The 12th National Watersports Festival (NWF) kicks off at Rutland Water over the weekend of 8-10th June and with the ticket line closing on the 1st June, you’ve not got long to bag your place for this summer’s hottest event!
The LARGEST man-made reservoir in Western Europe, Rutland Water is the perfect venue; safe for participants of any ability and the perfect amphitheatre for the 10,000 visitors expected to attend.
First NWF? Seasoned veteran? Here are a few insider hacks which will help you get the most out of YOUR NWF!
Hack 1 – Never Tried Watersports? Have a Go! – You will LOVE it!
Perhaps you’re thinking of bringing family or friends. The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) is co-ordinating FREE taster sessions in windsurfing, SUP, kayaking, dinghy sailing and SCUBA. You can preregister your interest in your choice of taster sessions on the NWF Website. The RYA / Taster Session Team will then contact you to confirm timings and what to bring.
Hack 2 – Never Tried Racing? Give it a Go. It’s addictive!
There is no friendlier place to experience the thrill of racing for the first time! Regardless of your age, ability and the type of equipment you ride, simply come to the registration desk when you arrive and you will be entered in the right category.
Hack 3 – Moral Support
Need moral support? Come with a friend or your club. You could also join NWF ‘Coach of the Year’ 2017 Simon Bornhoft’s Team Windwise. Email [email protected] and say “Yes I’m In!”
Hack 4 – How do I Enter the Races?
At registration on the day, you will be given a ‘Tally Number’. The Tally is an elastic wristband with your Tally Number written on it. The Tally lets the Race Officer confirm your identity. Be ready with your kit on the shore at least 15 minutes before the start of the race.
Hack 5 – Help us to Keep You Safe
Return your Tally whenever you are not on the water so that we know that you are safe on dry land.
Hack 6 – What is the Race Format?
The NWF out-and-back ‘Master Blaster’ race format is designed to be simple and non-intimidating. Stand on the beach and start as the starter boat passes in front of you. Sail to a buoy; go around the buoy by any means possible (swimming is fine!); sail back – run up the beach to the finish and give your Tally Number to the Race Officer!
Hack 7 – Top Tactics
Try to start as far upwind as you can so that you have clean wind. Go wide around the buoy to stay out of other people’s trouble!
Hack 8 – Increase your Chances of Winning Prizes!
To increase your chances, you can enter the races in more than one category! For example, if you enter as an individual, as part of a team with two of your mates AND in fancy dress, you have THREE chances of winning a prize!
Hack 9 – How to Improve Your Rankings
Not everyone turns up for every race; so you can move up the rankings simply by taking part in every race. Sunday morning is usually very quiet..!
Hack 10 – I Want to Enter in SUP as Well As Windsurf
You have the option to purchase ‘Full Festival Experience’ Tickets or ‘Day Tickets’, which allow you to take part in all the NWF disciplines!
Hack 11 – Pre-Order Your Beer!
NWF sponsor, award-winning Grainstore Brewery’s limited edition NWF beer. ‘Daggerboard’ is available to pre-order from the web shop now. Use Discount Code WhatSUP? at the checkout. https://www.grainstorebrewery.com/shop-window/
Hack 12 – Get your fancy dress kit and dance shoes ready!
One of the big pulls of the NWF are the parties! With live music and DJ sets promising music for all, this is the place to pull out your dance moves and get your groove on! There’s live music on both nights, with a 90s theme takeover on Saturday! Fancy dress? Check? Glo sticks at the ready! Check. Daggerboard in hand? Check. You are now ready to PARTY!
Get Hooked In for the Best Weekend on the Watersports Calendar! www.nationalwatersportsfestival.com