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WINDSURFING DIVAS: THE GIRLS OF CLUB VASS

We caught up with Rachel Pyke, Phoebe Pyke, Caitlin Boothroyd and Olivia Robson…four Club Vass Windsurfing Divas who have spent the summer teaching, sailing and making the most of the lifestyle as instructors at Club Vass in Vassiliki, Greece. But when the lessons finish and the beach team clocks off, these girls definitely won’t heading for a sun lounger. They’re just as keen to get out on the water themselves. We find out what hooked them on windsurfing, why female coaches matter, what makes Diva Week so special and whether the boys really are better sailors. We suspect we know how that last question will be answered!

Photos: PROtography official

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RACHEL PYKE

From Hayling Island to Vassiliki

Tell us your windsurfing story. How did you start, what hooked you, and how did you end up at Club Vass?

RACHEL: “I first started learning to windsurf at Hayling Island Sailing Club before coming on holiday to Club Vass when I was 18. I remember receiving excellent tuition and making huge progress in just one week. I also saw how much fun all the instructors were having, which made a big impression on me. Once I qualified as an instructor, I knew Club Vass would be an amazing place to develop my skills further and work alongside such a knowledgeable and experienced team.

I gained my first teaching experience at Hayling Island Sailing Club before completing several seasons at other centres in Greece. That helped me improve both my windsurfing and my confidence as an instructor. Once I felt I had enough experience, I contacted Club Vass and, luckily, they had a position available!”

Qualified to teach, ready to send it

What training did you do to become an instructor?

RACHEL: “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’m an RYA-qualified windsurf and wing-foil instructor, and being dual-qualified has been particularly valuable as wing-foiling has become so popular.

I also think it’s really important to gain some teaching experience after completing your qualification. It gives you the opportunity to put what you’ve learnt into practice and build your confidence as an instructor.”

The rewards of coaching

What do you love about coaching, what are the biggest challenges, and what has teaching taught you?

RACHEL: “The best thing about coaching is working alongside the other instructors and, most importantly, seeing how much the guests improve. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch someone struggle with a particular move, then suddenly get it and see how excited they are.

One of the biggest challenges can be language barriers. Sometimes you have to get creative and find different ways of explaining something to make sure the student really understands. Teaching has taught me the importance of clear, concise communication while maintaining a fun and supportive learning environment.”

Spocks, Flakas and a little inspiration

What has been your best session or achievement, and who inspires you?

RACHEL: “My best session this year has to be when I landed a Spock for the first time. It felt amazing! After all those crashes, finally landing the move made it worth it.

I’m now trying to make my Spocks more consistent and, hopefully, land a Flaka one day. I’m also working on switching and ducking the sail on starboard tack when sailing out at Vass. That’s starting to become more consistent, which I’m really happy with.

I’ve loved wing-foiling this year, too. The Duotone kit has been excellent and has definitely helped me push myself and try new freestyle moves. I’ve been working on making my 360s more consistent and have even started trying some raleys, managing to land a couple!

It’s also been so much fun getting out on the water and sending it with Caitlin Boothroyd, who’s an exceptional rider. It’s great to learn from her and have the confidence to push myself and try new moves.

I have several role models in windsurfing, but Sarah Jackson and Sarah-Quita Offringa are definitely up there. They’re both such inspirational and talented women, and I aspire to be like them one day!”

The female perspective

How do women learn differently, what puts them off, and why are female role models and coaches important?

RACHEL: “I think one of the biggest differences is that men can sometimes rely on strength to get around a move, whereas women often need to focus more on using the correct technique.

That’s why I think it’s so important to have female role models and coaches for women learning to windsurf. I recently taught a woman to duck gybe, and she told me how inspirational she found it to be taught by another woman. Moments like that really show how valuable female instructors can be!”

BBQs, best mates and beach-team life

What’s the reality behind the job? Do the girls hang out together?

RACHEL: “Yes, we all hang out together, and this year we’ve been really fortunate that everyone gets along so well.

One of the highlights is definitely when all the girls get ready together for the legendary Club Vass BBQ every Friday night and put on our fancy dress! It’s also so much fun spending time on the water with your friends.

One of my highlights this year was blasting out the back with my sister, who was also working on the beach team, while Finley, the photographer, captured all the action. It’s moments like that which make working here so special!”

More women, more windsurfing!

What advice would you give women learning to windsurf, and what would you like to see change in the sport?

RACHEL: “It’s been great to see so many women of all ages trying windsurfing this year. The next generation is coming through really strongly, which is amazing to see.

My advice to women learning to windsurf is to keep persevering. Once you’re planing in the foot straps, it’s the best feeling ever and after that, you’ll just want more!

