SHE FLIES SOUTH COAST FLOCK KICK OFF 2026

Last weekend was something special. Led by SHE FLIES Ambassador and South Coast flock
lead Rachel Dobrijevic, 50 women wingfoilers gathered at Hayling Island Sailing Club for a
weekend that delivered far more than just time on the water. It was about connection,
laughter, and that unmistakable buzz that happens when like-minded women come
together with a shared passion.

The wind may have been playing hard to get, but it didn’t dampen spirits. Saturday began
bright and early with a welcome briefing in the main bar, where introductions quickly
turned into conversations and connections. Icebreakers within ability groups helped set the
tone, and as always at She Flies, the promise held true: arrive alone, leave with friends. The
energy in the room was undeniable.

We were joined by Nick, Brandon, Oli and Jay from Duotone, who brought along an exciting
selection of the latest 2026 wingfoiling equipment. Their continued support, knowledge and
approachable style make a huge difference to events like this. It’s always about
encouragement, never intimidation.

Soon after, the beach transformed into a sea of wings, foils and boards, scattered across the
sand dunes in a colourful display. Despite light winds hovering between 5 and 10 knots, all
of the women took to the water, making the most of the gusts. The sound of cheers, laughter
and pure joy carried across the shoreline.

Back on land, the learning continued. Local legend Jess Gent led parawing demo sessions on
the beach, giving many their first hands-on experience with this exciting discipline.
Meanwhile, another group headed to the lifeboat car park to try e-foiling under the
guidance of Nick Baker, whose expertise and calm instruction made it accessible and fun.
After time to reset, the afternoon shifted into collective learning mode with a series of
packed talks. Jess Ashley kicked things off with a hugely popular session on jibing, followed
by Rowena Hammal’s energetic and engaging take on tacking. The final workshop, led by
Emma Round, explored jumping and aerial tricks, pushing boundaries and inspiring even
those not quite ready to leave the water.

As the sun dipped, the group gathered for sundowners on the balcony before heading
upstairs for a relaxed and sociable meal. The evening didn’t end there. With disco lights and
music courtesy of the club, the dance floor came alive, rounding off a day that perfectly
captured what She Flies is all about.

Sunday greeted us with bright sunshine and the legendary Hayling Island Sailing Club
breakfast, the kind that fuels both bodies and conversations. Over coffee and easy catch-ups,
stories from the day before were already being swapped and plans for the water quietly
forming.

Following the morning safety briefing and welcome to day two, Liz Ackrilll delivered a
powerful and thought-provoking workshop on barriers to progression. It struck a chord
across the group, offering practical ways to move forward while reminding everyone just
how much of the sport happens in the mind as well as on the water. Huge thanks to Liz for
such an impactful session.

Then it was back to the beach. This time, alongside the wingfoil kit, we had something a
little different in the mix — a Mega SUP, kindly loaned by Jay SUP. In winds dipping below 5
knots, it became the centre of laughter and teamwork, with groups taking turns wing
surfing together, balancing, falling, climbing back on, and laughing all over again. It was a
reminder that progression doesn’t always come from perfect conditions, but from making
the most of what’s in front of you.

And just like that, the weekend drew to a close. New friendships had been formed,
confidence had grown, and seeds of progression had been planted.
We’re already looking forward to the next one — another chance to reconnect, to share
stories of progress, and to see just how far everyone has come.