Windfest Returns To Sandbanks!

The annual free watersports and beach festival at Sandbanks in Poole gets underway from the 9th-11th September.

Sponsored by Breeze Volkswagen, FCWatersports, and Fruit, the many sports represented include windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, skateboarding, slacklining, sailing, Frisbee, volleyball, surf ski and sea swimming. Many of these sports will be represented competitively by UK and International professionals and amateurs throughout the weekend and, where possible, free demo or trial sessions will be made available to the visiting public.

Windfest

The beach and promenade also becomes a showcase of all things relevant to the watersports and beach community, including a Kids Zone to keep the juniors entertained. A dedicated marquee will provide activities, face painting, colouring and even acoustic live music for young families.

UKWA British freestyle returns to showcase some of the UK's best windsurfers, battling it out to be crowned the champion of this year's event. The RYA Team 15's is an opportunity for young people to compete for the South Zone interclub championships, while the 'Master Blaster' is fun racing open to anyone who simply wants to have a go!

The usual popular evening events are also ready to go; Friday night's more formal 'black tie and board shorts' charity ball will once again raise money for the Richie Keefe Life and Soul Trust amongst other charities. The Saturday night legendary party will feature the usual selection of live bands, DJ's, silent disco, and beach bars for the full sandy feet effect.

Gary Willingham, event organiser, says:

 "As each year goes by we try to up our game and this year is no exception! Windfest has become so established in the annual calendar that we always aim to bring something new to the mix, whilst maintaining its free status making it accessible to all. We'd like to see even more visitors have a go at something this year and perhaps try a sport for the first time or reconnect with an old hobby – there will be lots of free opportunities for them to do so. The hope is they might get hooked!"

WHATS ON

FRIDAY – 9th September 2011

(events without time run all day subject to weather conditions)

Daytime:

Kitesurfing, Windsurf , SUP and Surfrski Registration

Animal Bike Shows - 12.30pm, 4pm (one for the kids after school)

Kids Zone Open (some activities limted) - 12.00

Windsurf, Kitesurf and Wakeboard Free Practice

Evening:

Windfest Life and Soul Ball – Black Tie and Boardshorts 19.00 – 1.00

SATURDAY- 10th September 2011

(events without time run all day subject to weather conditions)

Daytime:

Animal Bike Shows - 10.30, 12.30, 14.30, 16.30

BKSA Course Racing - Registration 9.30

BSUPA Round Brownsea Island Race (SUP Race) - 10.30

BSUPA Paddle around Brownsea (open to all) - 14.00

BSUPA Have a go session with Easy Riders

Equipment displays and demos - Starts 10.00

Kids Zone Open - Opens 10.00

RYA Team 15 Racing (Poole Harbour) - Meet at The Watersports Academy 9.00

Skate ramp shows - 11.30, 13.30, 15.30

Slacklineing UK Championships - 9.30 to 18.00 (final round 17.00)

Slacklineing Have – go- sessions running throughout the day

South West Junior Beach Volleyball Tour Final - Starts 9.30

Surfski Knockout event - 10.00

Surfski Long Distance event Downeind 10k - 14.30

Sukhothai Martial arts

Wake Boarding Pool Shows - 11.00, 13.00, 15.00

Windsurfing Masterblaster Fun Racing - Meet at Red Bull Tent When the Wind Blows

Ultimate Beach Frisbee competition - Starts 9.30

UKWA Freestyle championship - Registration 9.30

Evening:

Windfest Rubix Party - 19.30 – 02.00

 

SUNDAY- 11th September 2011

(events without time run all day subject to weather conditions)

Daytime:

Animal Bike Shows - 10.30, 12.30, 14.30, 16.30

BKSA Course Racing - First Start 9.30

BSUPA / Baysup Battle of the paddle (SUP) - 10.00

BSUPA / Baysup Fun Sprint Rcaes (SUP) - 13.00

BSUPA Have a go session with Easy Riders

Equipment displays and demos

Kids Zone Open - 10am

Red Bull Matadors Aerobatic display - 14.30

Sea Swim – Speedo open water swim 750m, 1500m, 3000m – 8.00

Skate ramp shows - 11.30, 13.30, 15.30

Slacklineing Open Jam sessions - 9.30 to 14.30

Slacklineing Open best trick competition - 15.30 to 17.00

Slacklineing Have – go- sessions running throughout the day

South West Junior Beach Volleyball Tour Final

Sukhothai Martial arts demos

Wake Boarding Pool Shows - 11.00, 13.00, 15.00, 17.00

Wessex Nipper Carnival

Windsurfing Masterblaster Fun Racing

Ultimate Beach Frisbee competition

UKWA Freestyle championship

Evening:

Sukhothai Martial arts event - 16.00 – 22.00

Find out more information at the official website - it includes entry forms for competitors and latest news about evening party tickets. Also follow Windfest on Twitter and Facebook for daily updates.

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