River Hamble Games 2014 now open for entries
by Louise Craigen 4 Feb 2014 12:18 GMT
12 July 2014
Following the success of the very first River Hamble Games in 2012 we are pleased to announce that the Games are back for 2014.
River Hamble Games is a one day sporting extravaganza to be held on Saturday 12th July 2014 and will this year include Stand Up Paddleboarding for the first time. The event is organized and run by a committee of enthusiastic local residents. It is intended for the wider local community to enjoy and draws its inspiration from the 2012 Olympics. The River Hamble Games is supported by Hampshire County Council and the River Hamble Harbour Authority and in addition to Stand Up Paddleboarding will involve Swimming, Rowing, Kayaking, Sailing and Running.
All events will be run to a strict timetable on the day and it promises to be an event which involves some serious sporting competition and a large element of fun for Hamble and the wider community to enjoy. The website is up and running NOW for entries, so please visit www.riverhamblegames.com to enter. This year the events are as follows...
NEW – Stand Up Paddleboarding
Wikipedia Definition...'Stand up paddle surfing (SUP), stand up paddle boarding, or in the Hawaiian language Hoe he'e nalu, is a sport originating in Hawaii, an offshoot of surfing, that enables surfers to paddle farther into the ocean. A 2013 report called it the outdoor sporting activity with the most first-time participants of any in the United States that year. Paddlers race on lakes, large rivers and canals, ride standing waves, and glide over long distances along sea coasts, often using tail winds to aid the trip.'
On 12th July 2014 in Hamble there will be a Distance Medal Race (5/6 miles) in two categories, race and fun boards and a Sprint Race. Competitors will need their own boards for the Distance Race and it will be handicapped depending on length of board. Competitors can enter the Sprint Race with hired or borrowed boards on the day. Boards will be available for use on the day.
Sailing
Racing will be just outside the River at Cat Head and the event base will be split between Warsash Sailing Club and Hamble River Sailing Club. This year there are three classes, Laser Standard, Junior Handicap and Senior Handicap.
Rowing
This will be in the River based and will be run using Bursledon Gigs.Each The rowing will be run in heats culminating in a grand final.
Kayaking
Also on the river and Kayaks will be available for loan on the day.Racing will be organized from Hamble side of the river, launching off the foreshore over a slalom course. Heats will culminate in a grand final.
Swimming
This will be based along Warsash shore of the River, entry into the water will be from the 'Pink Ferry' Hard and competitors will swim upstream to a turning mark. Distances will be 1500m or 500m and u16's are eligible for 500m only.
Running
Will start from Hamble foreshore. Distances will be 5k and 10k over on and offroad terrain with some narrow sections. The route will take runners to Netley Country Park and back to Hamble.
The day will culminate in a medal ceremony at the end of the event and an After Games Party to be held at The Royal Southern Yacht Club (tickets are £15 per head), for competitors and spectators alike to enjoy.
The event is supported by Hampshire County Council and already has numerous local business support including; Eastleigh Borough Council, BpRK Marine, Fugro EMU, Itseeze website, Now Marketing, Grapefruit Graphics, Hamble River Rowing Club, Hamble Sea Scouts, River Hamble Sailing Club & Warsash Sailing Club.
The event is looking for sponsors to give support in any way they can. We are also looking for volunteers to help out on the day so please contact if you want to get involved.
For further information please contact