Chase has the ‘Wow’ Factor as club bids to get women on the water
The Chase Sailing Club, in Chasetown, will have the WOW factor this summer as they launch their first ever Women On The Water programme.
Sport England’s This Girl Can initiative has shown females want to do more physical activity, with 7.1m women aged 14-40 saying they wanted to do more sport or physical activity at the start of the campaign in 2015.
Now The Chase SC, set in the beautiful surroundings of Chasewater Country Park, is giving more local females the chance to get active afloat by putting on their first females-only course, run by women instructors, in July.
(Rio 2016 gold medalist, Saskia Clark (left), is an inspiration for women to get on the water)
As Libby Constance, Chief Instructor for Sailing, explains, each woman’s relationship with physical activity is unique so the WOW course focuses on providing the support and encouragement to give more females the confidence to get on the water.
She said: “Research tells us sailing is still perceived as a male-dominated activity, yet the benefits it can bring to women are numerous and far-reaching. The social aspect is huge, being active outdoors promotes physical and mental wellbeing and women of all ages relish the challenge of learning and mastering a new skill.
“We know many women are more comfortable learning in an informal environment where they feel everyone is in the same boat and they can support and encourage one another to achieve. This isn’t about separating men and women, it’s about giving more women an environment where they can build their confidence at their own pace before joining in with the many other club activities.”
The UK charity, Women in Sport, have identified six core values that women consider when choosing to participate in a physical activity. These are nurturing family and friends, looking good, feeling good, achieving goals, having fun and developing skills.
Last year, Susannah Tooze, a Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Wolverhampton, rediscovered sailing at The Chase SC having first tried it as a Girl Guide 20 years earlier. Since then she hasn’t looked back and now even volunteers supporting the youngsters in the club’s Youth Sailing @ Chasewater group.
(Susannah Tooze loves getting out in the fresh air at The Chase SC)
Susannah said: “One of the biggest benefits has been the opportunity to get outside in the fresh air. I spend so much of my time inside that, even when the weather isn’t brilliant, it is just so nice to be outdoors, whether actively sailing myself, messing about with my boat, or watching others sail.
“I also like being part of a club; it is a really relaxed and friendly place to go and there is always someone to talk to. Everyone is so willing to help you out as a beginner, both with sailing tips and practical help. Sailing is a great way to relax as although you’re working physically, mentally you are so focused on what you are doing you don’t have time to think about anything else, plus it’s a great way to keep fit!”
The Chase SC is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. WOW at The Chase SC takes place over the weekend of 14-15 July, with wetsuits and buoyancy aids provided by the club. There is a 50% discount on the course fee for participants who join the club while everyone who successfully completes the weekend course will be awarded their RYA Level 1 Start Sailing certificate.
For more information about WOW at Chase contact libby.constance@btinternet.com or to find out how you can get on the water at The Chase SC this summer visit www.chasesc.org.uk