Meet the Committee: Building Community Through Watersports
Hi everyone! If we haven’t met yet, I’m Amber, founder of Water Babes. I’m 26 years old, and passionate about building a space where watersports and community come together. It’s been just over two years since Water Babes began, and I’m beyond proud of everything we’ve achieved together. From our first meetups to the incredible connections we’ve made, it’s been a journey full of energy, growth, and joy.
Now, I'm really excited to share that I won’t be doing this alone anymore. Water Babes is growing, and I’ve recently been joined by an amazing committee of women who are just as passionate about watersports and community as I am. Each of them brings something special to the table. Whether it's experience, energy, or fresh ideas, and together, we’ll be working to make Wind Club even more welcoming, inclusive, and empowering.
Find out more about the team below:
Amber: Founder
When I was younger, I was never a sporty person but at the age of 16 I decided to take a risk and study outdoor adventure at college. Luckily that risk paid off and I fell in love with watersports and spent 3 years working abroad, teaching in some of the best spots in Greece. When I started Water Babes, I wanted to build the community that I felt was missing from my life after returning from season. After spending many sessions being the only female on the water, I decided to set up Wind Club, a welcoming weekly lesson with the mission of boosting diversity in watersports.
Over the past few years I’ve learnt the importance, particularly for women, to coach the mind as well as the body. I’ve had many comments that I make the sports I do look easy but the reality is, it’s taken me 10 years of hard work to get to this point. My mission is to help people overcome their own doubts and fears to brave the elements because I know that if I can do it, so can you!
Charlie: Committee member and Instructor
I grew up here in Poole and have always loved being active and sporty. As a kid much of my time was spent on horses and trampolines, always learning a new skill and looking for an adrenaline kick. As I got older, I decided my next new hobby would be windsurfing, and I quickly swapped the jodhpurs and leotards for wetsuits and buoyancy aids. A fun weekend hobby soon turned into an exciting job, and I found myself teaching windsurfing, winging, paddleboarding, and kayaking at The Watersports Academy.
When Amber started Water Babes I instantly loved the mission of making watersports more inclusive and building a social group to share the stoke with. It would be epic to see more people out on the water who look a bit like me, even if you’ve never done any watersports before.
Join us for a session and you might just find your next new hobby, if you see me out there do come and say hi!
Kelly: Committee member
My name is Kelly and I’m 31 from Poole. I’ve always had a passion for being on the water and am so pleased to now be involved with Water Babes. Since attending my first session last year, it has enabled me to meet so many brilliant, like-minded women, and allowed me to get back out on the water on a regular basis.
When not doing Watersports, you’ll find me either hiking, watching football, going to theatre or spending time with my 7-month-old Border Collie, Bodhi. I currently work in fundraising for Help for Heroes and have previously worked for the RNLI as well as other smaller charities in the area.
I’ve joined the Water Babes committee to hopefully encourage other women to come to Wind Club sessions and experience both the physical and mental benefits being out on the water can provide.
Zoe: Committee member
I started Wing Surfing with Water Babes in October last year and have loved every minute since. I’ve always had a passion for the water, having learnt to sail when I was younger, so joining the group was a great way to reconnect with it.
I now help with various aspects of the committee and love being part of the vibrant,
welcoming community. As a mum of three grown-up kids who’ve flown the nest, running my own pet services business and being big into CrossFit, life is always full—but making time for Water Babes has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Being a fair bit older than most members, I’ve found that age really is no barrier here - I’m proof that it’s never too late to dive into something new!
Kyri: Committee member
Hey! My name is Kyri, I’m one of the committee members for Water Babes.
After having a long break from doing watersports as a kid, I decided to join Waterbabes a year and a half ago to learn how to windsurf and meet new friends! I’m slowly getting better at windsurfing thanks to Wind Club on Sundays and absolutely loving it!
I also love watching the wildlife while we’re out in Poole Harbour, from arctic terns to jellyfish, it’s the perfect place to spend time on the water.
Liv: Committee member
I’m Liv and I am on a mission to be outdoors as much as possible!
When I’m not at my desk, I like running, cycling, hiking and recently started making
ceramics! I am very much a beginner in the Watersports world but love to be in the sea (even if that means face planting it!)
Edited by Kelly-Anne Coley