THE ninth National Watersports Festival, the UK’s largest multi-discipline watersport event, is under way in Hampshire.

More than 500 competitors are taking part in windsurfing, stand-up paddling, kitesurfing and kayaking on Hayling Island.

Around 10,000 spectators are expected over the weekend, with the festival accommodating watersports fan of all abilities across its four disciplines.

Admission is free and there are taster sessions for beginners and clinics for intermediates throughout.

There is also the opportunity to watch some of the country’s best talent, including Isle of Wight windsurfer Ross Williams, pro kitesurfer Sam Light, from Hayling Island, and Marie Buchanan, the UK’s No1 female stand-up paddleboarder.

Event organiser Allan Cross, who founded the festival in 2006, said: “The weekend is 70 per cent intermediate, 20 per cent taster and ten per cent ‘top shelf’.

“The pros never fail to amaze with their phenomenal racing and tricks, which they perform right up and close and personal, but it’s all about having a go.

“We invite racers of all levels and any age. It’s the taking part that counts and with some of the races taking place in fancy dress you never know if you’ll be competing alongside Batman or Bugs Bunny.”

The three-day event was officially opened by Lord Mayor, Councillor Mrs Marjorie Smallcorn, on Friday morning. She said: “It is fitting to welcome this festival back to Hayling Island, the spiritual home of windsurfing.”

The National Watersports Festival began in 2006 but brand new this year is a floodlit Kite Park on West Beach.

Registration is re-open from 7.30am with the highlight of today’s action the floodlit windsurf competition, which begins at 8pm and ends with a 10.15pm final, followed by the price giving and a party, for which tickets are available.

The festival concludes with a freestyle competition, which begins at 2.30pm tomorrow, followed by the official prize giving at 10.30pm With no major title sponsor, the NWF is a consortium of clubs and associations with the principle aim of getting people on the water.

Hampshire Chronicle:

It is completely free for spectators, who can watch all the racing (including the floodlit spectacles) and visit the trade show as well have a go at all four sports.

Tickets are still available (including day tickets) at nationalwatersportsfestival.com/participate/.

The event is also being filmed live throughout the weekend at nationalwatersportsfestival.com/live/.

To follow the event on Twitter use the hashtag #nwfhayling.