National Watersports Festival

On the 30 Aug – 01 Sept 2013 the National Watersports Festival (NWF) will be taking place at Beachlands, Hayling Island. The NWF is the UK’s largest participation watersports event, aimed at the recreational, intermediate watersports enthusiast. It’s a fun, unique event suitable for all ages and abilities for those with a shared passion for water!

The original NWF concept was born 7 years ago with the ‘National Windsurfing Festival.’ Its aim being to provide a mass participation event with, taster sessions, a friendly, non intimidating simple racing format and most importantly a great atmosphere. The highly successful and unique event soon became the largest event of its type on the national calendar, catering for the intermediate mass market and turning the normal spectator into the competitor!

The NWF is all about the people and therefore participants are the number 1 priority in the design, format and delivery of the festival. It is known affectionately as ‘The Peoples Festival’ as it witnesses the whole industry coming together for this truly amazing unique festival once a year – 20%  taster, 70 % intermediate and 10% pro. It allows for both the industry and professionals to show case their sport, as well as for participants to get involved themselves and have the opportunity to meet & watch those at the top! This all-inclusiveness has led to the development of a real NWF community – and interest from other action sports.

In 2013 the NWF was rebranded to become the even bigger and better ‘National Watersports Festival.’ The event now hosts SUP, kayaking, & kitesurfing as well as windsurfing, giving water enthusiasts the opportunity to participate in not only 1 but now 4 disciplines.

Throughout the weekend on the water there’s;

• Fun races in all disciplines for all ages & abilities – with prizes galore!
• Taster sessions for beginners.
• Coaching clinics in all disciplines, conducted by top UK coaches.
• A unique floodlit night event to watch (or even win the chance to enter)… where the professionals come together and flex their muscles and give us a show to remember!

But the NWF is not all about water activities. On land you’ll also find;

• The largest trade show in the UK, showcasing the latest equipment from top manufacturers.
• Industry presentations and the opportunity to demo the latest equipment.
• The opportunity to meet and chat with the UK’s finest professional team riders – and even race along side them!
• The legendary beach party, featuring live entertainment on both Friday and Saturday nights.
Free parking/camping.

This years event will host the industry day on the Friday 30th Aug which is designed for the industry to show, demo and present their latest 2014 equipment and also team riders to give clinics.  This year the industry will be retailing from the trade tent and will be providing NWF special show offers.

Friday night will be the first night of partying with 2 bands plus a DJ, and also the W4CR Charity Auction where the industry will be donating some excellent prizes for this worthy cause.

On Saturday evening there will be the opportunity to SUP race under the flood lights, followed by the legendary NWF VIP party which this year has a horror theme…… Live music from the Hot Betty’s Local Indie band and associated DJ.  This is the part were you will see all the A listers from the industries come together to have a great night entertainment and this year the party is situated on the beach looking out on the night flood lit play ground.

The main watersport events will take place on Sat 31st Aug and Sunday 1st Sept. The SUP discipline will be delivered by BSUPA and is aimed to encourage participation for all levels from novice to expert but yet again the strong emphasis being on the intermediate participant.

SUP Class/Division (for both men & women)
12’6″ Race (includes boards up to 12’6″)
14′ Race (includes boards up to 14″)
Fun Fleet (non race)
Inflatable (non race)

SUP events throughout the weekend include;
1km Pink Paddle (fun paddle)
5km Race
Battle of the Paddle
Sprint Racing using BIC 12’6 One Design
12’6″ Floodlit Survivor Sprints
Hayling Duathlon (paddle & swim)
SUP team pursuit

Some examples of the SUP clinics conducted by BSUPA instructors throughout the weekend are;
Introduction to raceboards
Introduction to wave SUP boards
Types of paddles, styles etc…
Inflatable v Solid boards (pros & cons)

Beginner Taster Sessions  will also be available. Options include a 1 day SUP taster session (£20) or a 3 day taster session where you can try all 4 watersports (£50). Prices also include 3 days camping and Fri/sat party entry tickets.

So there has never been a better time to try or indeed get your friends involved in SUP and other watersports disciplines… they’re all on offer at the NWF.

For more details about the SUP schedule check out… nationalwatersportsfestival.com/participate/stand-up-paddle/schedule/
More info about the event can be found at nationalwatersportsfestival.com/participate/
The NWF is all about like minded watersports enthusiasts coming together to celebrate these sports… and having fun!
Entry price is £60 (U16 £45) which includes participant entry, party tickets for Fri/Sat night, onsite parking/camping, and if booked before 10th August will secure you a free event T-shirt. Additional party tickets can be purchased at £25 which gets you into both night entertainments. There will be a limit to the whole event due to camping limitations so make sure you don’t miss out and get your tickets ASAP.