History of Bray Lake - About Us
In a small picturesque corner of Berkshire, not far from the River Thames, is a 50 acre stretch of water dedicated to the use of watersports enthusiasts, and home to one of the longest running windsurfing centres in the country. Indeed, having survived everything that the changing fortunes of the windsurfing industry can throw at it, Bray Lake Watersports in 2004 celebrated its 25th anniversary. Looking at it now, you could be forgiven for thinking that it was ever thus, a healthy, flourishing business with a large clientele and an excellent reputation. However, it didn't quite start out like that and the journey to date has had its fair share of terrific highs and scary lows. So lets wind the clock back, and begin at the beginning...
From Lorry to Log Cabin
The seed that eventually grew to become Bray Lake Watersports was actually sewed in 1978 when two young entrepreneurs by the names of John Lindley and Nigel Fawkes signed up to one of the very first 'learn to sailboard' courses formally run in the UK. Immediately they were hooked and by the middle of 1978 both had become instructors and could see that this sport was going to go big, big, big. They formed a partnership and became wholesale agents for Sea Panther Sailboards (a British board brand), trading as 'London Sailboards' and operating out of Nigel's basement.