Community members to offer windsurfing lessons

Water sports are picking up for the upcoming summer months in Shawano.

One sport in particular is looking to grow on its success from last year, as community members come together to provide residents with an opportunity to learn how to windsurf. Ben Schlais, who taught windsurfing in Madison, will be a part of the team.

Two four-day youth windsurfing camps are scheduled, June 14-17 and June 21-24, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, for students 12 to 18 years old. Young people 12 and older can also take part in community “try-it” sessions set for 6-8 p.m. on the same dates.

Windsurfing equipment will be provided at Shawano County Park. The only things that participants need to bring are swimsuits, towels and a change of clothes.

According to windsurfer and Shawano community member Brian Grieves, windsurfing took off at Shawano Lake during the pandemic in the summer of 2020. He added that sailing has become popular in Oshkosh with the International Youth Sailing of Oshkosh program, and with windsurfing’s similarity, it eventually migrated up to Shawano.

“Windsurfing is a great activity that involves social distancing,” said Grieves. “That worked for us during the pandemic.”

Grieves hopes the group can expand on the success that they had last year. He mentioned that there has been a positive public reaction to news of the upcoming lessons.

“I think that we expect a good portion of people that we introduced the idea to, to participate in the windsurfing this year,” he said.

Grieves believes that having these lessons in place is a good opportunity for community members to get outside.

“This is a good opportunity for people to get out and experience the beauty of Shawano, build a new skill and get away from their screens,” said Grieves.

He also mentioned that the Shawano Community Fund gave a $1,500 grant and the Optimist Club gave $250 for the lessons. The Shawano Parks and Recreation Department bought two boards to be used for lessons, he added.

For more information, visit www.cityofshawano.com or call Brian Grieves at 715-851-1722.

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com