ED’S NOTE 3
WIND
SURFING
uk
TEZ PLAVENIEKS
HAYLING KITESURFING
ARMADA 2019
As I write the
weekend’s just
finished and was a
roaring success as
another Haying
Kitesurfing Armada
closed its doors.
The whole event
was cracking from
start to finish. An
extra day (Friday),
glorious weather on
Saturday, a little bit
of breeze (for
foiling), plenty of
good food and drink
plus the outdoor
music stage and
party. All in Dan
Charlish and his
crew did a sterling
job and made it the
best one yet
(IMHO).
AUGUST 2019
Twitter:
@tezwoz
Instagram:
@tez_plavenieks_sup_wind
Photos:
James Jagger
But hold on! Why am I chatting about kitesurfing in a
windsurfing mag? Well, if you want to get all tribal
about things then maybe what I’m saying isn’t for you.
For me, however, and a good many others – regardless
of what craft you normally use – the event was one of
all inclusiveness, fun and good vibes. There were plenty
of people floating about of stand up paddle boards and
when the light airs kicked in there were even some
individuals out windfoiling, proving that whatever the
title says it’s very much an all comers shindig.
In the absence of the former National Watersports
Festival there aren’t many other choices for water
based festivals. On top of which Hayling needs it. Call
me biased as I live here but as the birthplace of
windsurfing and centre of excellence for kiting, SUP
and all things maritime having no fest would be a
crying shame.
Looking around the music
arena on Saturday afternoon
and there were all kinds of
visitor in attendance. In
actual fact there were
probably more ‘musos’
simply on site to check out
the awesome live music. But
the best thing about the
Hayling Kitesurfing Armada is
that it’s FREE! OK, a small
donation to charity is politely
asked for, and food and drink
is also payable, but there
aren’t many free festivals
about that offer such great
entertainment away from the
brine AND retain its core USPs. It’s also extremely kiddy
friendly with plenty of activities for your sprogs as well.
As you can tell I’m pretty buzzed off the weekend and
how good the Armada was. I spoke to organiser Dan and
jokingly suggested he include windsurfing. He wondered
whether windsurfers would make the pilgrimage if
associated with kitesurfing. In my eyes I suggest why not
as we’re all just out to have fun, on water and land,
regardless of what badge you wear. With open minds
there’s no end to possibilities and amount of fun you can
have. And trust me when I say life’s ALL about fun as
we’re not here that long…
Enjoy the latest issue of Windsurfing UK and the diverse
content inside. Don’t forget, we try an represent the
sport as it really is, which sometimes means we talk
about other things rather than just windsurfing! Happy
reading, happy sailing and embrace the fun…
uk
WIND
SURFING