I think we need more female role models in the sport for women and girls to look up to. It’s great to see more women progressing and pushing their windsurfing, and hopefully that will encourage even more women to get involved!”

Diva Week: girls on the water

What’s it like teaching Diva Week, and what do the instructors and students get out of it?

RACHEL: “Diva Week is truly magical. This year, I was lucky enough to organise it, with the aim of getting as many women as possible out on the water in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment, taught by the women on the beach.

It’s one of the most fun weeks to teach because it’s all women! Everything feels a little more relaxed, and we don’t have to worry about the boys for a week!

I think the biggest thing we all get out of Diva Week, though, is the friendships. It’s so special to meet and spend time with like-minded women who share the same passion for windsurfing. Everyone supports each other, creating a really positive atmosphere both on and off the water.

Alongside the windsurfing, I organised several social activities, including meals out in town and a yummy Club Vass breakfast to finish the week. It was lovely seeing everyone getting to know each other, making new friends and, most importantly, having fun and learning together on the water.”

The battle of the beach team

Who works hardest at Club Vass…The girls or the boys? And who’s the best at sailing?

RACHEL: “I think the girls and boys both work incredibly hard, and there are definitely standouts on both sides. Every instructor brings something different to the team, which is what I love about Club Vass.

The boys definitely win when it comes to freestyle, although the standard of the female instructors has risen a lot this year. It’s been great to see so many of the girls pushing themselves and even trying Vulcans!”

What’s next?

What does the future hold beyond Club Vass?

RACHEL: “This winter, I’m lucky enough to be heading back to Bonaire to work for Taty Frans, as I had the most amazing time there last year. I was able to progress my windsurfing a lot, and I’m hoping to do the same again this year.

I’d love to compete in freestyle one day. It’s definitely on my bucket list, although that’s probably still a long way off! I think the other girls on the team should be pushing for it, too. It would be amazing to see more of us competing and continuing to challenge ourselves!”

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PHOEBE PYKE

From wing-foil convert to windsurfing addict

Tell us your windsurfing story. How did you start, what hooked you, and how did you end up at Club Vass?

PHOEBE: “I first learnt to windsurf when I was 12 at Club Vass and started wing-foiling when I was 15. Initially, wing-foiling was what I enjoyed most. I developed my skills back home at Hayling Island and eventually became an instructor.

However, when I returned to Club Vass this season to teach wing-foiling, I rediscovered my passion for windsurfing and became completely hooked. I’m now obsessed with both sports and love the different challenges and excitement each one brings.

What I particularly enjoy is the incredible sense of freedom on the water. When I’m winging, I love how relaxed and peaceful it feels. It’s a chance to switch off completely and forget about everything else.

Windsurfing gives me a completely different feeling. I love the speed, power and adrenaline. There’s something incredibly exciting about being fully powered up and flying across the water, completely immersed in the moment.

I ended up at Club Vass through my sister Rachel, who is also an instructor. She did a season last year and convinced me it was the place to be for the summer. I’m so glad she did, because it turned out to be the best summer ever!”

Learning the ropes

What training did you do to become an instructor?

PHOEBE: “To become a wing-foil instructor, I spent a lot of hours on the water practising my foiling and gybing before completing my instructor course at the Andrew Simpson Centre.”

Passing on the passion

What do you love about coaching, and what has teaching taught you?

PHOEBE: “The thing I love most about coaching is sharing my passion for the sport and helping people realise what they’re capable of. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone go from thinking they can’t do something to that moment when it finally clicks and they realise they actually can.

Giving someone the confidence to push themselves, overcome a challenge and achieve something they didn’t think was possible is what makes coaching so enjoyable.

One of the biggest challenges is that everyone learns and understands things differently. You have to find the right approach for each person, whether that’s explaining something differently, breaking it down into smaller steps or showing them visually rather than just telling them.

My favourite moments this summer have been watching people finally get flying and seeing their faces when they take off and control their flight for the first time. There’s pure joy and triumph in that moment, and it makes me so proud to teach them, especially when I know how hard they’ve worked to get there.

Teaching has shown me that everyone can learn, but everyone has their own journey and their own pace. Some people pick things up quickly, while others need more time, practice and encouragement. The important thing is recognising that there’s no right or wrong amount of time it takes. Everyone gets there in their own way.”

New moves and shared sessions

What are your current goals and achievements, and who inspires you?

PHOEBE: “My current windsurfing goals are to make my gybes more consistent and start trying duck gybes. With winging, I want to push myself to learn more freestyle moves, such as 360s, and keep progressing on the water.

