In May, our new Bosun, LBdr Jack Harrison, represented the Army at DEFI Wing – the world’s biggest wing foiling race, featuring 600 competitors from around the globe. Keep reading below for Jack’s own account of his “three days of epic racing” in Gruissan Plage, in the south of France, with seven gruelling races covering distances from 20km up to 50km.
“The start line alone was something to remember — 600 metres long, with a RIB flying past at 40 knots to signal the start. Total chaos in the best possible way. From there, we’d blast 10km down the coastline to the first mark, then back and forth, completing the whole course twice. By the final leg, your legs were cramping, your arms screaming, and you were still pushing at 20 knots (35 if you were one of the pros!) — and then doing it all over again, two more times that day.
But here’s the thing: many people assume you need years of experience to reach this point — I started wing foiling just last year.
When I was looking through courses at the Inshore Sailing Centre in 2023, I noticed a beginner wing foiling course and thought, why not? I’d never done it before, but I was curious and ready for a challenge. That decision changed everything.
After completing that first course, I was hooked. I applied for a seasonal position at the centre, and just eight months later, I passed my instructor course. Now, I have the pleasure of teaching other soldiers who are completely new to water sports — just like I was not long ago.
From there, I began entering fun races at Thorney Island with fellow Army members. One thing led to another, and I was immensely proud to be chosen as one of five individuals to represent the Army at an international level at DEFI Wing. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And to think it all started with saying yes to something new.
If you’re serving and looking for something different — something that challenges you, gets you outdoors, and builds confidence in a whole new way — take the leap. You don’t need to have grown up on the water. You just need curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to push yourself. You never know where it might take you.”
To find out more, please contact Jack direct via email.
