Finding Our Flow: Rockley College Year 1 Students Reflect on Their First Term
Real voices from our first-year students as they dive into life, learning, and adventure at Rockley College.
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When it comes to pushing limits on the water, Rockley instructor Fin Dickinson isn’t one to hold back. Earlier this month, he swapped his teaching hat for his speed kit to take part in Weymouth Speed Week – an iconic competition that challenges windsurfers, kiteboarders and sailors of all kinds to see just how fast they can go over a 500-metre course.
“It’s all about speed,” Fin explains. “You’re measured over 500 metres, and your average speed is what counts. It’s a great way to see how far you can push yourself – and your kit.”
For Fin, who first learned to windsurf at Rockley, the event was as much about testing himself as it was about having fun. “I like seeing how fast I can go and pushing my limits,” he says. “It’s also a really good way to track how much I’ve progressed.”
From “just for fun” to second place
Fin might have entered Weymouth Speed Week for a bit of fun, but he ended up with an incredible result – second place in his fleet. “Pretty good,” he laughs. “I just entered for some fun and came away with second.”
The week was far from easy. “Conditions were really tough,” Fin admits. “It was pretty choppy with very light winds, so it was demanding on the body. I covered hundreds of miles and even came away with a bit of a foot injury.”
Despite the challenges, he clocked an impressive top speed of 24.02 knots over 500 metres – no small feat given the light conditions. “It might sound slow,” Fin says modestly, “but with an average wind speed of just 15 knots, it’s actually not too bad.”
Rubbing shoulders with the best
One of the standout moments for Fin came when he found himself side-by-side with Jenna Gibson, the fastest woman windsurfer in the world. “Keeping up with her on one of the runs was pretty cool,” he grins. “I’m sure she wasn’t really pushing, but it was still an amazing experience.”
Fin was racing on his slalom gear, a setup featuring an 8.6m sail, an 85cm-wide board, and a 46cm F-Hot fin – equipment well suited to the light, technical conditions.
From Rockley to the racecourse
Fin’s windsurfing journey began right here at Rockley, and he’s quick to credit the environment for fuelling his passion and progress.
“I learnt to windsurf at Rockley, and the first time I went fast, I was hooked,” he says. “Working here definitely helps. There aren’t many places where you can windsurf at lunch or after work, surrounded by loads of great windsurfers who are always up for giving you tips – or a race!”
Balancing work, training, and competition takes dedication. “If it’s windy, I’ll windsurf after work until it’s dark – and sometimes even before work if the conditions are good,” he laughs.
Eyes on the future
Fin’s not slowing down anytime soon. Next up, he’s planning to enter UKWA slalom events, travelling around the country to compete against other top riders.
“I’m definitely aiming for first next year,” he says. “Now I’ve got a whole year to train specifically for speed over 500 metres.”
And for any young Rockley students or instructors thinking about giving windsurfing competitions a go, Fin has some simple advice:
“Use Rockley’s kit as much as you can – join the academies, windsurf in the holidays, and just give it a go. There are loads of friendly people around to help you out and share tips.”
From learning to windsurf at Rockley to standing on the Speed Week podium, Fin’s journey is a perfect example of what passion, persistence, and a little bit of wind can do.