JEM HALL
Tobago is a very special place for me as I did quite a few clinics there back in the early noughties and some testing too. It also served as the last filming stop on the completion of my ‘Beginner to Winner’ coaching DVD and so it holds a big place in my heart. Heading back there made me excited and I was also anxious to see how it had all changed. I was not to be disappointed as I found the locals, whilst still laid back, had become dare I say it more pro active in their customer focus and there were so many more fun bars and eateries to choose from.
The windsurfing centre has had a major revamp and both the toys and staff were a joy to work with, there were lots of new style wide and easy Freemove boards and a whole host of sails. The atmosphere, and ‘liming’ was also fantastic, and the Radical Action Sports barbie night, with Brett Kenny and his crew, led to a fair few hangovers.
I have always had great results on my Tobago coaching clinics, the mix of windy and lighter wind sessions leads to a more steady improvement across all levels and the flat, shallow and warm waters also make my clients feel safe and more likely to step it up.
The hidden secret is that in the right swell and wind direction there is great starboard tack wavesailing out on Buccoo reef and I have had some killer sessions there. And round the corner from the centre is a hush hush, fab SUP spot with a nice left and a faster right breaking into shallower water channels, nice!! I’m already looking forward to my 2016 coaching weeks back there!