SPOT GUIDE
Blithfield Sailing Club is an excellent place to wing foil, membership is required (like most inland spots) however you can wing foil as a signed in guest 3 times a year paying a Day Launch Fee.
If you’re based in the West Midlands then this spot will save you a long drive to the coast to get your foiling fix. Take a look at the photos of the local riders having a great time foiling at Blithfield – it clearly works well for winging!
Blithfield Reservoir is a beautiful 790-acre lake set in the rolling hills of Blithe Valley. The reservoir was created by building a dam across the nearby River Blithe, channelling water into the valley alongside it.
Getting There
By Car – Blithfield Reservoir/Waters Rd, Rugeley WS15 3DU. From the B5014, turn into Seedcroft Lane (signed BSC). Follow Seedcroft Lane for approx 3/4 mile & you will come to a left turn (Waters Road). Take this turn, continue through the gates past South Staffs Water Buildings then turn right into BSC as soon as you see the dam. Please do not try to approach the club from the B5013 as the lanes are twisty & narrow.
Blithfield Sailing Club in Detail
Blithfield has evolved into a great progressive club, based traditionally on strong dinghy racing foundations, now accommodating windsurfing, windfoiling and more recently wingsurf & wingfoil as well as the most recent addition of SUP (members only).
Wind
Unlike many inland locations Blithfield is surrounded by open land (not trees) giving a stronger and more constant wind. If it’s windy when you leave the house it’s always windier when you get to the water! The prevailing wind direction is North Westerly (straight down the reservoir) giving perfect cross shore conditions.
Water Access
The sailing club’s lease from South Staffs Water gives use of the water from 09.00 to 1 hour before sunset on Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays. Over the last two Winter seasons (Nov – March) this has been extended to include Fridays.
Sailing Area – The reservoir only has gently rolling hills surrounding it with few obstructions, therefore we’re exposed to “clean winds”. We don’t sail on all of the reservoir as this is shared with fly fishing & partly a nature reserve, but there’s plenty of space for all even when racing is underway (just ask where the course is to help you keep clear!).
Membership/Guests
We are a membership club but people wishing to try us out can sail as a signed in guest upto 3 times per year for a Day Launch Fee.
Insurance
Third party insurance is required – refer to membership form for further details.
Water Safety
At times of Club dinghy racing (Sunday, spring/summer Wed evenings) a safety boat & crew are present, for all other times “Buddy Sailing” arrangements are made between riders going afloat backed up with sailors preparing a boat ready to go from the jetty if needed.
No one is allowed on the water, or Pontoon without Buoyancy aid or LifeJacket. During winter months a Wetsuit or Drysuit must be worn.
Rigging
Usually, us wingers use a grass lawn immediately in front of the club house & only 20m from the water. Even on busier dinghy days there’s a patch of grass somewhere around the dinghy park to be found.
Club House facilities
Brilliantly positioned for spectating in the warm. Showers & occasionally food from the galley dependent upon volunteer availability.
Training
The club is a Royal Yachting Association recognised centre for training, this is primarily for club members but extended to non members for a temporary membership supplement.
Dinghy courses are run annually for Adults plus there’s regular training for Junior club members. Recently we’ve added Sart Windsurf courses for Adults & Juniors.
The great news is that during 2023 we will be working further on arrangements to initially add Wingsurf courses & eventually Wingfoil to the RYA courses offered at BSC. Exciting times.
Wing Participants
Over the last two years the club has seen a growth in the number of wingfoilers and seen brilliant progress from zero experience as well as some switching from other disciplines. I never imagined that I’d get together with Kiters at Blithfield!
It’s great to see a few ladies up foiling as well as some just venturing out. Look out for Caz guys, she’s showing us how it’s done, especially on marginal days!
We’re located fairly close to Boardwise near Cannock and therefore had the occasional visit from Ian, Doug, Jack & Jamie plus the privilege of trying out some of their kit!
Many thanks to Gary Chester for the spot guide and photos.
Wind Forecast
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