WindsurfingUK issue 12 August 2019 | Page 3

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