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ANDY CHAMBERS: SEASONS OF CHANGE:

12 Years of Fun, Friendship, and Freestyle!

Andy Chambers first headed out to Vassiliki, Greece in 2001 when he was 18 years old. He worked across all 3 Club Vass centres (including Club Dahab and Club Margarita) for 12 years, immersing himself in the windsurf scene, whilst making a name for himself as a professional freestyle windsurfer on the PWA World Tour. As life progressed, Andy transitioned into a new chapter, getting married and settling down with a UK-based career. But his passion for windsurfing and his connection to Club Vass are stronger than ever. Every year, he dedicates a month to returning to the centre for a (working) holiday, reconnecting with lifelong friends, whilst enjoying plenty of time on the water. We caught up with Andy to hear how the journey started, what it was like to work at the Club and why he still returns every year…

Photos: PROtography

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HOW IT ALL STARTED

Andy Chambers

“I grew up in Cyprus, where I first got into windsurfing, and by the age of 17 I got my level 1 RYA Instructor qualification. Whilst at college in Chichester, I saw an advert for Flying Fish (an instructor training company running courses at Club Vass) – in Windsurf Magazine! I went to their open day in Hammersmith, and found out about their instructor courses and working a season at Club Vass. I just thought it sounded amazing, so I booked myself straight onto a level 2/3 course…

Back then freestyle was just taking off and I was learning to Vulcan. I knew there were some really good freestylers working at Club Vass and I was super excited to get there – I actually flew out on 9/11/2001! When I saw the magic of Club Vass for the first time, I just thought ‘this is where I need to be’. I came from a military windsurf club in Cyprus, which was all very official. In contrast, my first day at the Club was mind blowing – I had never seen anything like it. I remember Sam Ross and Rad Hart-George were teaching board design theory, dressed in white lab coats, with thirty clients around them – typical Club Vass humour! That afternoon there were fifty or sixty people on the lawn, doing ‘Thai Chi Tacking’. There was always a lot of crazy but brilliant stuff happening at Club Vass.

After gaining my qualification I was offered work experience and I worked as hard as I could to show how keen I was. At the last night party, manager Christian Harris came over with a tray of tequilas and offered me a job for the following season. I downed my shot and joined the team; the rest is history as they say!

WORK, PLAY, REPEAT: THE DAILY RHYTHM OF A WINDSURF INSTRUCTOR

Every week was fresh, with new faces and new challenges. When new people arrived, your motivation would reset, as you were always teaching different things to the various levels, from total beginner to very advanced. It did not feel like real work, although it was still hard getting up every morning! We’d generally teach (theory and light wind) in the mornings until the afternoon cross-shore kicked in. Then we’d teach higher levels on water and help run the safety, manning the rescue boats and tower, whilst trying to grab precious time on the water. It was full-on all day, and then most evenings you’d have a beer with clients or there would be set social events (including the legendary Club Vass BBQ). We had a bit of sleep deprivation and big bar bills, but they were good times! You learn so much working at a place like Club Vass.

NEW TRICKS

I was lucky enough to work in all 3 centres, so I learned loads about windsurfing and was quickly able to accelerate my level (especially at Club Margarita, sailing with the likes of Ricardo Campello and Gollito Estredo). Everything was new in freestyle back then; we were learning something new almost every day. Being around guys like Benny Harrison, Simon Hurrey, Colin Dixon and Ollie Scott was amazing. Max Rowe used to come out on holiday with his parents and we taught him in Kids’ Club!

THE MAGIC OF CLUB VASS

The vibe at Club Vass is just unbeatable and the windsurfing is outstanding; I went there last summer for a month and it was windy every single day. The whole place is full of windsurfers of all levels, so you’re surrounded by like-minded people – it’s just pure windsurfing! It especially amazes me how many beginners there are; all these people coming specifically to Club Vass to learn, having never windsurfed before. I have been to loads of windsurf holiday destinations around the world but no place matches Club Vass.  If you think windsurfing is dead, then go to Club Vass and have your eyes opened!

TOP NOTCH

All the kit is brand new every season. It is the best kit! Full carbon masts, the best construction boards and the best brands like Goya, Duotone and Severne. Because of Club Vass’s reputation, they have the pick of the crop in terms of staff. That really comes across, the level of tuition at Club Vass is second to none. There are not many centres you can be taught such a high level of freestyle, with many of the instructors having competed on the world tour.

SUPPORT

I was very lucky that Club Vass supported me to go to events, in conjunction with Boardwise (they have a very strong relationship). Without that support, I would never have been able to do half of what I have achieved – I still have Club Vass stickers on my sail. I believe in Club Vass so much I would push anyone to go there on holiday, whatever their level or situation (single, couple, family etc.). There’s nowhere better, you can windsurf every day, on amazing equipment and there is just so much to do. Vassiliki itself is a beautiful place, it’s not commercialized – it’s still a little fishing village with great bars and tavernas.

MOVING FORWARD: LIFE AFTER CLUB VASS AND NEW BEGINNINGS

It was tough when I first left Club Vass after 12 seasons, I was actually pretty depressed. Many people who leave Club Vass after working seasons feel the same; they can’t believe how much they miss the place, the lifestyle and working there. It’s like an addiction!

My wife Philly and I moved to Bournemouth for her teacher training, but I struggled to find work in the UK as I wasn’t qualified for much other than windsurfing. By a stroke of luck, Chris Martin left Pryde Group UK to start his own agency, representing JP/ Pryde (who had already been sponsoring me for 10 years). Chris offered me a job which was a no brainer as there aren’t that many openings in the industry. He was very supportive and it was a great start as a ‘proper job’ before my next move to Goya.

THE PULL OF THE PAST

I still go back to Club Vass every year on holiday and I’m able to work remotely for Goya, which is great. Many faces have changed, but good friends are still there, including Max Rowe, Ollie Scott and obviously owners Tony, Marianne and Roger. I know these guys really well and always support Club Vass as much as possible. I’ve helped out with clinics like Speed Week with Whitey (Dave White). It’s a great chance to test a huge range of gear (especially freeride, free wave & freestyle) and get instant ‘real world’ feedback from clients, which is really valuable for product development. The branding also sticks in people’s minds when they use gear at a centre like Club Vass. For me it’s the perfect place to combine work and pleasure.

Philly and I love to go back to our ‘second home’ every year. We can both windsurf or wing every day but also take time to just chill out and relax. It’s great to catch up with guests I’ve known for ages; many people go back year after year, it is such an addictive place.

WINDSURFING GENERATIONS: FAMILIES CREATING NEW TRADITIONS AT VASS

Many families are bringing their kids out to Club Vass to learn windsurfing these days, which wasn’t the case when I first worked there. The singles and couples I knew then are now coming back with their kids. When they first arrive, a lot of these kids have zero interest in windsurfing or water sports. They’re so busy on their phones 24/7 they barely even socialise. On Day 1 they are still not that interested, but by Day 3 they have got mates, they are out on the water and they are transformed! I have seen parents totally amazed by what the place has done for their kids. They are getting out on the water, being active and there isn’t a phone in sight! It’s having a big positive impact on the families.

CLUB VASS…THE SCHOOL OF LIFE!

My upbringing in Cyprus was awesome, but there was no future there for me. Club Vass opened up a whole world of windsurfing and so many opportunities. I ‘ve met some amazing people along the way who have supported me both competitively and professionally. Basically, working at Club Vass pretty much shaped the path of my whole life. It was definitely the school of life!”

CLUB VASS