Top Team GB windsurfing talent, Bryony Shaw from Weymouth, is hoping to inspire future generations to get out on the water as she makes an official appearance at this year’s Animal Windfest.
Returning to Sandbanks between Friday 12th – Sunday 14th September, the internationally recognised watersports event – which usually attracts around 10,000 visitors – offers unrivalled extreme action courtesy of the professional and amateur competitions taking place throughout the weekend.
Festival Atmosphere
As well as attracting competitors from across the globe, with some jetting in from as far away as Hawaii and the Dominican Republic, the event looks set to celebrate the home-grown pro’s like never before.
Fresh from the Beijing Olympics, bronze medalist Bryony Shaw who is a regular at the event, will be visiting the festival on Saturday 13th, she says:
“I think it’s important that people are aware of the fantastic opportunities that exist to get out and windsurf on Dorset’s coastline. With areas of safe shallow waters, Poole Bay is a great natural place to learn and with the latest equipment, which has improved greatly over the years, it’s easier and more accessible than ever.”
“Animal Windfest is great in the way that it creates a real festival atmosphere. All the land-based attractions like the Animal Relentless Bike Show along with the skate ramp and Pool Gap Slider wakeboarding arena really help to pull in the crowds and encourage more people to get involved.”
Kite surfing
The free event will also host the third and final leg of the British Kite Surfing Associations 2008 kite course racing championships, offering crowds a chance to watch the UK’s finest carve it up over the finishing line.
Offering enthusiasts a chance to learn from the pro’s, 2007 kite course racing champion, Steph Bridge from Exmouth, will be on-hand to share her passion for the world’s fastest growing sport alongside Denzil Williams from Cornwall – currently ranked 4th in the world.
Windsurfing
For the windsurfers the JP NeilPryde Masterblaster Slalom Series 08 offers a sailing experience not seen before; Masterblaster, Slalom, one buoy, two buoys, in and out, 2 laps and tag team to ensure this stand alone race is above all else FUN.
BMX SUP
Animal Windfest also offers a generous hit of extreme entertainment outside of the competitive arena through its showcase events such as the Animal Relentless Bike Tour (that’s stunt biking action for the uninitiated), a skate and BMX ramp, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) and a climbing wall as well as the all-time favourite, the Pool Gap Slider.
Back by popular demand, the Breeze Volkswagen Pool Gap Slider is made up of two large man-made pools built on the beach, with a slider in between, allowing wakeboarders to go from one pool to the other, riding it out in style in the space in between with gravity-defying skill.
Still free to the public, Animal Windfest allows visitors to get an unrivalled taste of the sports showcased, it also provides a key date for those in the industry to meet up and share some ‘quality’ time.
For the latest news updated regularly or to enter this year’s Animal Windfest visit www.animalwindfest.co.uk
