Togetherness is a hugely important part of life. It unites us, gives us security, support and a sense of belonging. For over 10 years, The National Watersports Festival (NWF) has been bringing watersports enthusiasts together. The NWF caters particularly for families, teams and clubs, as well as individuals who want to connect with others who share their interests and passions.
The saying “Families who play together stay together” has a particular resonance in my own experience of watersports. I have friends who still enjoy weekends and holiday with their kids well past those awkward teenage years – because they have watersports in common!
There is generally also a whole lot more fun to be had when you share things with a few buddies or join a team. This is why The NWF is particularly encouraging people to get together their own teams or bring along their clubs to participate this year.
Team participation has always been a feature of the NWF. Let’s face it, there is a lot to be said for sharing the travel and the fun with people you know; camping and going to the parties to celebrate your achievements in like-minded company. It is also an opportunity to represent your club at a National event, with all the elation, adulation and everlasting fame and glory that success in the races (or beating your sibling or mate!) will bring!
The founding principle behind NWF has always been that it is open to EVERYONE, from complete beginners trying a new sport for the first time to the top of national racing squads. The NWF offers coaching, taster sessions and all the latest equipment to view or demo in the disciplines of windsurfing and SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding.) It is not even unknown for the odd Olympian to drop in to share their skills, experience and passion! If you want to learn or improve, while having LOTS of fun, The NWF is a great place to start.
Moving The NWF to Rutland Water, the largest man-made reservoir in Western Europe, means that The NWF can deliver all the NWF disciplines of SUP and Windsurfing in the safety of inland waters with family friendly facilities. NWF Founder, Allan Cross says “It is suitable for all levels of windsurfer and SUPer. I have been told so many times that people would love to come to the NWF, but the South Coast is too challenging for them or the kids. I am hoping that the venue will attract more families and more participants from the North, while still being accessible to those in the South.”
There is an old African Proverb which says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
For over 10 years, The NWF has been encouraging families, friends, clubs, teams and individuals to get together – and go further!
Jackie Lambert
NWF 2017 will take place at Rutland Water on 3-4th June 2017. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter or www.nationalwatersportsfestival.com for news and further developments.
www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure/water-parks/rutland gives further details of the venue and attractions.
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