A windsurfer training programme starting in Tauranga this spring could produce New Zealand's next Olympic hero, says BOP Sailing Academy windsurfing co-ordinator Stuart Pedersen.

'It's a complete pathway from zero to hero for young local sailors, with top-notch equipment and coaching – a first in New Zealand,” says Stuart.
The launch of competitive youth windsurfing follows confirmation of funding from TECT for the purchase of equipment.
'We're delighted with the support from TECT and the equipment should be here next month – six complete boards, which we hope will form the core of a fleet racing regularly at the yacht club from this summer,” says Stuart.
'We are now looking for boys and girls aged 12-16 who want to learn to windsurf or who can already windsurf and want to progress on to racing.”
The programme of Go Windsurfing days, and Learn to Windsurf after school courses, will start in the second week of next term. These sit alongside the Go Sailing and Learn to Sail courses in the Academy's sailing dinghies, and are delivered by Elements at Kulim Park.
This year for the first time the windsurfing courses will lead into racing on the new boards for those who are interested.
'We plan to provide race coaching on the new equipment by top coaches including gold medallist Bruce Kendall and a series of workshops and activities following the NCEA exams in early December,” says Stuart.
Regular Sunday racing is planned at the yacht club and there are regattas throughout the season, possibly including a major one in Tauranga in January/February 2010.
'The new boards are Techno One Design, the international youth racing class, and the top sailors progress from there onto the Olympic class, called RS:X,” says Stuart.
'With six complete Techno rigs, Bay of Plenty kids will be able to try before they buy – or at least, before their parents buy.”
The Sailing Academy has had considerable success with its dinghy sailing programmes, including the hugely successful 420 class programme which has been instrumental in assisting several sailors who have gone on to world championships, and bringing the Schools Teams Racing titles to Tauranga. Last year over 500 young sailors participated in Academy courses and activities.
Windsurfing is NZ's top Olympic event of recent years, with six medals including three golds from the last seven Olympics – one of each colour having been won by Barbara Kendall and the most recent gold by Tom Ashley at Qingdao in 2008.
Phone Stuart on 574 1169 for more information.