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Countdown to NWF
Countdown to the start of The National Watersports Festival
There are less than six months to go until the start of the National Waterports Festival (NWF) which takes place on Hayling Island, Hampshire and sees 550 windsurfers, kite suffers, kayakers and Stand Up Paddle Boarders take to the water, with another 8,000 spectators cheering them on.
Now in its 9th year the NWF takes place over the weekend of the 5 – 7th September and is unique as the average intermediate ‘weekend warrior’ can meet the sports elite and compete side by side, the onus being on an all-inclusive, non-intimidating and fun event.
The NWF has grown over the years to become the largest multi-discipline watersports event in the UK, now attracting a number of international riders. It also sports the industry’s largest watersports trade show, with all they big names making the annual pilgrimage to the island; the birthplace of modern windsurfing.
Allan Cross, event organiser explains: “Hayling Island has become a bit of a mecca for watersports enthusiasts and it certainly has everything we need to make the NWF a top event. The islanders are always incredibly welcoming and assure us of a warm reception every year.
“Although the festival started out just with windsurfing, we have introduced the other disciplines of SUP, kitesurfing and kayaking so the water is now a mass of colour and action.
“There’s tons for people to do over the weekend whether they want to watch, enter or just party the night away!”
Highlights of the Festival include taster sessions in all of the featured sports; races for all levels of competitor, with hundreds of fantastic prizes to be won; free tuition from top, professional coaches, many of whom are former British and World champions in their particular sport; two amazing beach parties with live bands, on the Friday and Saturday nights; demonstrations from the professionals and the Night Watersports event, where professionals race or perform incredible stunts under the floodlights.
The NWF’s trade-show will boast the latest ‘must-have’ equipment available to view or demo and professionals of the highest calibre on hand to offer advice.
NWF also raises money for W4CR (Watersports for Cancer Research) through a charity auction of items donated by the industry and exhibitors. The auction is not only excellent fun but bidders have won an array of incredible products, experiences and money can’t buy opportunities.
The NWF is a collaborative effort of the following; Kayaking – Canoe England in partnership with Portsmouth Watersports Centre; Kitesurfing – British Kitesports Association (BKSA); Stand Up Paddle – British Stand Up Paddle Association (BSUPA) and Windsurfing – Royal Yachting Association (Windsurfing tuition) & United Kingdom Windsurfing Association (Windsurfing competition)
