For those not aware windsurfing was invented by Peter Chilvers in 1958. Pete had been a regular visitor to Hayling for a number of years. After spending his early years dinghy sailing the ever resourceful Chilvers started to experiment by standing on a makeshift board with a full 360 degree rotational rig attached. The rest as they say is history and windsurfing on the island continues to be a major attraction for residents and visitors alike.
As has been widely reported the National Watersports Festival is all set to hit West Beachlands during the weekend August 30. Its been a long hard slog for the organisers with many ups and downs at one point it was feared that the festival may not go ahead.
However everything is now back on track and the weekend should go off with a bang with a variety of disciplines on offer windsurfing kitesurfing stand up paddle boarding and kayaking will all be represented.
In an effort to encourage Hayling residents to have a go at windsurfing Havant Borough Council one of the festival partners are subsidising the cost of windsurfing taster sessions. By trying to give something back to the local community and entice people who live on the island down to the event its hoped that those previously unaware will see how much these sports contribute to the islands reputation and local economy. Getting the opportunity to learn something new and fun is an added bonus.
For those who truly want to make a weekend of it then there are two party nights one on the Friday and one during Saturday night and with pro riders heading to Hayling from various corners of the globe the majority of the UKs watersports industry in attendance NWF 2013 is one festival you dont want to miss!
For more information head over to the HBC taster session page on the National Watersports Festival website – https://nationalwatersportsfestival.com/havant-taster-sessions/
