessible to all in a safe, fun and welcoming environment. As one of the largest windsurfing organisations in the UK, we enable the next generation of windsurfers to develop their skills and join the wider UK windsurf and watersports community after completing their studies.
- Provide teaching and development to university students of all abilities
- Host and organise student events and competitions all over the UK
- Guide windsurfers to become instructors
- Supporting student windsurfers since 2002
Why are we crowdfunding?
We have been running since 2002, and much of our equipment is getting old and tired or needs replacing after years of wear and tear. Having good quality and suitable equipment is essential in ensuring students have a good first experience of windsurfing and making their development journey as smooth as possible, keeping them in the sport for years to come.
How we’ll spend the money raised
- 8x 137-litre new intermediate boards (Fanatic Blasts supplied from Boardwise)
- 8x 7.3m Duotone E-PACE sails
- 4x 6.2m Dutone E-PACE sails
- 2x 5.4m Dutone E-PACE sails
We'll be investing in x8 new intermediate boards and all the associated rigs. This will alleviate pressure on our start windsurf kit, as intermediates can finally move onto more appropriate boards and also be used by advanced windsurfers in light wind conditions. A board for all levels will ultimately get more people on the water, improve their overall windsurfing experience and keep them coming back for more!
These boards will also be used to race for inter-university competitions and British University Competitive Sport (BUCS) events. Currently, there is a clear disparity as to how much funding each club across the UK receives depending on universities' individual commitment to supporting sport and wellbeing. Some individual clubs don't have access to their own equipment at all, whilst others are disadvantaged by the condition or quantity of available equipment, these new boards will level the playing field making racing fair (and more fun) and last for the next 10-20 years.
Benefits
- Ensures positive first experiences
- Gets more students on the water
- Levels the playing field when it comes to racing and competitions
- Quicker progression and skill development for intermediates
- Trust in equipment and safety
- Equipment will be around for years to come
- Generate excitement and hype around the sport
Community impact
The SWA, since 2002 has welcomed nearly 7000 students. Some of the UK's finest windsurfers such as Sarah Jackson, Ben Page, and Sam Sills to name a few... have come up through the SWA and many others continue to windsurf after university either competitively or recreationally in their local windsurf communities. Additionally, many go on to become windsurf instructors, doing seasons abroad or teaching within the UK and sharing their love for the sport with others.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
Sport England - Movement Fund has provided £8,945 of match funding
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made