Congratulations to year 10 pupil Jasper from The Manchester Grammar School, who has been selected to join the iQFOiL Performance Development Talent Academy — part of the British Sailing Talent Academy Programme, which represents a key stage of the British Sailing Pathway towards elite and Olympic-level competition. Jasper is one of only four young athletes in the North-West region to be chosen for this prestigious programme — a testament to his commitment, talent, and potential within the sport.
The iQFOiL class, the new Olympic windsurfing discipline, showcases exceptional speed, technical skill, and tactical awareness. Jasper’s selection places him among the most promising young windsurfers in the country, training under the guidance of British Sailing coaches and alongside other high-performing athletes working towards national and international success.
This is an outstanding achievement for Jasper, who has been windsurfing for four years and training in iQFOiL for just one. His dedication and determination have earned him a place on the national pathway — an important step towards potential Team GB representation in the future.
Jasper reflected on his journey so far: “Transitioning from traditional windsurfing to iQFoil has been both an exciting and challenging experience. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect — the foil board looked so different, and the way it glides above the water felt unusual. But once I got the hang of it, I realised just how much faster and more dynamic iQFoil is compared to regular windsurfing. One of the biggest challenges has been learning to control the foil, particularly in strong winds. It is very sensitive, and even small movements can make a significant difference. I have had to work hard on my balance and technique, and there were certainly moments of frustration. Over time, however, I began to enjoy the challenge. Every session on the water teaches me something new, and I take satisfaction in pushing myself to improve.
“What I enjoy most about iQFoil is the speed and sense of freedom. Flying across the surface and trying to outmanoeuvre other sailors is exhilarating, and the adrenaline rush makes all the training worthwhile. Competing in iQFoil has also helped me manage the pressures of school. When things get stressful with homework or exams, time on the water acts as a reset — clearing my mind and helping me return feeling more focused and ready to tackle whatever comes next. Having a sport I am passionate about gives me something to look forward to, even on challenging days. Overall, switching to iQFoil has made me a stronger athlete and a more confident person. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and how to stay calm under pressure. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to keep improving.”
Image: Sitara Bartle Davies, The Manchester Grammar School
