YOUNGSTERS SUCCESSFULLY MAKE WAVES AT WATERSPORTS FESTIVAL.

Youngsters from all over the Island congregated at the Make Waves festival on 11 September. The day saw just under 60 youngsters aged 8 – 16 take to the blustery yet sheltered waters off East Cowes Seafront creating a successful and entertaining day for all who took part.

The festival was an island wide effort and wouldn’t have happen without the clubs and organisations who donated their time and equipment to deliver the activities, including the Island Youth Water Activities Centre, UKSA, Medina Valley Centre, Wight Water, Shanklin Sailing Club and Ryde Sea Cadets.

Thought-out the day the children had the chance to get a taster of a number of different watersports including Sailing, Kayaking, Windsurfing and Paddleboarding. Sessions were based around fun and games such as on-the-water-football

This was the first year the festival has run and was organised though the Isle of Wight Council Sports Unit, as part of its drive to increase junior sports participation. The festival was also important in promoting water based activities as the Isle of Wight prepares itself to host the 2011 NatWest Island Games.

Susie Moore the Isle of Wight Watersports Development Officer who ran the festival commented “The day was hugely successful and the feedback we have received since has been amazing” she adds “the kids really enjoyed themselves, the best part was seeing those who have never had the opportunity before venturing out and enjoying watersports for the very first time” She also thanked all of the organisations and volunteers that took part in festival for their help; as well as Henri Lloyd, Harkin, RS Sailing and the Royal Yachting Association for their support.

Due to the day being so well received by the islands community it is expected that Make Waves will run again in 2011, hopefully offering an expanded range of watersports