Here at TheSUPCo we love celebrating women in extreme sports and that’s why recently we’ve caught up with Rachel, AKA ‘Salty days’ https://www.instagram.com/salty_days1/ Not only has she caught our eye winging out in the bay but also for her commitment to encouraging women and like minded others to go and try this unique new extreme sport in our salty waters around the UK.
Growing up in Shoreham with the sea as her backgarden, watersports became an integral part of her life. From sailing International 14’s to surfing around New Zealand, her journey took an exciting turn in 2020 when she embraced foiling. Fast forward to 2024, and she finds herself fully immersed in the thrilling world of wingfoiling, a sport that has not only transformed her water adventures but has also led her to champion other women in extreme sports.
Embracing the Wings:
Guided by Nik Baker and the Duotone team, she made the leap to winging in April 2023. The transition was seamless, and the addictive feeling of flying quickly took hold. What began as a solitary pursuit at Hayling Island Sailing Club has evolved into a vibrant community, with an increasing number of women joining the ranks. The electric camaraderie on the water, marked by whoops of encouragement as they fly past each other, adds to the thrill.
Embracing the Wings:
Her rapid progress in winging stands as a testament to the inspiring individuals she has had the privilege to wing with. Observing others execute daring manoeuvres has served as a constant source of motivation, propelling her to learn and grow within the sport. Winging, for her, transcends personal achievements; it’s about fostering a supportive and creative community where everyone can express their unique style on the board.
Progress and Inspiration:
Her rapid progress in winging stands as a testament to the inspiring individuals she has had the privilege to wing with. Observing others execute daring manoeuvres has served as a constant source of motivation, propelling her to learn and grow within the sport. Winging, for her, transcends personal achievements; it’s all about fostering a supportive and creative community where everyone can express their unique style on the board and have fun together on the water.
She Flies Ambassadorship:
In her role as the @SheFlies south coast ambassador for winging, she has taken on the mission to promote women in extreme sports. The culmination of this effort was the organisation of the first female focused winging weekend at HISC in October 2023—a resounding success that showcased the remarkable talent and passion within the female winging community. The SheFlies Wingers WhatsApp group has become a central hub for inspiration, support, and the shared excitement of pushing boundaries on the water.
Family Affair:
Winging has quickly become a family affair. Her son, Hugo Dobrijevic, is non other than Duotone and ION sponsored K66 team rider and twice National Champion in Wingfoil Slalom racing at only 15. https://www.instagram.com/hugo.dobrijevic/ Hugo remains a steadfast source of support and encouragement for the whole family including Felix their youngest son who is learning to fly at just 11 years old. Wingfoil sessions with her husband, Dave, have resulted in cherished experiences and lasting memories as they fly together in the harbour and off the seafront.
Top Tips for Beginners:
For those embarking on their wingfoil journey, she offers valuable insights. Foiling experience is beneficial but not mandatory. Key to success is wind awareness, balance and a passion to succeed. The Duotone Wing Academy App serves as an invaluable resource for mastering the basics and progressing to advanced manoeuvres. She recounts the most critical thing to do is get hold of the right gear, it can make all the difference. Rachel started on a 95L Duotone Skyfree board https://www.thesupco.com/foil-c3/duotone-sky-free-foil-board-p6275 and a 5m Duotone Unit with the mini booms. Rachel also uses a 3m, 4m and a 6m wings depending on the conditions. The foil is important too, this is often where it can get really confusing when it needn’t be. Start with a front wing that is low-medium aspect. You will grow out of the foil quicker than the board or the wing, but you should be able to switch up your front wing for something with more carve for the turns. The SUPCO not only offers expert advice for all things Wing. We also offer expert tuition from our very own coach Ross! Find out more here: https://www.thesupco.com/book-a-wing-foil-demo-i201
What’s Next:
Exciting opportunities await, including speaking at the RYA Watersports Show alongside fellow She Flies wingfoiling women. The goal is to share experiences, inspire others to join the community, and host more She Flies winging events at HISC. Looking ahead, the dream is to organize a She Flies winging retreat in a warm and windy destination, uniting women from around the world in the joy of winging.
Rachel’s wingfoil journey has been a thrilling adventure marked by personal growth, community building, and the sheer joy of flying over the water. As she along with many others collectively push the boundaries of what’s possible, Rachel anticipates seeing the female winging community soar to new heights, boldly embracing the wind and waves with courage and determination..