Windsurfing is a sport that’s all about independence, resilience,
determination, and confidence.
Here are four youngsters who started their journeys at their local clubs
and have gone on to secure medal places in Quiberon, France for the Techno
293 and Techno + 2023 World Championships.
Ruby Webb builds confidence through windsurfing
Ruby started windsurfing just two years ago, when she was 10 years old.
Learning the ropes at Docklands Sailing and Water Sports Centre, located
in East London, she started out with a 1.5 fabric sail and an inflatable
board during school holidays. She fell in love with the sport, racing and
competing in windsurfing.
The 2023 World Championship was a roller-coaster of emotions for Ruby, but
she overcame the challenges and ended with a gold medal and the title of
Techno 293 Girls 5.0 World Champion.
She explains: “I was never a football or athletics person, so never
considered myself a sporty person, but after I grew as a windsurfer, I
found my love for sports. Windsurfing has built my confidence”.
Ruby is aiming high: “I aspire to continue windsurf racing and
building my experience and ability as a techno windsurfer”. She
concludes: “I hope to grow as a person and learn more on the rest of
my windsurfing journey.”
Sophie Clark finds freedom on the water
Sophie Clark discovered windsurfing just over two years ago. She explains:
“I was a dancer but after Covid lockdowns, I wanted to participate in an
outside sport and feel free,”
She joined Buzz Active in Eastbourne where coaches Meg Kraft and Sam
Williams guided her through the
RYA Windsurfing scheme. Sophie’s hard work led her to securing her place at the 2023
Under 15 Techno World Championships where she finished proudly with a
bronze medal.
Windsurfing has transformed Sophie, giving her the freedom to be herself.
“Windsurfing has given me the freedom to be me on my terms; it’s not
about how I look or if I fail, I can just be me.” Her aspirations now turn
to the iQFOil and pursuing international racing in 2024.
She said: “Training as part of a club has helped me push myself, and
you learn so many skills from each other. I also have met the best group
of friends of all ages.”
Dawson Rogers, the resilient young wave-maker
At just 9 years old, Dawson Rogers is already making waves in the world of
windsurfing. His journey began at the age of 6, inspired by
watching his dad windsurf and developing a love for the
water. Dawson is a member of Buzz Active in Eastbourne, where he learned
to windsurf and made strong friendships.
After securing silver at the Techno 293 World Championships, he now dreams
of becoming the world’s number one windsurfer, representing Great Britain
at the Olympics.
“I have got lots more confidence at school and all the time. It’s nice to
know that I’m doing well with something. I never give up because I know I
can work hard and do well”
Dawson has even shared his windsurfing achievements in school assemblies,
inspiring other children to join their local club.
Milo Shaw rides the winds of success
Milo’s windsurfing adventure began growing up in a family deeply involved
in watersports, inspired by his three older siblings who are also keen
windsurfers. Being part of a windsurfing club played a significant role
for Milo. He emphasised the fun of windsurfing in a group and how it
introduced him to the competitive side of the sport.
Securing a bronze place, he shared: “I’m hoping to get lots of time
on the water now so I can become more comfortable and confident.“ He
continued: “My success at the Worlds has definitely boosted my
confidence and spurred me on to feel more determined to do my best on the
iQFOil.”
Get OnBoard
Feeling inspired? The RYA OnBoard program is open to anyone aged 8-18.
Read more
about RYA OnBoard and find your local centre.
