A Favourable Forecast for The 10^th Anniversary National Watersports Festival!

The 10^th Anniversary National Watersports Festival is THIS WEEKEND – and the one thing the organisers can’t control – the weather – is looking seriously good!

NWF Organiser, Allan Cross said “Moderate winds are predicted, which is the best possible forecast for the Festival. It means that more people can get on the water; it is ideal to get the most out of the coaching and taster sessions, suitable for the SUPers, who are now also a big part of the festival along with the windsurfers – and absolutely perfect for intermediate racing, which is what the NWF is all about.”

Perfect for Your First Try at Racing!

If you have never tried windsurf or SUP racing, a forecast like this couldn’t be more perfect for a first attempt! The ‘out and back’ race format is simple and friendly – if you can sail or SUP in a straight line, out and back from the beach and turn or swim around a buoy, you can race! There are categories for all ages, sexes and any type of equipment as well as fancy dress – and besides the indescribable buzz you get from taking part, pitting yourself against your mates or racing, you have a good chance of winning one of the many prizes!

NWF rookie racer Jackie Lambert said of her first time “I realised that even just turning up for all of the races helped me to move up the rankings!” Not everyone participates in every race – and tactically, after the Saturday night party, Jackie recommends making sure that you’re in the Sunday morning race. Not only will it improve your placing, it’s the best hangover cure there is!

Another tactic, which doubles your chances of a prize, is to enter both as an individual and as part of a team! Racing with a couple of mates is great fun and gives you a bit of moral support. If you can’t get your own team together, you can always join in with Simon Bornhoft’s Team Windwise, who usually manage a few podium places and gives you the bonus of a T Shirt and some of Simon’s top race-winning tips! See www.windwise.net

Fancy dress as well – you have tripled your chance of winning a prize!

You’ve got to be in it to win it, so why not enter now…?!

Festival Funshine!

But perhaps more importantly, once again, it looks like the sun is going to shine on the NWF! While watersports are at the core of the NWF, it is, of course, a Festival and the land-based entertainments form an integral part. Camping, relaxing on the beach and soaking up the Festival atmosphere is always going to be much more fun with a little sun!

So besides perfect weather, what else is forecast for the landmark 10^th Anniversary NWF?

Family Fun

Allan says “We aim to keep the whole family entertained from the minute they enter the Festival site.” That’s a big ask! But what exactly has Allan got up his sleeve? SUP Tug o’ War, SUP Polo and PugilSUP… The precise mix of activities will depend on the organiser, Green Dragon Activities, but expect anything from archery to zorbs, climbing walls to bungee trampolines and Inflatables. And even a Lynx helicopter to explore!

Live Music

Live music has always been a big attraction at the NWF – and this year there will be more of it! The sensational beach parties in a marquee right on the shoreline are not to be missed, but to add to the Festival vibe, this year there will be live music throughout the day, with a diverse range of talent and styles, both local and from further afield.

Trade Show

The NWF Trade Show is the largest of its type in the country. All the major windsurf and SUP manufactures will be there with their latest equipment, offering expert advice to those looking to get kitted out or upgrade. There is also a wide variety of artisan stands to browse as well as delicious food stalls.

World Champion in the Night Windsurf!

Well, 10 years ago, the Festival started the iconic Night Windsurf and just wouldn’t be the same without the fabulous floodlit night event. Amateurs can win the opportunity to compete in the night races, lining up alongside some of the biggest names in windsurfing. There is also a spectacular Freestyle demonstration, which looks all the more amazing under the floodlights! This year, World Freestyle Champion, Dieter van Eyken, will be one of those talented professionals performing just feet from the audience on the shore!

The Biggest Names in the Business

One of the great things about the NWF is that all the top professionals in the sports come along, rub shoulders and party with Festival goers and share their expertise in free technique clinics. The NWF has often welcomed Olympic medallists such as Nick Dempsey and Bryony Shaw, although you can also expect a host of World Champions, World Record Holders and Top Professional Coaches. This year Andy Brandt, instructional editor for ‘Windsurf’ magazine, is flying in from the Caribbean to join the list of top coaches, which includes the likes of Ant Baker, Simon Bornhoft, Jim Collis, Colin Dixon, Peter Hart, Phil Richards & Danielle Lucas, and Sam Ross.

If you are seriously passionate about watersports, want to meet your heroes, party or just want an enjoyable beach weekend with the family on a favourable forecast, book your ticket IMMEDIATELY – and prepare for the fun to begin!

The NWF takes place at Beachlands, Hayling Island, PO11 0AS on 2-4^th September 2016. Full entry includes free camping for the duration of the Festival, tickets to both beach parties (on Friday and Saturday nights) and all other water-based and onshore activities.