Author name: Pawpel

Building a Community

What began as a simple concept has since grown into the largest female kitesurfing community in the UK. GKT was founded with the aim of creating a safe, inclusive space for women to learn, share experiences, and excel in kitesurfing. By offering tailored support and fostering camaraderie, the group quickly attracted members who appreciated the benefits of an all-female community.

One of Sylwia’s first steps was to revamp the underattended Ladies Friday meetings at Camber Sands. Recognizing that weekday sessions conflicted with work schedules, she shifted them to weekends, resulting in a surge in participation. This strategic change, coupled with a fun and welcoming atmosphere, helped spread the word about GKT.

From Small Beginnings to Rapid Growth

The original group in 2020 consisted of just six to eight women, including Olivier, Anya, Lily, Kim, Susie, and Polly. However, the community quickly expanded through word of mouth. Events such as Ladies Coaching Days, led by experienced kiter Polly, paired participants into duos—one kiting and one providing support. These sessions were not only effective in building skills but also fostered lasting friendships and increased confidence among participants.

A Unique Approach

GKT’s success lies in its holistic approach to female empowerment. Beyond teaching technical skills, Sylwia emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for women to grow. The community thrived as members shared experiences, celebrated each other’s progress, and socialized together. This ethos of total support made GKT a standout in the kitesurfing world.

By June 2020, Sylwia introduced a WhatsApp group to streamline communication, share information, and organize meetups. This initiative enabled GKT to expand its reach, with members visiting various kite locations and teaming up with other like-minded women.

A Thriving Legacy

Today, Girls Kite Together boasts a membership of over 240 women and continues to grow as a vibrant and dynamic community. Under Sylwia’s leadership, GKT has become more than just a kitesurfing club—it is a movement that redefines what it means to participate in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

With a strong focus on inclusivity, skill-building, and collective empowerment, GKT serves as a shining example of how grassroots efforts can inspire widespread change. Through Sylwia’s vision, women across the UK are not only embracing kitesurfing but also building a resilient and supportive network that propels them forward both on and off the water.

The Greatstone Kite and Foil Club, in partnership with Romney Marsh Nature Reserve, the British Kitesports Association, and Folkestone and Hythe Council, is pleased to announce beach-use guidelines for the kitesurfing community at Greatstone-on-Sea and nearby kite-accessible beaches, including Lydd-on-Sea and Littlestone-on-Sea.

The new signage highlights designated zones for kite setup, freeriding, and teaching, covering both land- and water-based activities. These guidelines apply to all listed watersports.

In the coming weeks, the signage will be installed at Lade Car Park, conveniently positioned along the main path to the waterfront.

Please make sure to follow the guidelines from your next visit to keep this area safe for everyone. Together, we are helping to protect rare species and raise awareness about the importance of nature conservation.