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LADIES WHO…
WINDSURFING AND THE FAIRER SEX
WORDS: DANIELLE LUCAS (GET WINDSURFING)
PICS: GET WINDSURFING
AS A WINDSURF COACH I TOO AM ALWAYS
LEARNING AND ONE OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS I
HAVE LEARNED OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS IS
HOW IMPORTANT WINDSURFING WITH OTHER
GIRLS CAN BE. IT IS ALWAYS GREAT TO SEE NEW
RIDERS AT THE BEACH AND WE ALL NEED TO
CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE AS MANY FEMALES AS
POSSIBLE TO GET INVOLVED, TO STAY INVOLVED
AND TO BRING OTHERS INTO THE SPORT. There is
so much lightweight, stable windsurfing
equipment now available for all levels of
windsurfers. Match that with really well
developed modern coaching methods and you
see how now is definitely the time to get even
more girls on the water.
And for the men out there reading this, we love your
assistance, reassurance and support too – we need it!
However if you are struggling to help out your wives,
girlfriends, friends and family, encouragement to seek
out a session or a lesson with some other ladies could
be just what they need.
As much as I would like to say it isn’t, windsurfing is
still male dominated. When I was learning my first
years in the sport were always surrounded by the boys.
Often I was the only girl out and I really didn't know any
different. In the last couple of years I have had more and
more ladies coming to me for coaching and have had
many more on the beach with me on a regular basis. I have
become much more aware of the benefits of sailing with
other girls, of all ages, levels and experiences.
At the end of May this year I had the pleasure of leading the
Stithians Lake Diva Weekend. This was the third year I have
coached it and we had the biggest group yet – 18 ladies.
Ten were beginners, with little or no experience, and they
enjoyed fantastic lessons with Lark, Stithians Chief
Instructor, as well as mother and daughter assistant
instructors, Molly and Sarah. The other eight were
intermediate to advanced and joined me for some really
exciting sessions. We were also very lucky to have team
GBR sailor Izzy Hamilton on hand for a day who helped out
and inspired everyone – including myself
uk
WIND
SURFING