Just two weeks to go !

Wow… just two weeks to go!  It’s nearly here.. just one week to get organised… It’s been a windy weekend and the banks of Brog Lake were busy and joyfull, but as the unelected tour guide for the “Brogs on the beach 2014” (our annual pilgrimage to the NWF at Hayling) I fielded many questions about the NWF and how it “works”.

So, here, to help newbies and veterans of the event, here is my summary of it.

When?  Well the event officially opens on Friday morning and closes Sunday night.  Friday is optional, not everyone can squeeze out of work for the Friday so the events scheduled for the first day don’t include the racing.

There is of course the trade show, and excellent chance to see some of the 2015 toys and meet the guys who can influence the designs.  For the canoeists a Hayling Beach kayak tour starts at 10:30.   The two Ross’s – (Ross Williams and Sam Ross) will  be giving windsurfing clinics at 11am and 1pm, and given that attending a clinic alone will normally set you back £30+, that’s your ticket covered on day one.  The SUP’ers are civilised and go for a mass cruise at 5:30, perfectly timed to be back for pub opening.

The first evening is a quiet affair, well, not that quiet, (but pace yourselves!) with bands and the W4CR Charity auction.  Manufacturers donate shiny new toys to be auctions to raise money on behalf of our sports cancer charity.  Last year I saw a new RRD Firemove go for a bargain price, the year before I scored a new Tushingham delivered to me for a fraction of its normal cost.  Not to be missed.

Registration is open throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday. With some peoples commitments allowing for just a day, the organisers have introduced day passes this year.

Saturday brings the start of light-hearted racing… it is light-hearted. It’s for intermediate sailors, ideally in fancy dress, and you are allowed a number of dropped races, so do worry if the start of one is a disaster, or you are too hungover on the Sunday… you can make it up.  If there are several of you coming, be sure to declare that you are a team at registration.

So, what do I need to bring ?

If you are in a group, try and get there the same time as your chums, or get the advanced party to put up all the tents.  Get that flag up!

Kit /  not essential, you can get into the event using demo kit of even hiring from the OTC who will be on site (best to book) or just supporting your local club, group or favourite Disney character…  Personally I would not take anything too fragile…  this is an event for giggles, so bring an older board which you don’t have to love too much…. You will be more relaxed.  Watch the weather forecasts on the NWF site for updates to help you choose sails to pack.  One tip, brush the mould off that old longboard that’s hung up in your garage.  If the wind is non-planing, the sea is covered in the manufacturing triumphs of the 1980’s as everyone remembers the benefit of volume and stability…. And if you don’t love your longboard, share it with other members of your group, especially the youths.

Speaking of which, the youths have always had and extra treat of a night sail, adorned with glow sticks gaffer taped to all points…  This year there is also a selection of adult night events.  That may sound dodgy, but don your rubber as it includes races for Windsurfers, SUPs and kayaks running till 10pm… by which time the main party is warming up.  Those that haven’t sailed can relax their brains after filling them with more technique from those veteran clinicians, Bornhoft, Collis and Hart…  The Ladies Kite clinic sounds fun too, with Jo Wilson Polly Crathorne  the 2012 British Pro Kiting Ladies Champion.

The party is great, the band “The Heathrow Jets” playing all the best indie crowd pleasers.  Fancy dress is optional, most just go in T-shirts and jeans… but if you like to dress up…

I digress…

What to bring :

*  Your friends.

*  If you are camping, a good airbed, mat etc – the ground is not bowling green smooth.

*  Bin bags – lets make it easy for the clean up squad!

*  BBQ’s – Fine, but not near tents or burning the ground.

*  The mobile numbers of your chums (and a car charger!)

*  Bottled water, more bottled water, and some bottled water. – There are taps, but their output is slow and unreliable.

*  Food – There is plenty of food options on-site.  Last years you could chose from Pizza, Zebra burgers or fine seafood.

*  If you are self-catering, bring it with you – getting out from the site on Saturday afternoon and back in time for Sunday is a challenge.

*  Flares – The RNLI may recommend them, but frankly I don’t think they look good with wet boots.

*  Earplugs, available from DIY shops etc may be a wise choice if you like to bed down early.

*  A flag – make one !

*  Wash bag – Optional – Showers are available, but this may be one weekend to blame the smell on your wet boots and rinse off in the sea the following morning…

*  An open mind – Try one of the other sports for free !

…So, Sunday is usually more subdued… more clinics in all four disciplines, more races and then many pack up in the afternoon.  Those with work-flexibility may choose to stay on one more night and avoid the queue to cross the bridge and the joys of the M25, M3 etc.  If the weathers nice, its a chance to slow down and enjoy the view from the pubs balcony…. and Monday may be a windy day!

It’s not too late to join in… BE THERE ! JOIN IN!

Words Barry Rivett