The Virgin Kitesurfing Armada GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title attempt is set to launch this weekend
With kitesurfing numbers increasing each year, the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada is fast becoming the biggest event in the kitesurfing calendar. And this year on October 11th-12th it’s poised to break more records than ever before.
Now in its second year, the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada sponsored by Volvo, Mystic and Best Kiteboarding is a weeken d kitesurfing festival held annually at CBK beach on Hayling Island, UK. It was founded in 2013 by youth charity Snow-Camp and is strongly supported by title sponsor Virgin.
Dan Charlish, Director of the Kitesurfing Armada said, ‘The festival will bring together kitesurfers and their families, the kitesurfing industry and the public for one action-packed weekend featuring international kite brands, pro kitsurfers, kite films, live music, bars, entertainment, fundraising and world record-breaking attempts.’
Not only is the Armada trying to reclaim the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest Parade of Kitesurfers — aiming to break the current record of 352 kitesurfers on the water completing a mile course, or beat the £70,000 figure raised last year for three incredible charities, Snow-Camp, Virgin Unite and the RNLI, but one lady is determined to show to the world that age does not define you.
At 73, Judy Tonkinson aims to reclaim her crown as the oldest kitesurfer to participate at the event. She said: “I hope we can collectively break last year’s GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title again andcontinue to raise money and inspire others to keep kiting into old age!”
A well-known face from Virgin will also be taking part and learning tips from Lewis Crathern (Brighton Pier Jumper and ex British Champion), Team Volvo’s Nick Dempsey (Olympic windsurfer and now keen kitesurfer) and Steph Bridge (four times World Kiterace champion).
Sir Richard Branson said: “After the world record breaking success of the first ever Virgin Kitesurfing Armada, I’m really looking forward to this year’s event and seeing hundreds of kitesurfers coming together again to raise funds for good causes.”
The Armada route takes riders from Hayling Island, past Chichester harbour, through Bracklesham Bay and out towards Selsey Point. Kitesurfers then turn towards Pagham to land, riding a total of 15-miles downwind, before coaches take them back to the festival. Every kitesurfer wears a unique GPS tracking device, which can be viewed live by supporters at: http://www.tractrac.com/index.php?page=eventpage&id=470
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