Safety
Risk assessments must be produced for group sessions and be approved by the Harbour Masters Office (HMO).
It's the group leaders or individuals' responsibility to check that the water quality in the Baltic Wharf area is suitable for use. Group leaders must make group participants aware of Bristol City Council's water quality results.
When an under 16 group session is taking place, a safety boat must be provided for immediate use driven by a qualified and experienced RYA rescue coxswain.
Anyone windsurfing must be able to swim at least 50m.
Buoyancy aids
Young people under 16 must wear a suitable approved buoyancy aid.
Wet suits can be worn by adult windsurfers instead of buoyancy aids
Licences and insurance
You must get a Navigation Licence to windsurf in the harbour.
All boards must be insured for third party risks to £3 million.
Before you get in the water
Youth windsurfing in the harbour can only be carried out as part of an organised session run by a Harbour Master Office (HMO) approved organisation.
Group sessions must be agreed with the HMO in advance to avoid conflict with other water activities
Individual windsurfers must get permission from the HMO daily before going afloat.
You should check the Local Notice to Mariners to check if any events are happening on the day of your session.
All boards must be launched and recovered from the Baltic Wharf low quay area which has been set aside for this purpose.
Where you can windsurf
You must only windsurf in the area from the Cottage pub to Bristol Marina.
You cannot windsurf:
- near Junction lock, Channel Boat sales or Underfall Yard
- in Bristol Marina
- in any other areas of the harbour waters, including the tidal New Cut
When you can windsurf
Windsurfing is not allowed during:
- dark hours
- dragon boat racing
- rowing racing events
Windsurfers should not impact on any sailing races or regattas.