The Parks Trust has announced that there will be 'sunrise paddle boarding' and other new sessions at Willen Lake this summer.
The Milton Keynes-based charity is hoping that restrictions will begin to lift by April, which marks the start of the season.
The team has been working hard to create a programme full of activities both on and off the water, so take a look at what’s new for 2021 below.
Over the past year and during the previous lockdowns, we saw the popularity of paddleboarding grow. In 2020 they offered a variety of paddleboarding sessions from Discover Paddleboarding to weekly evening Paddleboarding club.
New for 2021, The Parks Trust has also introduced a Sunrise Paddleboarding club which takes place every Sunday morning starting at 7am. In these sessions you'll be able to get out onto the water and have the lake all to yourself.
In 2020, The Parks Trust also introduced two-hour Wakeboarding sessions which proved to be a hit, so for this year if you're an experienced Windsurfer or Sailor, they have introduced new two-hour practice sessions for you too! These sessions will allow you to get out onto the lake and practice the skills you want, with our helpful instructors available if you need any further tips or advice.
Discover Canoeing will also make a return. You can take part in this 90-minute session that will teach you the basic skills required for canoeing. This session is suitable for people aged over 8 years and is taught by one of the charity's British Canoeing coaches.
A spokesperson for The Parks Trust said: "Although Wakeboarding isn’t new to Willen Lake, we would encourage our regular riders to renew their Wakeboarding Membership for 2021, as for a limited time only we are offering 10% off memberships. You can purchase either a seasonal adult or junior membership that runs from April to October each year."
There are also a variety of kids clubs available, including the new Junior Windsurfing club for children aged 8-15.
"If your goal for 2021 is to learn something new, then our watersports qualifications are something to look into," the charity's spokesperson added.
"You can pick from our one-day Paddle Start Awards for both Kayaking and Paddleboarding issued by British Canoeing to our RYA two-day Sailing qualifications, or even try your hand at our RYA Windsurfing courses."
The Parks Trust is still on-track to open Willen Lake's brand new watersports and café building this year.
This dedicated space will house all watersports activities, new changing rooms and toilet facilities and reception. It will also be home to a new bar and kitchen.
