Empowering Women in Wing SUP through Instructor Upskilling: Case Study

With support from Queensland Government funding, Australian Sailing launched a regional upskilling initiative focused on introducing and empowering female instructors in the fast-growing sport of Wing SUP (Stand Up Paddle). 

Wing foiling has rapidly gained popularity thanks to its fun factor, accessibility, and affordability, making it an appealing entry point for a wide range of watersport enthusiasts. To ensure safe and inclusive growth, particularly among women and girls, the presence of qualified female instructors at the foundational Wing SUP level is essential. 

Research shows that many women feel more comfortable learning from female instructors. In response, this initiative aimed to increase the number of female Wing SUP instructors, fostering a positive and welcoming pathway for women in the sport. 

A key milestone was the introduction of the newly developed Wing SUP Instructor Endorsement, a 2025 Australian Sailing online course, launched at the North Queensland Instructor Development Workshop. This workshop was hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club on 12 April 2025. 

Key Outcomes: 

• 62% of workshop participants were female. 
• 5 female dinghy instructors successfully completed the endorsement. 
• Training included on-water mentoring, safety training and risk management. 
• All participants reported increased confidence and competence post-training. 

A follow-up mentoring session was held at Townsville Sailing Club, where additional instructors joined and were supported through ongoing practice sessions led by a senior female instructor. As a result, Far North Queensland now has six qualified female Wing SUP instructors qualified to deliver programs at regional clubs. 

The initiative was further promoted through club visits and at the Cairns Sailing Summit, with continued support offered to interested clubs. 

Identifying the Need 

A comprehensive review of club-level challenges and strategic priorities informed the project. Insights from the 2023 Annual Club Survey revealed three primary issues: 

• Low on-water participation. 
• Difficulty retaining participants. 
• Challenges in attracting new members. 

Notably, Queensland’s female participation rate was just 31%, well below the national target of 50% female participation by 2032, as outlined in the Australian Sailing Strategic Plan. Furthermore, club data highlighted a significant drop-off in female membership by the age of 21, making it clear that targeted initiatives were necessary to address gender imbalance and support long-term growth in participation. 

Ongoing Impact and Support 

Australian Sailing continues to collaborate with clubs to address the retention of women in the late teens to early 20s demographic. Clubs across the region are being supported to run female-focused Wing SUP events, promoting ongoing engagement and skill development.

In addition to instructor training, funding through the Active Women and Girls program has enabled expanded volunteer education and officials training for women in regional clubs. This ongoing support is helping to grow leadership pathways, create community and increase visibility for women in sailing.

Moreover, the Active Women and Girls funding has supported the work of a female Regional Club Services Officer, based in Far North Queensland.  This role is essential in driving local engagement and overcoming historical challenges in regional support and program delivery. 

Words by: Diane Kelsey