Inspiring the Next Generation Through the iQFOiL Elevate Programme

The iQFOiL Elevate Programme has been making waves across Weymouth and Portland, introducing young people to the exciting world of windsurfing and helping them discover the incredible watersports opportunities available right on their doorstep.

Delivered in partnership with The Official Test Centre and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the programme has been designed to inspire local young people to get out on the water, build confidence, develop new skills, and explore potential pathways into both competitive sport and careers within the outdoor industry.

Since launching, the programme has engaged a diverse range of community groups, providing many participants with their very first experience of windsurfing. Along the way, young people have not only learned new skills but have also developed a genuine enjoyment and appreciation for being on the water.

By Emma Maguire.

The iQFOiL pathway is the official World Sailing windsurfing framework, designed to take athletes from junior levels to the Olympics.

The iQFoil World Champs are coming to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy

Taking the First Steps into iQFOiL

Between March and May, the programme delivered an exciting iQFOiL Transition programme for experienced Team 15 RYA Pathway sailors from The Official Test Centre. Six local young participants took part in a weekend of exhilarating iQFOiL transition training, stepping onto the cutting edge of Olympic windsurfing equipment.

Despite some extremely challenging weather conditions, every participant embraced the opportunity and rose to the challenge.

Kerry Knight, The OTC Windsurfing School Projects Manager, said: "The iQFOiL boards used during the sessions were kindly loaned by the Will Mackaness Trust, while the iQFOiLs themselves were purchased through the Elevate Programme by the RYA. This equipment will continue to support progression sessions while providing a clear and exciting goal for aspiring young windsurfers working their way through the pathway."

Reaching More Young People

Alongside the transition programme, four beginner windsurfing weekends were delivered for a variety of local youth groups, including an all-girls group, the local Sea Cadets, and a youth scheme based in Portland.

Thanks to programme funding, participants keen to continue their development have been able to join weekly Pathway clubs, allowing them to build on their new skills and confidence on the water.

The success of these sessions has already led to the creation of two additional progression groups, made up of beginners who demonstrated exceptional dedication, enthusiasm, and natural talent during their introductory sessions.

Creating Opportunities Beyond the Water

From the outset, the partnership with the RYA aimed to achieve far more than simply teaching watersports skills.

As Kerry Knight explains:

“From the outset, one of our key ambitions with the RYA was not only to develop watersports skills, but also to create wider opportunities in education, community sport, and future careers within the outdoor industry.”

As part of this vision, participants recently spent a day with Weymouth Sailing Club during its open day. There, they experienced the excitement of dinghy sailing and racing while learning about opportunities to become young cadet members of the club—an opportunity that several participants are already keen to pursue.

The programme is also working closely with Coastland College to highlight the educational and career pathways available to young people after the age of 16. The aim is to showcase accessible local opportunities and support young people interested in pursuing leisure, training, or professional careers within the outdoor industry.

The Official Test Centre is located within the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, a premier training ground for the British Sailing Team.

An Exciting Summer Ahead

The programme is set to continue throughout the summer, with even more opportunities planned to increase participation in local watersports and keep young people engaged, active, and inspired both on and off the water.

The season will culminate in spectacular fashion with the arrival of the iQFOiL World Championships in September.

The event will begin with a vibrant opening ceremony featuring athletes from around the globe, and organisers hope that programme participants will have the chance to play a role in the celebrations.

During the championships, the programme team will also be working alongside the RYA on Weymouth Beach, delivering windsurfing taster sessions and activities while supporting the fan zone at the Weymouth Pavilion.

One of the most anticipated moments will be Medal Race Day on Saturday 12 September, when participants will be invited aboard the local vessel Coastal Vibes to witness the medal race series live from the water—an experience that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Equipment across the pathway is designed to grow with the sailor. Instead of requiring a complete overhaul of equipment between age groups, the pathway relies on adaptable components.

Building a Lasting Legacy

Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Kerry Knight is proud of the difference it is already making within the local community.

“We are incredibly proud to be a delivery partner for such an inspiring and exciting programme.”

“Kerry Knight, as part of the OTC team, is proud to be leading this initiative for the RYA and to be working with such an enthusiastic group of young people, alongside the dedicated OTC instructor team delivering these sessions on the water.”

The programme’s ultimate goal extends far beyond a single season.

“Through the connections we have built with young people and their families, we hope to encourage a lifelong love of watersports and continue opening doors to new opportunities, experiences, and futures on the water.”

And perhaps that is the most exciting part of all.

Who knows where this journey could take them next?

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the UK iQFOiL Association manage the youth and junior coaching programs. Aspiring foilers typically start by learning sustained flight, foiling jibes, and equipment setup in localised windsurfing clubs or performance academies before joining regional and national squads.

The iQFoil World Champs are coming to The Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy in September