Words by: Rachael Lightburn
I first discovered kitesurfing when I was 16, at the 2004 World Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Championships in Fuerteventura. I was on a post-GCSE holiday with my older sister and her friends, soaking up the summer vibes. I was mesmerised watching people fly across the water, but there was one thing that stood out – the sport was predominantly male. It was super cool, but I couldn’t help but notice the lack of women on the water.
At the time, my only experience was with windsurfing – a sport that’s incredibly challenging, even after taking several lessons at West Kirby Marine Lake. The whole process of lifting the sail from the water was tough and discouraging.
That’s when I decided kitesurfing was the way forward. My sister was on board too.
Years passed, and after trying kitesurfing lessons in various tropical locations, I became good at flying the kite and body dragging through the water, but frustration and the costs left me feeling disheartened. Eventually, I gave up on my dream.
Then, in 2023, a former colleague launched She Flies – a community initiative focused on getting more women into kitesurfing. They were running women-only camps in Cyprus, and without even checking with my husband and kids, I booked a spot. Fortunately, they were more than supportive.
The camp was an incredible experience. I met a group of amazing women from all over the world, some of whom were just starting out in the sport, while others were experienced but looking for a community of like-minded women to connect with. Our host, a pro kitesurfer from Cyprus, was incredibly inspiring. We set personal goals for the week, shared tips and advice, and created a safe space to discuss our fears – things like kiting solo, lacking the strength to control the kite, or feeling like an imposter. It was refreshing to open up about the challenges we faced.
By the end of the week, I was confidently riding crosswind and making transitions. But the most important takeaway was the newfound confidence and determination to keep going. It was clear that women can absolutely thrive in kitesurfing too.
When I returned home, I found Northern Kites and met Kayla, who made me feel so welcome from the moment I walked onto Wallasey beach. She encouraged me to kite locally and reminded me that I didn’t need to travel to warm destinations to keep improving.
Adam, who runs Northern Kites, was fantastic as well and quickly got me set up for my first session with Kayla. Learning from another woman was a game-changer. Our bodies are different, our approach is different, and the language we respond to in lessons can be different too. Kayla understood all of that and tailored her teaching style to make me feel comfortable and confident.
However, one of the biggest struggles I faced in the beginning was the equipment. As a female and someone with shorter arms, I found it difficult to properly reach the bar, which made controlling the kite challenging. The footpads and straps were also designed for men, and they were far too big for my feet. As a result, I would often end up with bruises on my feet after a session, which was discouraging.
But I didn’t give up. I found a solution when I came across Big Blue Boards, who had designed footpads specifically for women with smaller feet. I invested in a new set, and the difference has been amazing. No more bruising! It’s so encouraging to know that brands are starting to recognise the unique needs of women in the sport.
After just one season of riding in good conditions, I now feel completely at ease showing up at the beach with my own gear, checking out who’s there, and heading out for a session.
The kitesurfing community – especially at Northern Kites – is truly incredible. I’ve never felt more supported and safe, and it’s been such a rewarding experience to be part of a community that’s passionate, inclusive, and full of women lifting each other up.
To any woman who’s thought about giving kitesurfing a go, I can’t encourage you enough to try it. It’s challenging, empowering, and so incredibly rewarding. You don’t need to be the strongest or the most experienced – you just need to take that first step, and you’ll find a welcoming community ready to cheer you on. If I can do it, so can you!
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Rachael Lightburn
