Tarifa welcomed the Armstrong women’s team for a full week of riding, progression and connection during the annual Women’s Week. The lineup brought together some of the most inspiring women in foiling and wind sports today. Annie Reickert, Olivia Jenkins, Naumi Eychenne, Olivia Sánchez, Sensi Graves and Martine Grael arrived from all corners of the globe to share waves, ideas and a powerful community experience.
From the moment the group arrived in southern Spain, the stoke was high! Tarifa is famous for its consistent wind and raw Atlantic coastline, and it delivered almost every day. For many of the athletes, it was their first time together in the same place, which added an extra layer of excitement.
Throughout the week, the athletes described each other with admiration and authenticity. Annie was “the hammer” for her power and fearless approach across every discipline. Naumi was “flow” for her graceful lines in the waves that remain both feminine and strong. Olivia was called a “ripper” and recognised as an up-and-coming local talent who impressed the whole group. Olivia Jenkins is admired for her riding and resilience on and off the water, and she continues to use her platform to share powerful messages. Sensi was described as the “glue”, the steady presence who holds the crew together and builds community wherever she goes. Martine was “passionate,” a world-class sailor, and the only helm woman in the entire Sail GP fleet. Her perspective brought a unique connection between foiling and elite-level racing.
The group scored a rare little wave spot, which only works occasionally. With clean wind and fun pockets lining up, they had the place to themselves for a memorable wing foil session. The conditions changed throughout the week, so each day brought something new. One morning brought small playful waves for surf foiling. Another afternoon brought a stronger breeze, turning into a fast, flowing session. Seeing world-class riders on the same gear and in the same conditions just confirmed that progress comes with humility and curiosity. The group’s energy encouraged everyone to push themselves in a supportive way.
The downwind day became one of the most memorable sessions of the entire week. The women were divided across different crafts: 2 wing foilers, two downwind board riders, and one wing-foil board. The group shared the bumps together from Tarifa to the next town, Bologna. For Olivia Sanchez, it was her first complete downwind run, which became a milestone moment in her progression. The coastline revealed a rugged, beautiful view none of them had seen before. At one point, the group aligned with the same band of energy, creating a shared sense of flow and connection.
Tarifa offered more than just water time. The athletes visited Cádiz to tour the Spain Sail GP venue, where Martine shared insights into the cutting-edge engineering behind the boat. Seeing the inner components up close gave everyone a deeper appreciation for how far foiling technology has come and how much overlap there is between sailing and winging.
Many athletes shared how motivating it is to see someone who looks like you, rides like you, and is navigating the same challenges. Learning together builds confidence and removes excuses. Riding together builds friendships that feel unbreakable. Developing alongside other women shows what is possible in a sport that still feels new and limitless.
The Tarifa community welcomed the crew warmly. Wind lovers from all disciplines welcomed them into a location that has become a global mecca for water sports. Even on the quiet days, there was always something to explore, from hiking trails to delicious food scattered through the town.
As the week came to a close, the athletes reflected on a week filled with progress, stories, and shared experiences. They learned new skills, deepened friendships and experienced conditions that tested them in the best way. Most importantly, they left inspired to bring more women into the sport.
Several riders shared a hope that young women everywhere will step into foiling with confidence. Wing foiling and surf foiling offer freedom, challenge and pure joy. They change lives, build communities and create opportunities that continue to grow.
If the week proved anything, it is that women are shaping the future of foiling with strength, imagination, and limitless possibilities.