Here’s what’s coming up this weekend on Hayling Island
It’s gonna be a good’un
Intro: Still on the fence about heading down to the Armada this weekend on Hayling Island? Here’s why you need to get involved!
Words: Ryan Mizzen
The 2019 Kitesurfing Armada Festival returns to Hayling Island this weekend. It’s been voted the Best UK Kitesurfing Event for three consecutive years and raised over £200,000 for charity. The Armada is also Europe’s biggest kitesurfing event, with loads to offer and an awesome vibe!
Ahead of the event, Dan Charlish, Director of the Kitesurfing Armada Festival had this to say:
“We can’t wait to get back to Hayling Island for our 7th Kitesurfing Armada Festival. It’s bigger than ever this year and the kitesurfing community will be there in force as always! It’s been fantastic seeing the event grow each year, and we look forward to seeing everyone down there for 3 days of live music, kitesurfing, camping, fundraising and family entertainment.”
Kitesurfing
The Armada takes place at one of the best spots in the UK and the kitesurfing activities are open to everyone with a kitesurfing ticket, which also includes your event rashie and water safety cover too!
Some of the biggest names in professional kiteboarding are scheduled to be at the Armada, including Lewis Crathern, Aaron Hadlow, Ruben Lenten, Nick Jacobsen, Sam Light, Tom Court and many others. A pro-coaching and demo zone will feature sessions with live PA commentary from the pros and some of the UK’s best coaches, providing expert tips for refining those new skills! The very best of British kitesurfing talent will also be on show at the British Kitesurfing Championships, which are taking place in partnership with the BKSA.
Europe’s biggest collection of kitesurfing gear from all the leading industry brands will be on display under the brand’s marquee at the Armada. Whether you’re an experienced kitesurfer or just starting out, you’ll get expert advice and benefit from some great festival discounts!
Aaron Hadlow’s new movie TWENTY, will receive its UK premiere at the Armada this year. Teaming up with Laci Kobulsky, the movie was filmed over a year long period at incredible kiting locations around the world to celebrate Aaron’s 20 years in kiting. Also be sure to check out the Sewn Again stall, where Aaron’s mum, Louise, recycles Aaron’s old kites into a great range of unique bags, which make practical gifts for kitesurfers!
Sam Light’s Kite, SUP, Run Challenge
Sam Light will be hosting this year’s ‘Kite SUP Run’ challenge, where participants kite a mile, run a mile and then SUP a mile to the finish. The event is scheduled for Saturday depending on wind conditions, and is the main fundraising event at the 2019 Armada so be sure to get involved! Read more about the challenge in this blog.
Live Music
The live music line-up has been confirmed with a great range of bands and artists bringing the summer festival vibe to Hayling Island! Professional kitesurfing legend and DJ, Ruben Lenten, will perform a set on the Saturday evening. He’s joined by UK kiting / mix master legend Chris Simpson alongside House DJ Ethan Owen and many others.
Food and Bars
There’s a great selection of food onsite including burgers and burritos, as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes. The Armada has teamed up with Ringwood Brewery to provide two beer and ale bars. The Festival Bar offers a great view of the stage, while the new Bar ‘n’ Lines pub, in association with Duotone and Cabrinha, will offer comfortable seating, pool tables and table football. A new addition to the menu is the ‘Hangtime IPA’, the Armada’s very own festival beer!
Camping
Camping tickets have now sold out, but you can still head along for the bants!
Other Activities
The festival adds new features year on year to keep everyone entertained. This year, the action goes up a notch with BMX displays, pro parkour teams, an interactive slackline area, circus skill sessions and yoga. There is also a Family Zone for kids, including craft tables, face painting, giant jenga and kite making!
Tickets
As of Friday 31st May, there were only 48 kitesurfing tickets remaining. Camping is now sold out, but a few campervan tickets are still available. So it’s best to grab yours before they’re all gone!
