Spring Sessions: How the OTC Team Riders Are Preparing for the New Season
- Team OTC
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
As the days grow longer and the first real warmth of the year begins to creep in, spring marks a welcome turning point for windsurfers. The winter storms begin to ease, the daylight stretches further into the evening, and those after-work sessions suddenly become possible again.
But while the sunshine might be returning, conditions on the water still demand respect. We caught up with The Official Test Centre Team Riders to find out how they approach windsurfing at this time of year—and what windsurfers should keep in mind as the season changes.
By Emma Maguire.
Staying Warm and Checking Your Kit
For Team Rider Aaron Smith, the key to enjoying spring sailing is staying warm and making sure your equipment is ready for the season ahead.
“I hate getting cold so I will be sticking with my thickest wetsuit until I am roasting! But you can certainly start to lose the hoods and gloves which should allow a little longer, more enjoyable windsurfing.”
While temperatures are improving, Aaron says early-season sessions are also the perfect time to give your equipment a proper once-over before heading out.
“If you haven’t been out all winter then give your kit an extra big check over before even heading down to the beach to reduce the chance of your first session back ending in gear failure.”
One simple upgrade can make a surprisingly big difference.
“My biggest recommendation would be a new set of footstraps which can go a long way to making it feel like a new board and keep those nasty cuts away from your feet.”
And perhaps the biggest bonus of all?
“The biggest benefit coming up is the longer days which will allow for after-work sessions and being more picky through the day to get the best wind and tide forecast.”
Don’t Let the Sunshine Fool You
Fellow team rider Lilia Yelland agrees that while spring sunshine is welcome, the water temperature still lags far behind the air.
“Although the weather may be getting warmer now, the water isn’t, so I don’t want to risk getting that cold shock.”
For that reason, Lilia keeps the winter gear in rotation for a little longer.
“I make sure to wear at least a 4mm wetsuit, then as the days go by I will switch to a thinner suit.”
Spring also brings another often-overlooked factor: sun exposure and UV damage to equipment.
“The sun will be out more therefore UV damage will be more frequent so I make sure my kit is either in the shade or without tension to prevent any breaks whilst I’m having a break during my session.”
The Best Time of Year?
For many windsurfers, spring is one of the most exciting times to get back on the water. The conditions can be punchy, the crowds are still small, and every session feels like shaking off the winter rust.
With the season now underway at the Official Test Centre, the team are already making the most of those longer evenings, fresh winds and the promise of warmer sessions ahead.
So whether you’re dusting off your gear for the first time this year or already planning your next windy day, one thing is certain: spring sailing has officially arrived.
Looking for kit, SurfDoctor, looking for try before you buy, kit hire, tuition, courses head over to The OTC. Our team are ready to give you all the advice you need to put a spring in your sailing.
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