My biggest achievement this summer has been learning to carve gybe and discovering my passion for windsurfing.

I’ve really enjoyed connecting with other girls on the water and sharing sessions. My favourite wing session this summer was with my sister and my mum, all foiling together across the bay.

The people who inspire me most are the women I see out on the water. Watching other women push themselves, try new things and progress is incredibly motivating. It makes me want to challenge myself in the same way and gives me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and believe I can do it.”

Why female coaches matter

What are the benefits of female coaches, and what might put women off trying these sports?

PHOEBE: “One of the real benefits of having female coaches is that we can often understand what another woman might be thinking or feeling when learning a new sport.

In wing-foiling, where crashes can be big and you’re often falling from height, it’s completely understandable to approach risk carefully or feel nervous about trying something new.

As a woman, I understand those feelings of fear and hesitation. I can use that understanding to help other women feel comfortable, build their confidence and push themselves at their own pace. For me, it’s about creating a supportive environment where women feel encouraged to challenge themselves while also feeling safe and understood.

I also strongly believe that women believe what they can see. When girls and women see female coaches out on the water, teaching, progressing and genuinely enjoying the sport, they can begin to picture themselves doing the same.

Having visible female role models can make a huge difference. It shows girls and women that these sports are for them, too — that they belong on the water, that they’re capable, and that they can achieve things they may never have thought possible.

Work hard, play hard

What’s life really like at Club Vass?

PHOEBE: “The reality of working at Club Vass is that you work hard and play hard! We work hard throughout the day, but we’re also lucky enough to enjoy epic sessions on the water and some unforgettable nights out. Honestly, it really is the best life!

We’ve been so lucky this summer, especially with how well all the girls have got on. There’s a strong sense of friendship and community within the team.

One of my favourite things is getting ready together for the legendary Friday night BBQs. One particularly memorable moment was when we all dressed up as characters from The Simpsons. Let’s just say our yellow faces were quite scary!

Throughout the season, we’ve also had plenty of girls’ dinners at our accommodation, making brilliant memories and creating special bonds.”

Getting more women on the water

What advice would you give women wanting to try windsurfing or wing-foiling?

PHOEBE: “ My advice to any woman or girl who wants to get into windsurfing or wing-foiling is simple: just give it a go and do it with confidence! There’s an amazing community of women in Watersports waiting to welcome you.

With wing-foiling, the majority of guests who come along are men. Whenever I see a woman joining in, I feel incredibly proud. She’s representing women and stepping outside her comfort zone.

I’d love to see more opportunities for girls and women to try windsurfing and wing-foiling in a supportive environment where they feel comfortable, encouraged and not outnumbered. The more women and girls we see on the water, the more normal and accessible these sports will become for everyone.”

The girls versus the boys

Who works hardest at Club Vass, and who’s the best at coaching or sailing?

PHOEBE: “The truth is, we all work just as hard as each other. The team this year has created such a positive environment, where everyone has a strong work ethic and genuinely enjoys and respects one another.

We all bring different strengths to the team, and I think that’s what makes it work so well.

But, of course, the girls are the best coaches!”

Looking ahead

What does the future hold beyond Club Vass?

PHOEBE: “I’m about to start studying Sport Management and Coaching at the University of Bath, which I’m really excited about!

I’m already looking forward to next summer, when I’ll hopefully have even more opportunities to get out on the water with the girls.”

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CAITLIN BOOTHROYD

Tell us your windsurfing story…how you started, what hooked you, how you ended up at Club Vass

CAITLIN: “My Dad taught me to windsurf when I was about nine, on West Kirby Marine Lake. He would follow me around on a paddleboard and sometimes attach me to a rope when it was windy or offshore!

We then discovered there was a Team15 club at West Kirby, which introduced me to junior racing. I started competing in Techno 293 at a regional level, which quickly progressed to national competitions and travelling all around the country. Being part of the British Youth Squad was brilliant, and I had the opportunity to compete at a number of international events in both Techno 293 and IQFOiL.

Although I loved the competitive side of windsurfing, I always enjoyed taking shortboard kit out for fun and just having a blast on the water. I’d been to Club Vass a few times on family holidays and absolutely loved the place…the atmosphere, and most of all, being surrounded by so many amazing windsurfers was really inspiring.

Rather than pursuing iQFOiL full-time, I decided to go to university. I’ve spent my uni summer holidays in the best possible way, working at Club Vass for the past three summers!”

