About Official Test Centre 

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. 

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.