STB FAQs
Watersports Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for my course?
Wetsuits are supplied for certain activities, such as windsurfing and capsize recovery drills during dinghy sailing courses. We recommend that you wear a swimming costume or trunks and a T-shirt underneath the wetsuit.
If the weather is particulary nice a T-Shirt and shorts will suffice.
Here are a few items you need to bring along on the day:
- a complete change of clothing
- a lightweight waterproof jacket
- soft soled shoes (ie. an old pair of trainers or plimsoles - please note: these may get wet and muddy)
- a towel
- packed lunch
If the weather is cold we recommend that you also bring the following: a flask of hot drink, a hat, gloves and lightweight layers of clothes (which can also be worn under a wetsuit).
On warmer days it is a good idea to bring: a hat, sun cream and a cold drink.
What is NOT suitable to wear for my course?
We do not recommend that people wear jeans as these take a long time to dry when wet.
Wellie boots are also not advisable.
'Crocs' shoes if worn must be tight fitting and use the heel strap available.
Is food available at Stanborough Park?
There is a small cafe onsite that offers a range of hot & cold drinks, sandwiches and a limited amount of hot food. We recommend that all our course bookees bring along their own packed lunch and a small amount of money if they wish.
If I am on a course do I have to pay for parking?
Parking charges do not apply to our watersports customers. You will be sent a car parking pass along with your booking confirmation. If you forget or lose your pass you may be required to pay the car parking charge.
How do I find the centre?
The watersports centre is located on the South Side of Stanborough Park. By car: Leave the A1(M) at Junction 4 and follow the signs to Stanborough Park. The South Side is located on the right (if you are travelling directly from the A1(M )). Please be aware that there is no right turn directly into the South Side and the roundabout at the top of Stanborough Road will need to be used.
Maps are available on request from reception.
What happens if my course if cancelled due to weather conditions?
Stanborough Park will only cancel courses or sessions as a last resort. If the weather conditions do not allow the course to continue / start you will be contacted by the centre. The course will be rearranged for an alternative date suitable to the candidates.
If a course cannot be completed once it has started due to a lack of wind / extreme weather conditions the remainder of the course will be rearranged at the attendees convenience.
Will I have to take an exam?
Courses are based on practical work on the water, with some supporting theoretical elements included (apart from adult shorebased courses which are predominantly theory based). There is no written work to be completed for our practical courses. Participants are continually assessed during the course and need to achieve the required standards in order to gain their certificate.
Your log book and certificate that are issued at the end of the course once passed are very important and need to be kept safe. These are internationally recognised certificates and can even be used abroad. Every time you practise your skills your log book needs to be updated with the information such as the length of session attended, boat type used and the wind force.
What happens if i don't complete all the elements to pass my course?
In rare cases there may be certain elements that an attendee may not fulfil to the required level. If this is the case, the attendee will be given the opportunity to complete the elements required at a supervised session/s or advised to take further tuition.
Where can I practice my skills?
Supervised sessions (eg. Junior club, Sunday Activity Club & Paddle Power Club) will be mentioned by your instructor at the end of your course. These "pay and play" sessions are supervised by an instructor so you can safely practice your new-found skills. More details are available on our website or from reception.
Will having a medical condition affect my participation?
Most medical conditions will not affect participation in the activities at Stanborough Park. However, you MUST inform reception by filling in details on the booking form (to be completed prior to the course) - all details are confidential. Instructors will be informed prior to the course of any conditions that they may need to be aware of. On the day please confirm any conditons with the reception team and leave any medication in an envelope marked with the attendees name, the type of medication and how it is administered.
What if I dont want to do a course but want to try a water sport?
There are several different options of how you can trial a watersport, all of which are listed on the website. The taster sessions (brief info) or wet and wild parties are both great ways for you and your friends to try a sport and have fun!
Do we cater for large groups / work parties?
YES!!! We have a huge range of activities to choose from including water sports and team building activities from as little as £12.00 per person - for tailor made sessions and more information please contact reception on: 01707 276276 or via email.
Do we cater for groups/individuals with disabilities?
YES!!! Stanborough Park offers a range of activities that are appropriate to groups/individuals with disabilities. Our staff have lots of experience with a wide variety of special needs and we have specialist equipment for some activities. For tailor made sessions please contact reception.
If you have any further queries, please contact the centre via 01707 276276 (Option #3) or email stanboroughpark@finesseleisure.com