What training did you do to become an instructor

CAITLIN: “I did my Start Windsurf Instructor qualification at Plas Menai in North Wales and gained some teaching experience at West Kirby Marine Lake in the UK. I then completed my Intermediate Planing Instructor qualification through Watersports Nomads in Vassiliki, which definitely helped me get the job at Club Vass!

During my first season at Club Vass, I went on to gain my Advanced Instructor qualification, which was such a valuable course. My most recent qualification is my Wingfoil Instructor qualification.

My next adventure is heading to Sal, Cape Verde, where I’ll be working as a windsurf and wingfoil instructor for five months!”

Life as an instructor – what do you love about coaching and what are the challenges involved?

CAITLIN: “The best part of the job at Club Vass is 100% the teaching! It’s so rewarding to share my passion for windsurfing with others and be part of their journey and progression in what can be a difficult and sometimes frustrating sport.

It’s always the best feeling to coach someone through their first carve gybes, especially when you explain or demonstrate something that makes it finally click for them. Seeing them put it into practice and getting the results out on the water is so rewarding.

One of the main challenges of being a windsurf instructor is when it’s not windy! We have to stay upbeat and positive, but of course, it can be frustrating for guests who are on a windsurfing holiday if they get unlucky with the conditions, which is rare.”

What are your personal sailing goals?

CAITLIN: “In freestyle windsurfing, I’m working on spocks and forward loops. I’m also pushing my wingfoil freestyle, working on making my landings more consistent, and I’m keen to start pushing myself further and learning some new tricks. I’ve got into wave sailing over the past couple of years, which I absolutely love, and I really want to spend more time improving my wave riding and jumping.

I’m hoping to improve my wing-foiling, wave sailing and kiting in Cape Verde over the winter and spend as much time on the water as possible! I’d love to enter the Kernow Foil Classic next year and continue competing in as many BWA events as I can.

There are so many people in the Watersports industry who I look up to as role models, especially those who are good all-rounders and get involved in as many different Watersports as possible.”

The female perspective – what are the differences in how women learn, what puts women off, what is the value of female coaches?

CAITLIN: “One thing I’ve picked up on is that several female guests have expressed a preference for having a female instructor. At Club Vass, most teaching groups have two or three instructors, so there’s usually a mix of male and female coaches.

I’ve found that some women like to really understand and practise a technique on the simulator before throwing themselves into it on the water, and visual learning can be particularly helpful. However, I wouldn’t want to generalise too much, as everyone has different personalities and ways of learning, regardless of gender!

I think having a female coach is really valuable as a role model and can make the learning experience more relatable for women. Seeing other women windsurfing, progressing and pushing themselves can be really inspiring, and having someone they can relate to can help build confidence.”

Club Vass life…what is the reality behind the job working at Club Vass?

CAITLIN: “Life working at Club Vass is very full-on, to say the least! We start each day with a beach hut meeting to run through the lesson plans, before getting set up for teaching, whether that’s carrying longboards down to the water for beginner lessons or setting up the simulator and blackboards for land sessions. When we’re not teaching, we’re helping guests with equipment, getting on with other jobs or spending time on the water ourselves.

There’s usually some downtime around lunchtime, before the wind comes in, which is a nice chance to chill and socialise with the team. Once the wind switches to cross-shore, it’s all go again, whether you’re teaching, in the rescue boat or tower, or on rotation for your own sailing. After a busy day, we all go for staff dinner.

The social side is a huge part of Club Vass life, especially Tuesday pizza nights with music and dancing at the beach bar, and the famous Friday night BBQ and fancy dress! It’s really nice having a fairly even split of boys and girls. We have a great group of girls and always look out for each other, but generally, we all hang out together as a team.”

Looking forward – what is your advice to women learning to windsurf?

CAITLIN: “Learning to windsurf can feel much more daunting when you’re on your own, so I’d encourage women to find a community of windsurfers. There are so many ways to connect with people now through social media. Once you’ve found your people, it becomes much less daunting and a lot more fun!

If you’re thinking about a windsurfing holiday, or you’re a Club Vass regular who’d like to windsurf alongside other women and learn from female instructors, I’d definitely recommend coming during Diva Week.

I’m not sure of the exact ratio of women to men at Club Vass, but I’d expect it to be fairly even, as lots of guests come as families. There’s something for everyone, from Kids Club and ProKids to adult lessons across all levels. It’s a great place for families with different levels of windsurfing experience, as the calmer, beginner-friendly mornings suit those learning, while the windier cross-shore afternoons offer plenty for the more advanced sailors.

I’d love to see the number of women entering competitions continue to grow. The numbers are definitely rising, which is brilliant to see, but there are so many women out there who are more than good enough to compete if they want to. The more women we see getting involved, the better it is for the sport and for inspiring the next generation of female windsurfers.”

