Hi Lina, how are you? Have you recovered well from the eventful festival days?
Very good, thank you. Yes, it's been an eventful few days. I've been in Denmark since yesterday and am taking a deep breath. I'm organising a Wave Intro Camp here next week and am already checking out the situation on site.
You just mentioned it: your camps this year. You organised a Girls' Day at the surf festival on Friday. What was on the programme and how many girls took part?
Seventeen windsurfing enthusiasts took part! We started the day with a professional yoga session in the morning. There was still no wind and we were all able to relax and get to know each other on the beach. Afterwards, we got on our surf skates - I think this is a great addition to any board sport and, above all, an ideal way to train on land if you're planning to go windsurfing in the waves in the future. After the lunch break, the easterly wind slowly picked up. When rigging up on the beach, a few questions arose about the equipment and I tried to help the participants as best I could with tips and tricks. Those who had boards that were too small for the light wind were able to hire larger ones directly from the Starboard and Severne stands - that was ideal! We then spent the whole afternoon on the water. Afterwards, I had to make my way quickly to the festival stage and set up my DJ booth - I still had quite an evening programme (laughs).
What did you work on on the water?
Sailing and grip techniques for the duckjibe and power jibe were a big topic. It was great to see the progress. Overall, I was impressed by the general level of the ladies.
Are there any basic requirements for participation in your camps?
That is very different. There was no hurdle at the Girls' Day on Fehmarn. But next week here in Denmark, the water start and safe gliding in the foot straps, for example, are basic requirements. Because the main focus here will be on getting into windsurfing in the waves. At the camp in Hemmelmark at the end of August, all levels are welcome.
How old were the participants on Fehmarn?
There was everything from twelve to sixty years old.
Your camps such as the Girls Day at the surf festival are - as the name suggests - aimed specifically and exclusively at women. What is the reason for this?
In my experience, a group of women develops a better dynamic when the, I'll call it "pressure to perform" is reduced. of men is not there. Men are often a little more fearless, have more strength and therefore learn faster in windsurfing - this can intimidate women and they cannot develop as freely as within a homogeneous group.
I often hear the comment that this would basically exclude men. However, my "Only Girls" events are not about excluding anyone, but I try to create a pleasant atmosphere for women in which they can try things out without being under observation.
