The National Windsurfing Festival, the biggest windsurfing event in the UK, with its unique non-intimidating format designed purely for the free-ride sailor, took place on Hayling Island 7th-8th and 9th Sept 2012.
Results[more]
Night Windsurf / Prize Giving / National Results / Freeride Results / Team 15
Photos by Dave White: Day One / Night One / Day Two / Night Two
“a superb weekend, enjoyed every minute, and the night tow-in freestyle was simply spectacular! . . . awesome . . . inspiring . . . I will be smiling for weeks . . .” just a few of the comments hitting the Facebook page.
More on the NWF website .
It doesn’t matter what kit you own, what skill level you are, this is your event. Prizes are awarded for a variety of things – not just first, second and third place.
As the festival has grown so have the number of sports included. This year sees the second consecutive inclusion of SUP (standup paddle boarding) and new for 2012 will be the kitesurfing demo which will be run from the newly designated (free) Kite Beach area.
An improved industry area has been erected with most of the leading UK brands in attendance, giving the various companies a direct link to their target audience as the NWF attracts a massive amount of spectators and competitors alike through the weekend. Last year saw an estimated foot fall of 5000 passing along the shingle at West Beachlands.
The iconic structure of the Inn On The Beach hosts the main socialising and party elements with a charity auction and band set to liven things up during the course of Friday night.
On the run up to the party on Saturday, there will be the spectacular Night Windsurf competition which sees the sea front illuminated by massive floodlights while the pro’s and top point scoring amateurs take to the water to do battle in front of a enthusiastic crowd on the shore.
The Heathrow Jets take to the stage on Saturday evening during the mother of all parties which sees much ‘dad dancing’ and shandy consumption – making for a few weary heads the following morning.
In between races there will be plenty of gurus on hand who will be dishing out those much needed tricks and tips to get you improving o the water while for those who fancy trying out some new kit then a strong fleet of demo equipment will be available.
Racing continues through Sunday before the event wraps up for 2012 during the afternoon.
Every year the NWF event goes from strength to strength and with expected numbers set to exceed years past, this one is not to be missed.
