Trying to line up a successful watersports event is always a headache in the UK. The changeable nature of daily conditions means organising a world record attempt based around one of these disciplines is a nightmare.
In 2013 the first Virgin Kitesurfing Armada took place at West Beachlands Hayling Island and saw riders enter the record books for the biggest parade of kiters covering a mile. After the success of the first year Dan Charlish and his Snow Camp team (in conjunction with Chris Bull and CBK Kitesurfing) decided to take proceedings one step further and turn the whole shebang into a two day festival and celebration of kiting.
To give themselves every chance of success it was decided to have a rolling event format where the armada would be called on at 48 hours notice. This should ensure every success for the world record attempt. Unfortunately Mother Nature didnt get the memo.
The first half of autumn 2014 has seen air temperatures remain mild and those necessary low pressure dart board weather systems scarce. Week after week forecast data was poured over but no sign of breeze was spotted. During the approach to the last possible weekend the green light was given with something happening regardless. At this point stand up paddle boarding was but only a whisper.
SUP can be done in most conditions. If a decent blow failed to materialise come deadline day then stand up paddle boarding would make a good back up.
As soon as a SUP Armada idea was mentioned a light bulb went off in the heads of those engrossed in the SUP world. SUP Mag UK editor Tez Plavenieks said: When I first heard of potential plans to run a SUP Armada I thought what an awesome concept. I mean the Kitesurfing Armada is great and a brilliant event for Hayling to be the host of but as someone who is an enthusiastic paddler I was keen to see how the SUP side of things would progress if at all.
Ironically the week before the event Hayling was a particularly breezy place with plenty of windsurfers and kiters making use of some of blowiest weather so far this season. But law of sod dictates the day of the event would emerge calm and windless and so it came to pass.
A large chunk of the kitesurfing fraternity had still gathered at West Beachlands on Friday night and although forecasts looked dire there was glimmer of hope. With a buzzing marquee live music pro rider talks videos and a big party planned spirits couldnt be dampened.
By Saturday afternoon flags had started to flutter and suddenly a puff of wind meant it was all systems go. A huge cascade of kitesurfers descended on the water with steely determination to break the world record and it looked on target. Unfortunately it wasnt to be and the record was narrowly missed even though a thoroughly brilliant showing of riders took place and a UK record was nailed down.
Undeterred but with light winds once again forecast for Sunday the call went out via social media to rally round the local SUP fraternity and get at least one world record in the bag.
By 11.30pm on Sunday morning numbers of paddlers on the ground were looking healthy. With limited notice over 250 SUPers had registered to take part even our canine friends were roped in to make up numbers. And the rest as they say is history. A result was achieved and a new SUP Armada World Record was in the bag!
The Virgin Kitesurf/SUP Armada organisers put out this statement after the event: In the words of Guinness World Records: YOU ARE OFFICIALLY AMAZING!
With an unbelievable effort from all who took part today we set a new Guinness World Record for the largest parade of paddle boarders with 256 participants completing the one mile course off Hayling Islands West Beach. Still a lot of celebrating going on but watch this space for more updates from an incredible day!
Tez Plavenieks added: Im obviously happy that SUP made a decent showing at this years VKA event. Although as an all round watersports nut and Hayling resident I think its great for all riders and the local area. With the National Watersports Festival held earlier in September and now the Virgin Kitesurfing/SUP Armada Hayling is firmly on the map as a centre of excellence for these sports.
And final words from the organisers: What an amazing weekend. A UK kitesurfing record and a new Guinness World Record for 256 paddle boarders. Fantastic effort from everyone to make it happen at such short notice. This was the first of many SUP Armadas! Special thanks to 2XS X-Train WWWC Easy Riders CBK RRD International and Fanatic for SUP loan Eunice Bergin for the photos Guinness World Records for backing the attempt and so many awesome volunteers for their hard work. We did it!
For more info and pics check out www.facebook.com/kitesurfingarmada
