66 FEATURE LADIES WINDSURFING
me get the best from my heats and my sailing in
general. Sailing in Fuerteventura is incredibly
challenging, and when I had a bad day and was losing
my confidence, they were there offering hugs, pointing
out the good bits and cheering me on to get back out
there. They reminded me it was increasing experience
and persevering which led them to the top.
Now I seek out girls to sail with wherever possible. It’s
great to windsurf with those who are better. Watching
their technique helps me to visualise doing the
moves.This winter I spent a lot of time sailing with Oda
Johannes – world number two in freestyle. Watching
her was inspirational, but also she was so happy to sail
with me give advice to help improve my skills. That
said, I love sailing with girls of all levels. A lot are less
experienced than me and helping them to enjoy the
sport is so rewarding. I love seeing them come off the
water having had an amazing session, or to encourage
them back out if it hasn't gone so well, suggesting
ways to enjoy it more. Windsurfing wasn't natural to
me and it has taken hours of hard work to learn all I
have. Sometimes others don't realise this and often I
share memories of how difficult I found it.
So ladies, when you are next thinking about getting on
the water see if you can head out with other girls. Look
to them to inspire you, or to make you feel good about
your own ability and how much you have already
achieved. Use your experiences to help them get more
from it too.
Guys, continue your awesome work helping them when
needed, encouraging and inspiring them, but also help
them to meet other girls because sometimes as
wonderful as you boys are that might be the missing
ingredient to really give them a boost.
Let’s bring more women onto the water and enjoy
those good feelings we all get from not just doing the
sport, but for girls, sharing the experience with
someone we can relate to. And for guys getting more
beautiful ladies out there for you to sail with is always
going to be a bonus…
For more from women windsurfers, private lessons and future Diva weekends with Danielle
check out www.getwindsurfing.com
uk
WIND
SURFING