With ‘the coldest winter in 30 years’ finally behind us and the ice and snow a rapidly fading memory, many people will be looking forward to the coming summer, getting out into the fresh air and hopefully doing something new and exciting; which is where National Windsurfing Week comes in.
Launched three years ago by a group of recreational windsurfers frustrated by the lack of newcomers coming in to the sport, National Windsurfing Week has grown into an ever-expanding series of events up and down the country, supported by many in the windsurfing trade and hosted by clubs, shops, importers and groups of individuals. It has successfully introduced hundreds of people to windsurfing and created an early season focus for anyone with an interest in finding out about the sport.
This year National Windsurfing Week will be taking place during 1st – 9th May, and was officially launched at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show on 6th March at Alexandra Palace by 2008 Olympic windsurfing bronze medallist Bryony Shaw. A strong supporter of National Windsurfing Week, Bryony commented “The things I love most about windsurfing are the lifestyle and the thrill of being out on the water, so National Windsurfing Week is a fantastic opportunity to introduce these things to other people. The week is about having fun, as it isn’t competitive. It’s great to be able to spread the word about the sport”.
During the show there was a series of windsurfing presentations, hosted by a number of the sports leading personalities, including Bryony and legendary training guru Peter Hart.
Sean Blackmore, National Windsurfing Week Chairman said “We’re really excited to have the support of Bryony once again and an official signing by an Olympian on our stand at the show was a great way to launch National Windsurfing Week 2010 to the public”.
During the week there will be a host of activities taking place all around the UK, including free taster sessions, reduced-cost beginner lessons and fun races.
The first major event kicking off National Windsurfing Week will take place on Sunday 2nd May – the Sunrise to Sunset charity event. Started last year, it’s organised by Windsurfing 4 Cancer Research (W4CR) a charity formed by windsurfers to raise cancer awareness and promote early diagnosis and healthy lifestyles and to reduce the incidence of the disease. Open to everyone and run simultaneously at numerous venues nationwide, entrants are encouraged to set their own challenge for the day and get as much sponsorship as they can from family, friends and colleagues. Last year Sunrise to Sunset raised £25,000 – the target for this year is £50,000. Details can be found at www.w4cr.org
National Windsurfing Week has already become a great focal point for the UK windsurfing community, but it still needs as much help as possible to help spread the word about our wonderful sport. To take part, whether as a participant in one of the many events taking place, by introducing friends and colleagues to windsurfing, or even by staging events of your own, please visit the National Windsurfing Week website at www.nationalwindsurfingweek.org
