When Armstrong Foils hosted its first Women’s Week in Tarifa, Olivia Sánchez joined a group of inspiring riders for a week of wind, waves, and connection. Between powerful Levante sessions and late-night laughter, she found more than just progression on the water; she found confidence, friendship, and a renewed sense of purpose. Read the full story exclusively in Tonic Mag.

When Armstrong invited me to the Women’s Week in Tarifa, I could hardly believe it. I knew from the very first moment it would be something special. For me, it felt like a personal milestone. I had been part of the Armstrong Foils team for almost two years, and this invitation felt like a reward for all the dedication, passion, and work that had led up to that point. What I didn’t realise was how deeply the experience would affect me. Before arriving, my expectations were already high. I imagined a week spent surrounded by strong, inspiring women, united by a shared love of the ocean and wind. What I experienced, though, went far beyond anything I could have dreamed of.

From the moment I arrived, the energy felt different. It was positive, open, and full of excitement. I have always been quite shy, and I didn’t know any of the girls personally, so I was a little nervous at first. Meeting everyone for the first time was a mix of curiosity and admiration. Many of the women there were well-known riders, people I had looked up to for their incredible skill and achievements. Suddenly, I was standing next to them, sharing a lineup and a journey. That alone felt surreal.

Tarifa greeted us with its full spectrum of moods. We had light wind and small waves some days, strong Levante winds on others, and even moments of perfect calm. Those changing conditions became part of the adventure. Every day brought something new. One day, we were riding through glassy water at sunset, the next we were holding onto our wings in powerful gusts. The variety made every session feel fresh and exciting. It reminded me how important it is to adapt and enjoy whatever the ocean gives you.

Despite coming from different parts of the world and a wide range of ages and backgrounds, we all connected instantly. That surprised me in the best way. I had expected to feel like the youngest or the least experienced, but instead, I felt surrounded by sisters. Everyone supported one another. We shared laughs, advice, and endless encouragement. If someone struggled, the rest cheered them on until they got it. That sense of unity was the heart of the whole trip for me. It showed me that this sport, often seen as an individual sport, can be beautifully collective.

The first time I ever tried foiling was actually through windsurfing. The feeling was unlike anything else I had experienced on the water. When the board lifted and started gliding above the surface, it was as if time paused. That smooth, flying sensation was addictive. A few months later, I tried wing foiling for the first time. It might feel similar, but it was something completely new. The mix of freedom, speed, and control made me fall in love with it instantly.

Before Women’s Week, I had always seen foiling as a passion, something that brought me joy and peace. But after spending that week with so many inspiring women, I began to imagine it as part of my future in a much bigger way. I started to see how it could become a lifelong journey and maybe even a profession. Watching others teach, create, and share the sport planted a new seed in me. It made me believe that there is space for women to grow, lead, and make a mark in this world.

Two sessions from that week stand out vividly in my memory. One was at Hierbabuena Beach, where we went prone foiling. It was my very first time trying it. I was nervous at first, but the girls surrounded me with encouragement and helped me every step of the way. The joy I felt catching my first little wave is something I’ll never forget. Everyone was clapping and laughing, celebrating those small wins together. That session wasn’t just about riding waves; it was about community, kindness, and shared growth.

The other session that stands out happened at Playa Chica. The Levante was blowing strong that day, and we decided to go for some freestyle riding. It was pure fun. The wind was wild, the energy was high, and we all started pushing ourselves a little harder. I remember feeling so free, jumping higher than I ever had before, and landing with a mix of surprise and happiness. It was one of those moments where everything clicks. You stop overthinking and just feel it. That’s what sessions are all about for me; finding that sweet balance between focus and joy.

Looking back, some of my favourite memories didn’t even happen on the water. It was during the evenings, when we’d gather for dinner, share stories, and laugh until late. Those conversations made the experience complete. We talked about dreams, challenges, and life beyond the ocean. It was during those moments that I realised how strong and connected this group of women was. We weren’t just riders; we were people with stories that intertwined through a shared love for wind and water.

Throughout the week, I also learned a lot about the technical side of foiling. Before, I hadn’t paid much attention to details like foil placement or balance points. But spending time with the Armstrong team opened my eyes. I discovered how even minor adjustments can completely change the feeling of the ride. Understanding that gave me a new respect for the craft and engineering that go into every setup. It also reminded me that progress often comes from curiosity and patience rather than rushing through steps.

One of the highlights of the entire trip was meeting Martine Grael. It still feels unreal to say that I got to spend time on the water with a double Olympic gold medalist. I had admired her for years. What struck me most was her humility. She treated everyone equally, always ready to help or share what she knew. We connected easily because of our racing backgrounds. I come from windsurfing (Techno, and more recently IQFoil) and she comes from Olympic sailing (in the 49erFX class). Though the equipment is different, both disciplines fall under the Olympic sailing racing format. Talking with her gave me perspective on what it means to build a life around the sea. Her advice and energy were truly inspiring.

When the week finally came to an end, I didn’t feel ready to leave. It was one of those experiences that stays with you long after it’s over. My mind replayed every laugh, every session, every connection. On the flight home, I found myself reflecting on everything that had happened. I realised that Women’s Week wasn’t just a trip or an event; it was a turning point. It reminded me why I love this sport so deeply. It also made me feel part of something greater than myself.

What Armstrong created went beyond equipment or performance. It built a community, a space where women from around the world could meet, ride, and inspire each other. I came back with new friends, new confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging. It felt like the beginning of something important, not just for me but for the future of women in water sports.

Every time I head out on the water here in Tarifa, I’m reminded of that special week. The sessions, the smiles, the sense of family all come rushing back. It showed me that progress isn’t just about training harder or going bigger. It’s about connection, shared passion, and trusting yourself. The ocean always gives back what you put in, and that week, it gave me more than I could have imagined.

 

By Tonic Mag