Wind Futures Programme - Youth Initiative

Wind Futures Youth Initiative

Funded Kitesurfing for Young People in East Kent

Wind Futures is a community-led pilot programme designed to give young people access to kitesurfing who would not otherwise have the opportunity due to cost.

Delivered by East Kent Kitesurfing Community (EKKC), the programme focuses on participation, confidence, physical activity and creating a pathway into the sport. The aim is to open up access to kitesurfing for young people who may never otherwise get the chance to take part, while encouraging long-term involvement in healthy outdoor activity.

Who Is It For?

Wind Futures is aimed at young people aged 16–21 living in East Kent and surrounding coastal communities who would not normally be able to afford professional kitesurfing lessons.

We are particularly looking to support young people from working households where the cost of watersports would usually be out of reach, even where the family is in employment and managing day-to-day life.

This is a limited pilot programme, so places will be offered to applicants who best meet the programme criteria and demonstrate genuine interest and commitment.

Why Wind Futures Exists

Kitesurfing is an incredible sport, but for many young people it remains completely out of reach because of the cost of lessons and equipment.

Wind Futures exists to help remove those barriers and create access to something that can have lasting value. The programme has been developed to support physical activity, confidence, wellbeing and a stronger connection to the sea, wind and outdoor environment around us.

By creating a supported route into the sport, we hope to help young people discover something challenging, healthy and genuinely life-changing.

What the Programme Includes

Successful applicants will receive access to structured kitesurfing sessions delivered by qualified instructors in a safe and supportive environment.

The programme is designed to provide:

Funded professional kitesurfing lessons
Access to equipment during sessions
Support through a recognised progression pathway
An opportunity to build confidence, skills and connection to the local coastal environment

Wind Futures is focused not just on introducing young people to the sport, but on helping them take meaningful first steps into something that could become a long-term part of their lives

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

To be considered for the Wind Futures programme, applicants must meet the core eligibility requirements.

Core Requirements

Applicants must:

Be aged 16–21 at the time of application
Live in East Kent or a nearby coastal community
Be able to commit to attending scheduled sessions, subject to weather conditions
Have parent or guardian consent if under 18

Priority Consideration

As places are limited, priority will be given to applicants who:

Would not normally be able to afford professional kitesurfing lessons
Demonstrate genuine motivation and enthusiasm for taking part
Are willing to commit fully to the programme
Have had limited previous access to watersports or similar activities
Have been referred by a school, youth organisation or community group, where applicable

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee a place.

How Selection Works

Due to limited spaces, Wind Futures uses a staged selection process to ensure places are offered to those who will benefit most and are best suited to the programme.

Step 1 – Application
Applicants complete the online application form.

Step 2 – Shortlisting
Applications are reviewed against the programme criteria, including financial accessibility, motivation and commitment.

Step 3 – Taster Session
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a group taster session, giving them an opportunity to experience kitesurfing and meet the instructors.

Step 4 – Final Selection
Final participants will be selected following the taster session, based on engagement, attitude and overall suitability for the programme.

Due to the limited number of places available, not all applicants or shortlisted candidates will be selected.

Programme Support

The Wind Futures pilot programme is made possible through the support of Vattenfall, whose funding is enabling the delivery of professional kitesurfing lessons and the provision of a dedicated kite for young participants to use as part of the programme. The lessons will be run and conducted by Thanet’s very own Kitesurfing school, the Kite Pirates.

We are also grateful to King of Watersports for their support with the design and production of the programme kite, helping us bring an important part of the project to life.

Their support is helping us create a more accessible and inspiring experience for the young people taking part.

Apply to Wind Futures

If you think Wind Futures is right for you, we would love to hear from you.

Please complete the application form honestly and in full. All applications will be reviewed carefully, and successful applicants will be contacted once the selection process is complete.

Applications close 30th April 2026 and may close earlier if all available spaces are filled.

Or complete the embedded form below:

Equal Opportunities

East Kent Kitesurfing Community is committed to ensuring the Wind Futures programme is inclusive, fair and accessible. Applications are welcomed from all eligible young people regardless of background.