July 27, 2023
2 minutes reading time
The Hague gears up to host a Festival at Sea
While the world's top competitors battle for glory at the 2023 Allianz Sailing World Championships, The Hague, the Festival at Sea – running throughout the event - is all about entertainment and exploring and trying out everything that makes water sports and activities by the water so beautiful.
From Thursday 10 August to Sunday 20 August, Festival at Sea will be in full swing on the beach and at the harbour of Scheveningen, allowing visitors to watch the best of the best in action while having a go themselves.
The activities are not just for beginners. Visitors with experience in water sports will also find plenty of challenges. The water serves as a source of inspiration for many (new) activities, all readily available. Such as SeaHiking, also known as free running in the water and one of the latest crazes in water sports.
Diederik Veerman of Coastal Gym, creator of the event, will be on site during the festival to give clinics and show visitors what it’s all about.
“You move along the coast at different depths through the surf, taking on waves, currents, wind, and an ever-changing terrain. A good base fitness level and swimming skills are required,” he said.
All the necessary equipment and safety gear will also be provided.
The Dutch Kitesurfing Association (NKV) will also be present on the last three days of the Championships, 18, 19 and 20 August, to offer kitesurfing taster sessions.
“Kitesurfing is a cool, extreme sport, and on these days, you can experience the power of a powerkite yourself. Additionally, those who already know how to kitesurf can participate in an interesting workshop for advanced kitesurfing on our sometimes challenging, rough North Sea,” says Eva Krul of the NKV.
“And don’t forget to come watch the demo in the big water basin. On Saturday (5pm), advanced and professional kitesurfers will race through the water basin using a winch on their Foil kiteboards.”
The water basin is also the setting for Optimist on Tour – open for the duration of the championships. The popular introduction program by the Watersportverbond introduces young sailors to the basics of sailing.
The Windhappers will be present to give a demonstration of canoe polo during the festival, and of course, the chance for visitors to participate too. The Supbinckies will also be organising a SUP relay, and visitors can sign up for surf lessons from The Shore.
Also on offer during the Festival at Sea will be a demonstration of adapted rowing run by the Roeivereniging Rijnland rowing club from Leidschendam-Voorburg to show that water sports has numerous possibilities for people with disabilities as well. As the motto of the club states: “Can you sit? Then you can row.”
“Rowing is a fantastic sport for people with physical disabilities; being together in a boat in the open-air works wonders and creates a bond. With instructors who are all rowers, and adjustments and aids depending on the disability, it’s a joy to be on the water,” says Ali Viets of Roeivereniging Rijnland, Leidschendam-Voorburg.
The Festival at Sea is open daily from 10am from Thursday 10 August to Sunday 20 August 2023.