Under a month till the National Watersports Festival
by Rachel Follett 9 Aug 2014 13:18 BST
5–7 September 2014
Under a month till the National Watersports Festival © Solent Media
There is just under one month to go before the start of the National Watersports Festival (NWF) where over 500 competitors and upwards of 8,000 spectators are due to converge on Hayling Island for three days of non-stop racing, activity and fun!
Now in its ninth year, the event, which takes place between 5 – 7th September is a huge draw for windsurfers, kayakers, kitesurfers and Stand Up Paddle Boarders from across the UK and overseas. It is billed as the largest multi-disciplinary watersports festival in the UK and is a place where ordinary weekend enthusiasts have the opportunity to rub shoulders with and compete against Olympians and multiple World Champions.
Hayling Island is the spiritual home of windsurfing and where Peter Chilvers (then just 12) is credited with inventing the sport over 50 years ago, so is the fitting destination for such a well-loved festival.
The event features racing for all levels of ability and age, alongside Taster Sessions in all of the sports, ideal for spectators desperate to have a go! The event also hosts free Coaching Clinics taken by top UK Coaches and industry professionals, many of whom are exhibiting at the event's Trade Show, which is the largest in the UK for the associated sports and showcases the latest equipment from top manufacturers. Visitors can also take advantage of the equipment demos, giving them the opportunity to try out the latest gear available on the market and get a feel for what's out there.
And if this wasn't enough there is live music at the festival's Beach Parties on the Friday and Saturday nights, with epic floodlit night racing adding another dimension for the racers who never fail to put on a show.
No two festivals are the same, which helps event organisers to keep attracting the numbers, as event director, Allan Cross explains: "This year we've introduces two brand new attractions to the festival, which should provide some amazing additions to an already packed programme. On the Friday we're holding a 'Blast from the Past' slalom event pitting yesteryear's windsurfing heroes against the up and coming stars from today.
"We've also significantly upweighted the kiteboarding element of the NWF in 2014, which will now be staged at the blue flag beach, West Bay. Brand new this year will be a 'Night Kite Park' which will feature ramps and kickers for a truly awesome spectacle and is definitely one not to be missed!
"Our thanks, as always to our sponsoring family, which includes Hayling Borough Council and all our exhibitors and supporters."
This year the whole event will be streamed live at nationalwatersportsfestival.com/live, so armchair enthusiasts don't need to miss a single minute, as a dedicated film crew will bring viewers all the goings on, throughout the weekend. Olympic and Championship riders will be interviewed, alongside a number of the participants, many of whom will have unique tales to tell and will amuse, delight and amaze those watching at home.
Tickets are available for the event directly from the website nationalwatersportsfestival.com/participate It is free for spectators who are invited to soak up all the activity of the weekend, a schedule of 'What's On' available from the website.