For just a short journey down the road is Carsington Water where you can pull on a wetsuit and take to the water.

That's exactly what I did when I tried my hand at sailing earlier this week. Aided by instructor Robin Newbold, I took control of a catamaran across Carsington reservoir.

The location is great and the reservoir itself has an eight-and-half-mile perimeter. It is 90ft to the bottom at its deepest point and icy cold, which is why I made sure I kept a tight grip on the rope of the sail.

Robin has been sailing for more than five years and has taken part in a number of national competitions. He became interested in sailing when his parents sent him for lessons when he was younger. He now gets to do a day job in something he is passionate about.

Teaching someone the basics of how to sail a catamaran takes about two days. I have to admit it seemed quite straight forward, until my hands started to feel the cold and my 'bum went numb'. I'm sure I wouldn't be quite so confident without the company of an expert.

When it comes to steering the boat a long lever is used, rather than a steering wheel, which you push away from you or pull towards you depending on which direction you want to go.

Every time the boat turns you have to shuffle from one side to the other – not the easiest of manoeuvres in a wetsuit and lifejacket. After half an hour on the catamaran, I'd got a good soaking from the boat ploughing through the waves.

Afterwards I was given the opportunity to try another sport but by that time the cold had set in and I decided it was best left for another time.

Manager of the centre, Sarah Barratt, is keen to get across that it is not just a place for professionals. She said: "We are accessible to anyone – nobody should feel they can't come and have a go. The activities are for all levels of experience and fitness.

"Within the local area people aren't aware of what happens or even that it exists."

Sarah has worked at the centre, which was formed by a couple of local families, for 16 years and was one of first people ever to have a windsurfing lesson there. She ending up helping out after spending the summer learning to windsurf and has never looked back.

"The best thing is seeing the development of someone when they try windsurfing for the first time and then you see them come back with their own kit." she said.

"Some of the kids we taught to windsurf are now instructors."
The centre has four full-time instructors and 20 additional and part-time workers.

People come from miles around to use the centre which also has a eight and half mile cycle track around the reservoir.

The newest addition to the centre is a climbing wall.