Summer of sports continues with wind-fuelled action in Fraserburgh this weekend
As the Commonwealth Games draw to a close in the urban sprawl of Glasgow, alternative athletes will be taking to the beaches of Aberdeenshire this weekend.
Extreme sports are coming to Fraserburgh’s sandy shores for the Scottish Windfest on Tour festival of watersports and extreme sports.
Popular among those who need wind and waves to practice and compete, the town has one of the top kite sports schools in the country in Synergy Kitesports.
On Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3 you could go watch badminton at the Commonwealth Games, or come to Fraserburgh Beach and watch man harness nature for free.
This year’s festival includes a round of the Kite Boarder Cross Europe competition and, weather dependent, athletes’ performances are likely to be spectacular.
This exciting competition forms part of the European Tour and involves kitesurfers racing around a course whilst negotiating obstacles.
Elite kite surfers from all over Europe will be in action and there will be demonstrations from all the key brands and manufacturers.
The event is organised by Synergy Kitesports, Scottish Windfest on Tour and Kite Boarder Cross Europe, supported by Aberdeenshire Council.
They aim to promote these adrenaline sports and taster sessions will be available for powerkiting, surfing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, as well as for the more experienced in kite surfing.
Windsurfing will also be available as an activity in the form of beginner and coaching sessions provided by Loch Insh Watersports.
Rathen bouncy castles will provide family fun with their bouncy castle, sumo suits and inflatable fun fair.
John Barber from Scottish Windfest on Tour said: “This year’s event in Fraserburgh will be even bigger than those before through the addition of the Kite Boarder Cross Europe competition.
“These riders are spectacular – for anyone interested in the sport, this is one to watch and for anyone wishing to compete, you won’t be disappointed by the level of competition here.”
Mark Davies of Synergy Kitesports said: “Fraserburgh is an awesome spot for kite surfing and wind sports due to the climate being more favourable than many other areas in Scotland.
“We are lucky to operate here and we look forward to an exciting and enjoyable event.”
As well as the kite surfing events and taster sessions, live entertainment has been organised at Cheers bar in Fraserburgh on Friday and Saturday nights and a barbecue has also been arranged for Saturday night.
Christine Webster, Regeneration and Town Centres Manager for Aberdeenshire Council, said: “We are delighted to help bring this event to Fraserburgh.
“The Regeneration Plan builds on the unique assets of Fraserburgh and the wind and wave regime, together with the enthusiasm locally for sports of all types is one of these key assets. We wish all the competitors good luck for the weekend and would encourage anyone looking for a fun day out to come along.”