Profile of a local watersports legend: Georgia

Have you ever wondered about how people in our community got into the scene? We talked to Georgia, a local watersports legend, about how she got started and what she’s got doing at the moment. Plus, find out her number one piece of advice for beginners.

Tell us about how you got into watersports and what you do now?

I started in watersports at a young age, around 4 or 5. I competed in dinghies nationally and internationally up until the age of 16. I then took a step back from competition, qualified as an instructor, and started teaching. I spent 7 years overseas instructing in sailing and windsurfing.

I don't really do much dinghy sailing anymore, I mostly windsurf and wing foil now. Wing foiling has been a game changer for me. It's opened up the ability to get out in much lighter winds, and as a busy mum I don't always have as much time as I’d like.

Can you tell us your favourite memory or story about being on the water?

I remember the first time I got back out on the water after having my first baby. The pure elation of being back doing what I love, felt like a weight had been lifted and I was finding a piece of me again.

You head up the She Flies Calshot Flock, can you tell us what She Flies is and what you do?

She Flies was founded in 2019. We are on a mission to unleash the bold and the courageous women. We believe women have an elegant strength, unique style, and way of learning that must be celebrated in order to be bold, courageous and successful in extreme sports.

The flock is a community of local women. We get out on the water as much as possible, and host events for advance sessions, plus for those new to the sports. We love to be the loudest group down the beach celebrating each other’s successes, big or small!

What advice do you have for people getting into watersports?

My biggest advice would be to get a lesson if you are completely new to the watersports world. Definitely speak to people at your local spot before going out the first time, and have fun on the learning journey. It won't always be the easiest, but take the wins when they come, and embrace the elements that the watersports world throws your way!

If Georgia’s inspired you to take to the water, visit Calshot’s Lagoon for courses and tasters of watersports like windsurfing and sailing.