Tell us about Diva week…

CAITLIN: “It was actually my first time teaching Diva Week this summer, as I’d just graduated and was able to stay until pack-down, and I absolutely loved it! It’s such a fun environment, and you really get to know the whole group.

The Divas are still split into groups according to their ability and goals, so everyone gets to work on what they want to achieve. Beginners and improvers head out in the morning when there’s a lighter, onshore breeze, while the intermediate and advanced groups have a theory session on land in the morning before heading out for their water session in the windier cross-shore conditions in the afternoon.

I think the feeling goes both ways, with both the instructors and guests loving having an all-female group. It creates such a fun, encouraging and supportive environment, where everyone feels confident to push their windsurfing and try new things.

There are also extra social activities throughout the week, including a big group meal in town, a Club Vass breakfast, SUP yoga and a pub quiz! You get to know everyone, both on and off the water, which makes the whole week really special.”

What is the future beyond Club Vass for the girls…

CAITLIN: “There are lots of opportunities and communities for women to get involved in windsurfing and wingfoiling beyond Club Vass. She Flies is a female Watersports community on the south coast that’s really welcoming and well connected through social media. Duotone UK also sometimes teams up with She Flies to run demo events.

There are also Facebook and WhatsApp groups for windsurfing and wingfoiling girls in different areas around the UK, which are a great way to meet people and connect with other women on the water. Competition is another brilliant way to get involved and meet like-minded girls. The BWA is thriving, with growing women’s amateur and pro fleets, which is really exciting to see!”

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OLIVIA ROBSON

From racing to freestyle

Tell us your windsurfing story. How did you start, what hooked you, and how did you end up at Club Vass?

OLIVIA: “I started windsurfing when I was 10, thanks to my dad, on a holiday. I continued back home in Portsmouth, enduring many cold winters along the way!

I pretty much went straight into racing, competing on Techno boards before moving into iQFOiL. I think the international events really hooked me because they were so competitive, but also great fun and incredibly social.

After a few holidays in Vassiliki, I completed my intermediate instructor course with Watersports Nomad in 2025 and then did work experience at Club Vass!”

The joy of coaching

What do you love about teaching, and what has it taught you?

OLIVIA: “My favourite thing about coaching is seeing how much people progress over the weeks and watching them catch the windsurfing bug.

Teaching has taught me how important communication is when introducing new skills and ideas. It’s also taught me how to adapt to different personalities and ability levels.”

Learning to Vulcan

What are your current goals, best sessions and biggest inspirations?

OLIVIA: I’ve only just started my freestyle journey, so I’m currently trying to learn the Vulcan but I’m not quite there yet! My best sessions are when I go out with friends and we’re all sending it together and trying new things. It’s always good vibes.

My biggest inspiration is probably Sarah-Quita Offringa. She’s so good and just smashes everything she does!

I find that women often underestimate their ability and can get nervous about going fast, which sometimes puts them off. However, a lot of the time they’re just in their own heads and are more than capable of doing it!”

The power of female role models

Why is it valuable to have female coaches, and what would you like to see change in the sport?

OLIVIA: “It’s valuable to have female coaches because it gives women and girls someone to look up to and shows them that they can do it, too. It helps them feel confident enough to enjoy trying new things. My advice to any woman looking to try windsurfing is simply to give it a go. It’s so much fun, and the community is amazing!

I’d just love to see more women sending it!”

Life on the beach team

What’s the best part of working at Club Vass?

OLIVIA: “Club Vass life is lots of fun, and there isn’t really a bad part of the job. The best bit is definitely the amount of windsurfing we get to do, which means we can improve so much more quickly.

You also get to meet so many new people and learn new things.

The social life in Vassiliki is great, too, but the legendary Club Vass BBQs deserve a special mention. They bring everyone together, and the fancy-dress themes are pretty cool!”

Diva Week: good vibes guaranteed

What makes Diva Week so special?

OLIVIA: “Diva Week has to be one of the best weeks to teach during the season. All the divas are so enthusiastic and just want to have fun!

I love teaching them because they’re always super friendly and love a blast.

The socials are one of the best parts, too. The dinner we had in June was so much fun, and the week really creates a little community where everyone supports one another.”

What’s next?

What are your ambitions beyond Club Vass?

OLIVIA: “I hope my future beyond Club Vass involves lots of windsurfing! I’d love to travel to all the top spots around the world and keep progressing my sailing.

For now, I’m enjoying the journey, learning new moves and making the most of every opportunity to get out on the water.”

Club Vass | Windsurfing & Watersports Holidays In Greece