Tweet

LIFE OF A CLUB VASS WINDSURF INSTRUCTOR: RACHEL PYKE

Set against the turquoise waters and legendary afternoon winds of Vassiliki, Club Vass is without doubt one of the world’s leading windsurf destinations. It’s a place where progression happens fast, friendships are forged on and off the water and the atmosphere is as important as the conditions, both for the client and the crew that work there.

In this feature, we step inside the daily rhythm of life at Club Vass through the eyes of Rachel Pyke…an instructor who began her own windsurf journey here before returning as part of the coaching team. From teaching first-time beginners to chasing personal sailing goals and soaking up the famous Vass social scene, Rachel shares what it’s really like to spend a season working at one of the most respected windsurf clubs on the planet.

Photos: Miles / PROtography Official

---

WINDSURF: How did you get your job at Club Vass, and why did you want to work there?

RACHEL PYKE: “I first started learning to windsurf at Club Vass. I remember having excellent tuition and making huge progress in just one week, as well as seeing how much fun all the instructors were having. Once I qualified as an instructor, I knew Club Vass would be an amazing place to further develop my skills and work with such a knowledgeable and experienced team.”

WINDSURF: What qualifications did you need, and how did you apply and get accepted?

RACHEL PYKE: “To work as an instructor, you need the relevant instructor qualifications, along with a powerboat level 2 certificate and an up-to-date first aid qualification. I am an RYA-qualified windsurf and wingfoil instructor and being dual-qualified has been particularly valuable as wingfoiling has become so popular.

I first gained experience teaching at my local club, Hayling Island Sailing Club, and then completed several seasons at other centres in Greece, which helped me develop both my skills and confidence as an instructor. Once I felt I had gained the relevant experience, I contacted Club Vass and they had a position available.”

WINDSURF: When you headed out to Club Vass at the start of your first season, what were your goals?

RACHEL PYKE: “I had a few personal windsurfing goals, I wanted to work towards but above all, I wanted to have fun and continue improving my teaching skills. Being surrounded by such experienced coaches was a great opportunity to learn and push myself, both on and off the water.”

WINDSURF: How was it when you first started coaching?

RACHEL PYKE: “It was great. The team was incredibly supportive and really helped get you up to speed quickly. You’re never thrown in at the deep end on your own…there’s always someone there to help, give feedback, or answer questions.”

WINDSURF: What levels do you teach, and do you switch around?

RACHEL PYKE: “Last summer I taught a wide range of abilities and ages. A typical rotation would be one week in the wing hut, one week on windsurf groups, one week on the beach, and one week on Pro Kids. It was a brilliant mix and definitely kept me on my toes, as no two weeks were ever the same.”

WINDSURF: What are most clients hoping to get from the experience?

RACHEL PYKE: “Most guests are hoping to learn and improve their skills while still having a fun and exciting experience. We really try to tailor our coaching to each individual, making sure we understand what they want to get out of the week and building that into the sessions.”

WINDSURF: How big are the groups you usually coach?

RACHEL PYKE: “We aim for a maximum ratio of one instructor to six students. Normally there are two instructors per group, but we try to keep groups smaller to ensure the best learning outcomes.”

WINDSURF: What is a typical day in the life at Club Vass? 

RACHEL PYKE: “The day usually starts with a morning meeting at 10am in the beach hut, where we discuss the plan for the day. After that we unlock the cages, set up simulators, and get ready to meet the guests.

Beginners usually head straight out on the water for morning sessions, while intermediate and advanced windsurfers often start with an hour on land before heading out once the wind kicks in. The land sessions are a great way to refine and learn new skills like fast tacks, carve gybes, and water starts. On the water, we practise with constant feedback from the coaches.

After lessons you might be on the sail racks helping guests bring in their sails, or on rescue. If you’re on Pro Kids, you’re with the kids all day, maximising water time, with an hour for lunch. After work it’s usually straight to the beach bar, hoping to catch happy hour, then eat, sleep and repeat!”

WINDSURF: What’s the best part about being a coach at Club Vass?

RACHEL PYKE: “Working for one of the best windsurf centres in Europe, with an amazing group of people, while also developing your own windsurfing skills – it doesn’t get much better than that.”

WINDSURF: How do the coaches integrate and work as a team? 

 RACHEL PYKE: “We’re all very like-minded, which makes working together easy. Teamwork is important, and this is supported by having a great beach hut manager, Tom, who ensures everyone understands their assigned roles and responsibilities. There are also several experienced senior coaches on the beach team, which creates a supportive and professional working environment.”

WINDSURF: Do you get much time to windsurf and socialise yourselves?

RACHEL PYKE: “Yes, definitely. We get several rotations a day alongside windsurfing with our groups, so there’s plenty of time to work on personal sailing. Socially, there’s always something going on. Tuesday night is pizza night, which is a great way to get to know your group, and Friday is the famous Vass BBQ followed by entertainment from the beach team. This year there was everything from dances to pantomimes and videos …the talent on display was amazing! Most nights then ended at Zeus Bar, which I’d highly recommend if you like a good boogie.”

WINDSURF: Is it a seven-day week, or do you get a day off?

RACHEL PYKE: “We work six days a week and get either Saturday or Sunday off. On your day off you’re usually with half of the team, which is great fun. We explore the island, visiting favourites like Sivota Bakery, Kathisma Beach, and Secret Hill for relaxing with an incredible view…and there’s usually time for a windsurf or wing session when the wind comes in.”

WINDSURF: Did you have any highs or lows last season?

RACHEL PYKE: “The biggest high was definitely the friendships I made. I now have friends all over the world, which means I usually have somewhere to stay wherever I go. Another major highlight has to be the legendary Friday night Vass BBQs…it was so much fun getting dressed up and seeing how much effort all the guests put into their outfits .. We were also looked after incredibly well by the hospitality team, with Brad and Tim in the kitchen making sure we were always well fed.

As for lows, there weren’t really any specific ones. Leaving Vass was really sad, and by the end of the season I was definitely exhausted…I needed a solid week of sleep when I got home.”

WINDSURF: How do you keep your motivation strong with a new group every week?

RACHEL PYKE: “Every group brings something different, which keeps things interesting. It’s really rewarding seeing guests develop their skills and improve during the week You’re also usually teaching a different level each week, so it never feels repetitive.”

WINDSURF: Who is your boss, and how is your performance monitored?

RACHEL PYKE: “Our boss is Ollie Scott. He checks in regularly throughout the season to make sure you’re on track, and to help identify ways you can improve and push yourself further.”

WINDSURF: What do you love most about working at Club Vass?

RACHEL PYKE: “The people are a huge highlight…it’s great fun working with such a wide variety of guests and seeing everyone enjoy all that Club Vass has to offer. It’s also great to have access to high-quality kit and to be surrounded by experienced, professional windsurfers and coaches who are always helping you improve. On top of that, it’s just a really fun, social working environment.”

WINDSURF: What do you do in the off-season?

RACHEL PYKE: “I graduated from the University of Nottingham as a physiotherapist in July 2025 and have decided to have a bit of fun before starting my physio career. I’m currently working in Bonaire at Frans Paradise, continuing to develop my instructing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling skills and plan to return for another season at Club Vass.” 

WINDSURF: How tiring is a full season at Club Vass – or is it so much fun you don’t notice?

RACHEL PYKE: “It’s definitely tiring! The instructors work hard and play hard, but if you have a passion for watersports and enjoy teaching, then I would highly recommend it to anyone considering a season!”