The Essex Windsurfing Club was formed Over 25 years ago.

Formely the "Chalkwell Windsurfing Club" it was formed by a
group of like minded windsurfers sailing heavy long boards
with one sail to choose from. In the early days of the force 4 barrier (almost impossible to sail the early boards in any more wind) the sport clashed with other beach users, the council
was threatening a ban. With the
backing of the RYA contact was
made with the council and a
voluntary code of conduct was
agreed to stick to the designated
beaches in the summer months,
I.e  Chalkwell,Thorpe Bay and
East Beach.
     
    
    
   
   
  
  A lease was drawn up between CWC and
the council for the rigging green at
chalkwell, the club agreeing to police the
sport at all the beaches. Yellow marker
bouys were put in place to designate the
launching area at Chalkwell. Excellent racing was held on
long boards throughout the summer months culminating in the prize
                                    giving at the annual dinner. membership of over 300
                                     was mainly local.

                                      With the advent of the short board and the
                                       popularity of "The Ray" windsurfers now travel
                                        some distance to sail at Chalkwell. The Ray is now
                                         established as one of the top venues for "Speed
                                          Events" which are held when conditions are
                                          suitable for this challenging discipline. Southend
                                          and West Kirby are the two key places where an
                                           attempt to smash the 100m Speedsailing
                                            Record will take place. A concerted effort
                                             has been mounted to re-establish racing at 
                                              Chalkwell and with the addition of a
                                          new "Event Boat"
                      which is has now been
purchased, racing should become more
attractive to windsurfers, both established
and also to those new to the sport.

Over the years good relationships have
been built up with the Council and
Foreshore Officers for the benefit of all
windsurfers sailing at Chalkwell and
surrounding locations.

The E.W.C. was formed to promote and facilitate the sport of windsurfing and also to provide social and other facilities. If you join the EWC your views, ideas and help will be very welcome.

The aim for the future is not for our club just to survive, but to grow.