THE PLACE TO GET HOOKED

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The Launch Pad Windsurf & Foil Academy (LPW&FA) is a specialized windsports school located on a remote, water-access-only, private island in Key Harbour: the windy northeastern corner of Georgian Bay, Ontario.

 

Founded by Carl Spiess, an instructor with over 45 years of experience, the Academy focuses on personalized, fun-first instruction in windsurfing and all the new foiling disciplines. 

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Core Programs & Instruction

Lessons are highly customized for 1–3 students at a time and cater to all skill levels from just getting underway to advanced jibes and tacks. 

• What: This is the place to learn windsurfing, windfoiling, wingfoiling, and/or tow foiling.

• How: A typical 2-hour session includes:

  • Theory & Simulator: 20 minutes of theory followed by 20 minutes on a custom "wobbly" land-based simulator to master balance before hitting the water.

  • On-Water Coaching: 80 minutes of active water time using BBtalkin headsets for real-time communication with the instructor.

• Support & Gear: The academy provides all necessary high-end gear from Duotone and North (thanks @WeCANFoil). Also easy beginner gear like the innovative iRIG. A Seadoo often follows students for safety and to provide coaching and capture progress photos.

• Suitable For: Ages 11-73 - eg. anyone who can swim and wants to have fun!

• Safety: Fully insured and licensed instruction with Sail Canada curriculum.

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Location & Logistics

The academy is situated in one of Ontario's most consistently windy spots due to summertime thermal onshore winds. ​​

• Where: Accessible only by boat. It is roughly 14 km by water from Highway 69 via the Key River. Small yachts arriving from Killarney or Britt can use the Small Craft Route and use the 40-foot dock.

• Accommodations: While the island is remote, nearby options like Key Harbour Lodge and Diamond Key Lodge are only 800m away for those staying overnight.

• Operating Season: Our 2026 grand reopening season only has a few sessions left open this fall. Lessons typically run from May to October. Plan on booking early for 2027.

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Pricing & Mission

• Cost: Lessons are $225 CAD for a 2-hour private session. (for 1-3 students and includes gear) Prices increasing to $250 in 2027 so book now!

• Philanthropy: The academy operates largely for the joy of teaching; 1/2 of any profit goes to the Toronto Windsurfing Club youth program.

• Guarantee: A unique "pay after" policy ensures you only pay if you had fun.

• Coming in 2027... Full week clinics with international guest coaches. 

• Book online and start your adventure or read more about the LPW&FA

  or check out the blog.​