The kitesurfing community has descended on Hayling Island, CBK Beach, for the third annual Virgin Kitesurfing Armada Festival, taking place this weekend, 16-18 October, for a fantastic weekend of kiting, entertainment and charity fundraising.
Over 400 kitesurfers will have the opportunity to get out on the water off CBK Beach with the world’s best. Famous names in attendance will be passing on their knowledge to fans, including; the incredibly talented Bridge family of champion kitesurfers; and professional kitesurfer, Brighton Pier Jumper Lewis Crathern.
The free festival starts today and will feature demos and talks from pro-kiters, the WOO Big Air competition, UK Kitesurfing Industry Awards, all the best kitesurfing brands exhibiting the latest gear, including Best and Mystic, DJs and live music – all contributing to an exciting festival atmosphere.
Lewis commented: “This is such a good opportunity for the kitesurfing community to come together. It’ll be great to celebrate kitesurfing at the first ever UK Kitesurfing Industry Awards and also we’re looking forward to crowning the champion of the big air competition.”
After Lewis completed a test run early this morning, the official event organisers have made the difficult decision not to go ahead with the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt for the ‘Largest Parade of Kitesurfers’ ever assembled due to an unfavourable wind forecast which has potential safety implications.
Head of Water Safety for the event, Simon Bassett explained: “The combination of the wind direction (more North than North-East) and the fact it is too light and offshore, sadly makes it unsuitable for the record attempt, but we will still be getting people out on the water kitesurfing and hosting an amazing festival!”
After this morning’s test run, Lewis said, “Unfortunately the record attempt won’t be possible this year, but the conditions are still favourable for kitesurfing off CBK beach and it’s going to be an awesome festival – there is so much to come and see and do here with all the kiteboarding brands that have turned up.”
Come on down to CBK Beach on Hayling Island and join us for a free festival with the pros – kitesurfers and spectators are all welcome.
Follow the latest on www.armadaevents.co.uk and official event social media pages:
Facebook: Kitesurfing Armada
Twitter: @kitesurfarmada
