Fat Face Night Windsurf
4th September 2007
Fat Face Night Windsurf rides away with phenomenal success
A staggering 330 + riders turned up for the very first Fat Face National Windsurfing Festival and Night Windsurf over the weekend (2/3rd September 2006) on Hayling Island, Hampshire making it the largest windsurfing event staged in the UK since the late 80s.
The weekend was a massive success with amateurs and pro sailors riding together in a series of Mater Blasters during the day and a full-on pro session at night; floodlit in the dark for a truly unique, ‘first’ of its kind event.
The wind Gods delivered and competitors tore through the waves at exhilarating speeds in excess of 30knots. As they freestyled their boards in breathtaking style, spectators - packed right across the seafront - were held captive. Compere, Fat Face Team Rider, Peter Hart kept everyone in the know with up to the minute action, the riders and their moves.
This is the first time Fat Face - which runs Night Series events in skiing, surfing, mountain biking, all terrain boarding and waterski jumping – has backed a windsurfing event. Fat Face’s ‘Life is Out There’ motto sat ideally with this brand-new, innovative event which encouraged everyone from the novice, right up to the pro competitors.
The positive feedback from the event amongst the windsurfing community and further afield has been resounding and Fat Face is delighted with the success of the weekend. The Havant- based company has already confirmed that plans are underway to put on another windsurfing Festival next year.
Trevor Funnell, the Freewave Division Chairman of the UK Windsurfing Association was delighted with the events of the weekend: “Brilliant! The best windsurfing event I can remember. It was the first Night Windsurf in the UK and, to my knowledge, the world and I was so pleased to be a part of it.
“Thank you to Fat Face; it was very much appreciated by the whole windsurfing community. Everyone was loving it. Can we please do it again next year?!”
Pro boarder, and Fat Face Team Rider, John Hibbard commented: “There was a really good mix of activities with something for everyone. The Night Windsurf was totally unique and it was great to see all the pros out in the dark. It’s never been done before and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.
“On the first run in the night event I was just wondering what it was going to be like to race as I just didn’t know what to expect. The compulsory forward loop was generally in the flood light but then we were flat out in the dark. We literally just had to feel our way.
“Once I relaxed and saw the crowd on the beach it felt incredible. It really was an all encompassing windsurfing event.”
Allan Cross, principal event organiser of the Fat Face Night Windsurf was also jubilant with the success: “As well as some very serious racing, people were here to have fun and encourage each other, particularly the pros with the amateurs. For many it was their first ever competition but they had the perfect opportunity to race in a non intimidating environment without specialist race equipment.
“At the Fat Face Festival there were clinics where starters could get advice and encouragement and learn how to make a leap into the sport. There were also specialist clinics for the more advanced who gained top tips from the pros.
“During the Night Windsurf event the pro and extreme sailors took to the water so the event covered all aspects of windsurfing.
“The event brought everyone in the industry together and working towards a common goal. Everyone has said it was the best event, best concept and best atmosphere they’ve known.”
Saturday night’s racing culminated in a fireworks display before all the riders hit the bar for some serious partying. The specially built marquee was packed with riders celebrating the day and accepting prizes in the official Fat Face Prize-Giving, where tons of Fat Face spot goodies were also up for grabs. The Fabulous Fug band then kept the revellers entertained into the even darker hours.
On Sunday the racing commenced at 10.30am and, as well as plenty of wind, the sun made an appearance to round off a phenomenal weekend quite nicely!
Ian Williams, Fat Face Event Manger said: “This event was the perfect conclusion to an incredible Night Series with World Championships, National Championships and now the first National Festival in the UK for windsurfing are very pleased to have been involved with this now bench mark windsurfing event and look forward to next year when we intend to make it even better!”
Fat Face Night Windsurf Super X Results
Pro Men
- 1 Nik Baker
- 2 John Skye
- 3 Kevin Mevissen
- 4 Andy King Amateur Men
- 1 Dan Newman
- 2 Martin Latham
- 3 Scott Harrison
- 1 Richard Potter
- 2 Joe O'Callaghan
- 3 Graham Woods
Youths
Quotes from some of the windsurfers at the Fat Face Night Windsurf:
“I can honestly say that in 20 years of windsurfing, that was the most fun weekend I've had - absolutely brilliant! I'm still buzzing from it sitting here at my desk on Monday morning!!” Nick
“Those who missed it missed out. Simply the best windsurfing event I have ever witnessed!” Brian
“What a brilliant weekend! Fantastic for Hayling, for windsurfing and for windsurfers like me aspiring to get better to be inspired sailing with the pros. Please make sure this runs again next year! (And hopefully my racing skills will be somewhat better honed by then...!).” Fiona
“The ultimate Windsurfing lifestyle event!” Duncan
“Fantastic event both on and off the water with the buzz on the beach from the crowds and the action close inshore, it was really well staged.
“Totally made me feel twenty years younger, and I won some kit to boot!! Weather cam
Fat Face started in 1988, created by two self confessed ‘ski bums’, Tim Slade and Jules Leaver, who sold printed sweatshirts and fleeces out of their rucksack in the Alps, to fund their ski addiction. The first Fat Face store opened in London’s Fulham Road in 1993. Today there are 120 stores across the UK, as well as stores in Iceland and France, with further international expansion currently in progress.
Fat Face’s Headquarters – Fat Base – are in Havant, Hampshire. Fat Face employs 1,500 Fat Face ‘crew’ and is headed by CEO, Louise Barnes.
For images or more information simply contact pr@fatface.com or call 02392 441117
