There is a silent, but empowering wave of females getting into winging, here at The Official Test Centre we are trailblazing this movement by giving females a platform to start their winging together, with our 'Women Who Wing' club it gives females the opportunity to gain encouragement, solidarity and learn together. In this blog I chat to three ladies who have found that work life balance through winging. A lot of working mums forget to prioritise themselves. That elusive holy grail of finding some me time, why not follow in these ladies footsteps and take that leap of faith and make time for yourself, let's wing it together!
By Emma Nicholson.
What would you say to other females who would really like to try winging, but who are nervous or scared about doing it?
Charlie said: "I would definitely recommend giving winging a try, especially as the sport is still relatively new, there are lots of women starting their winging journey together! So it’s great to be surrounded by like minded women looking to try something new!"
Jess said: "We have recently moved to Weymouth and have a sail boat. My girls have started windsurfing, my husband sails and kitesurfs and I wanted something for myself. My mum bought me a wing surfing lesson for my birthday in May and came along with me - I was thrilled to learn there was a Women Who Wing club for me to join to get some more tuition, ready to give wing foiling a go! It’s great to be part of a group when learning something new and takes away the fear as everyone supports each other on their journey."
Lisa said: "Just do it, if you think about it too much you'll probably talk yourself out of it."
"Great to be surrounded by like minded women looking to try something new."
As a mum/working mum/female that works it’s easy to forget about yourself and not find the time to do something for yourself, what has winging given you?
Charlie said: "I work full time for the NHS which is undoubtedly stressful, and having a regular Friday evening sessions dedicated for women ensures I set that time aside for me! I always come away from the sessions with a sense of achievement and feeling empowered! Whenever anyone in the session gets a flight on their foil everyone is ‘wooping’ and encouraging each other."
Jess said: "As a full-time working mum of two (well three of you count my husband) I’m exhausted by Friday evening, but getting out onto the water after a hard week feels like a well-earned treat!"
Lisa said: "Learning something new. Pushing the boundary’s."
"Sessions dedicated for women ensures I set that time aside for me!"
Is it expensive to get into winging? How can you get the kit? What kit do you need?
Charlie said: "It isn’t the cheapest sport to get into, but at The OTC they run a women’s specific club offering a HUGE discount. I’m using these sessions to try out different sized boards, wings and foils. So, when I eventually want to invest in my own kit I’ll know what kit will be best! I’ll definitely be looking for second hand kit to start!"
Jess said: "As a beginner I don’t want to invest in kit yet, so the Women Who Wing group is a great opportunity to use the right kit for my level as I progress. The OTC have great knowledge, experience and advice to help you test and purchase what you need. The benefit of a group session is the affordability - dropping a cappuccino a day saves the cost of the session!"
Lisa said: "Not really expensive. Can hire kit after you had a lesson or lessons."
"The OTC have great knowledge, experience and advice to help you test and purchase what you need."
How do you feel when you wing?
Charlie said: "Honestly ….. a lot of the time I feel frustrated, having never done any wind sports before it is a steep learning curve, you fall in a lot, but it gets easier the more you persevere! And seeing all the women around you progressing gives you motivation to keep going! Obviously being out on the water is just a great feeling."
Jess said: "Winging is a great feeling. I’m yet to get the full thrill of popping up on a foil board, but can’t wait to try it. Learning any new skill provides a sense of accomplishment and that’s so important for wellbeing, alongside it being a physical activity which also helps the happy hormones flow!"
Lisa said: "Free, knackered at the end. The body hurts, but will improve as time goes on."
"Alongside it being a physical activity which also helps the happy hormones flow!"
Why would you recommend other females get into winging?
Charlie said: "With the sport being reasonably new lots of women are starting their journey to winging together! A good supportive community! And the coaches at OTC especially Mia are incredibly encouraging! Loved being taught by a women and often Watersports are male dominant!"
Jess said: "I would recommend winging to women; it’s rewarding, great for wellbeing and fun, fun, fun!"
Lisa said: "Having a good laugh. Just feeling good. Buzzing at the end of it."
"Lots of women are starting their journey to winging together!"
Feeling inspired? Why not come along to The Official Test Centre 'Women Who Wing' club on a Friday evening? Book your winging taster and then you are a step closer to joining the club, call the centre 07817 717904, 'Women Who Wing' takes place every Friday evening forecast permitting. Alternatively, you can book online for Women Who Wing...https://otc.sailia.co.uk/booking_v2/main/