WindsurfKids introduces kids to windsurfing, water safety and environmental education

Kids are guided through the following 6 lessons by Tiki and a dream team of professional windsurfers and eco-activists, including iQFOiL European Champion Hélène Noesmoen, Starboard riders Sarah Quita Offringa, Lena Erdil, Nico Prien, Oda Brodholt, and Thip Mongprasert, Ocean Ambassadors Zane Schweitzer, Florian Jung, Merijn Tinga, Federico Morisio, as well as Starboard Founder Svein Rasmussen.

As they make their way through the first three lessons, young readers get to grips with the basics of windsurfing, learn to spot hazards at sea and discover all sorts of adventurous possibilities – including the windsurfing pathway to the Olympic Games!

Following on from this, the second half of the workbook focuses on two more key areas, helping kids to look after themselves and their home – planet earth.

Interactive recipes, exercises and games are designed to keep WindsurfKids happy, healthy and relaxed. While breaking down complex topics including microplastics, climate change and carbon footprints into bite sized chunks. Inspiring the next generation of ambassadors for the planet!

Starboard Founder, Svein Rasmussen, said, “Adventures, learning new stuff, taking care of the ocean and planting mangroves for the planet – this is the stuff I love and live for. Windsurfing brought me a lifetime of opportunities and fun. We at Starboard hope that you will enjoy this workbook that Linzi Hawkin, Sarah Quita Offringa, Lizzy Howard and our eco team have created with their hearts and minds by wanting to help us all connect with the ocean through windsurfing and learn how to better protect it.”

World Sailing Head of International Development, Koray Ezer, added, “World Sailing is wholeheartedly committed to encouraging more people to discover the benefits of our sport. As such, we are very excited to support Starboard‘s Windsurf Kids initiative which gives younger children the opportunity to learn the basics of windsurfing, water safety, and how to care for the environment with tips from some of the very best windsurfers in the world. The programme is fully aligned with World Sailing’s Sustainable Development Agenda and offers a free programme for children to have fun on the water and become ambassadors for the planet.”

WindsurfKids was born following the success of SUPKids, founded by Linzi Hawkin in 2014. Both programs share the same aim: engaging kids in watersports and making vital water safety & environmental education accessible to everyone. When given the right support, young people have the power to change the world they live in for the better. Sometimes all it takes is a little inspiration to help them discover their inner activist, whether that comes from a teacher, a book or an experience in nature.

The workbook is currently available in English from Windsurf.star-board.com, with translated versions planned. If any school, club or national association would like to assist in the process of translating the WindsurfKids Workbook into more languages, please contact eco@star-board.com.

More information can be found on the World Sailing website.