The foundation of the centre! Maurin first started working for the OTC in May 2013 and is such an accomplished manager, he didn’t stop working for two weeks straight! Easy going, knowledgeable and a great windsurfer in his own right, he can often be seen during the summer months teaching a large group of novices without the necessity of a rescue boat, guiding the ‘Doogie-Downwind’ student back upwind whilst sailing next to them… his front foot on their board for control! With experience managing centres in Italy, Sardinia and Fuerteventura he has taught windsurfing in some pretty challenging locations, so Portland Harbour is a doddle!

Joe has been with us since we opened the centre in the UK in 2010, barring some adventures around the world. A very accomplished sailor, he has a real passion for all types of watersports, belied by his relaxed, laid-back character. A fantastic instructor that will pick out real gems for you to concentrate on to keep you progressing, and has the patience of a saint. He learns new stunts on the water quickly and adds real value to the team when testing.

Bryony joined the team back in 2018 and has been an integral part ever since. Born and bred in Weymouth, she trained in Outdoor Adventure at the local college, before we managed to steal her for ourselves. She has a fantastic teaching style and masses of experience in dealing with large groups of young people. Our team’s SUP master, she keeps the rest of us in check, particularly when it comes to keeping the centre tidy!

Dan has worked in the watersports industry for many years now, fulfilling many different roles. From instructor and Beach Manager to Dinghy Coach and kite foiling maestro, when he’s not teaching on the water, Dan can be found learning the latest watersport, trying out some new kit, or flying his drone over the water. He’s worked for many different notable companies over the years and brings with him lots of experience and exciting ideas for the future.

Alex works part time for The OTC and can teach all our primary sports, being a windsurfing SI, SUP and experienced kitesurfer. Always smiling, no job is ever too much for Alex, and he’ll make sure every client under his watch goes away having learnt lots.

Em joined the team in 2019 and has pulled our socks up in marketing and self-promotion ever since! Working part-time behind the scenes, she is eternally smiling and positive and a real source of inspiration for getting things done. Although not in the instructional team, Em has been in and around the watersports industry her whole life and is very much married to the sea, with husband Gav and her closest family complete addicts. She loves to talk and is interested in everyone’s story and background, so if you are lucky enough to meet her during your visit to the centre, just get ready for an energy overload.

You may well hear (or hear of) Si before you actually see him … and he’s normally either teasing his friends or telling anyone who cares to listen how good windsurfing is, and how good the conditions are out on the water! A big cuddly bear, capable of growing some impressive facial plumage in the winter months, he will always be on hand to encourage you on the water and push his peers to faster speeds and tighter turns. There’s an old adage in the sport that goes, “If you can’t pose, you can’t windsurf!” and never is this more true than when watching Si on the water, whenever a camera lens is about!

Scotty Stallman first came down the centre when he had just turned nine years old and immediately took to the sport, encouraged by his parents, Andy and Jo, as they knew their son needed to be challenged to remain interested. Don’t think they could have chosen a better sport! At 11 years old Scotty had broken the 30knot barrier (thanks to the tips and mentoring of local hero Pete Young) and by 14yrs had gone over 40knots! Top youth for several years on the BSA circuit, he claimed his first bullet in the Pro Fleet at 15.

There is simply nothing stopping this young man’s progression, his commitment and focus something quite unique. We’re so proud to support Scotty and can’t wait to see what dizzy heights in the sport he will reach.

Sam started windsurfing not long after Scotty, being in the same year at Wey Valley school and getting a taste for the sport at around ten years old. He has always been the politest kid around, often taking an age to leave the centre at the end of the day because he couldn’t stop saying thank you! He’s grown up into a real gentleman … but with a determined competitive edge on the water, and claimed the 2017 Amateur title on the BSA circuit with a event to spare! A pleasure to have around the centre, he is now working locally for a dynamic design studio, and has a windsurfer as a boss … so it’s tools down when the conditions are good!

James has been windsurfing with us since he was ten and has already successfully pursued various racing pathways, including the Junior OD Techno Class, and Olympic RS:X. Having always dabbled in slalom racing when the opportunity was there, he stormed to victory during the closing events of 2018, hardly dropping a single bullet in the Amateur fleet of the UKWA. He is now competing in the Pro Fleet and will raise a few of his peers’ eyebrows around the course. Friendly, helpful and an awesome instructor in his own right, it is a real pleasure having James on the team.

Situated overlooking the centre at the top of Portland, The Heights Hotel offers amazing panoramic views along the Jurassic Coast. There are plenty of options for lodging and their friendly staff will help point you in the right direction. Quote “OTC” when you book in and receive a preferential rate as well!

Nestled within the grounds of Portland’s Pennsylvania Castle Estate, the Cove Holiday Park is close to the centre and practical for the active enthusiast. With caravans, pods and chalets available, there is something to meet every budget, visit duration and preference. Next to the Park is the Cove Lodge, that offers luxury accommodation and stunning views, and then onto Pennsylvania Castle itself, which is also available for those special functions that demand a touch of class. For more information, get in touch with the park on 01305 821286 or email: reception@coveholidaypark.co.uk

The Aqua Hotel is situated in Castletown on Portland, just a few minutes walk along the marina from the centre. Made of Portland stone, the hotel has 25 en-suite rooms, with TVs and wireless broadband in each room. Providing a friendly welcome at affordable prices, it’s an easy place to rest those weary bones after a long day on the water. Click on the Aqua’s logo on the right to be redirected to their site.

The Bunker offers clean and simple bunk style rooms, each with its own shower and sink, and communal toilets. Providing a “hearty English breakfast to set you up for the day” (or you can opt for self-catering), the Bunker is within walking distance of the centre and offers an excellent affordable alternative.

Dream Cottages are Dorset’s leading holiday cottage provider. With an offering of over 300 self-catering cottages, from coastal retreats to country hideaways, they can provide a cottage to experience the South West in all of its glory.

Dorset Coastal Cottages are said to offer some of the finest holiday cottages on the Dorset coast. They also provide a pretty comprehensive list of ideas for things to do in Dorset, and have the right accommodation suggestion to suit most budgets.

Weymouth and Portland have excellent public transport connections, with regular train arrivals and departures operated by South West Trains.

• Direct hourly service to/ from London Waterloo (2hrs, 40mins)
• Direct regular service to/ from Bristol Temple Meads (2hrs, 45mins)
• Direct frequent service from Southampton Parkway & Southampton Station (approx. 1hr)
• For train journey times and information please see www.nationalrail.co.uk or call National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950.

From the train station aim to get bus number 1 or 601, operated by First Group, to Portland.These are the most frequent, with the Number 1 stopping opposite the Academy on the way onto Portland.