This years East Coast Windfest was moved from Hunstanton in Norfolk to Skegness in Lincolnshire. The reason for the move was the same as one of the reasons Middle Wallop in August was cancelled, it had become “a victim of its own success”, (a phrase I’m beginning to hate), due to the ever expanding popularly of all forms of Power Kiting.  

Both Windfests, held in Paignton and Skegness are held over 2 days, and are put on to promote, not only all forms of kiting, but also other wind and non-wind related sports such as Wind Surfing and Skate Boarding. 

Clare (Mowz), her friend’s son Luke and myself decided to go up to Skegness on the second day of the festival (Sunday). The weather was perfect with a good 8-12 mph wind and some glorious sunshine forecast. Luke came with us as I had mentioned that at Hunstanton they had some skateboarding ramps, and that there may be some at Skegness…he wasn’t disappointed. 

We arrived in “Skeggy” at around 10:30 (despite my efforts to get us lost) and found the festival with no problem as there were excellent directions and signs almost every 300 meters. Parking was right next to the beach and main arena, which was surrounded by about 7 shops and a few local groups displaying their gear. The shops were mainly selling clothing, a couple selling kites and boards and one food vendor. The largest marquee was the Flexifoil stand, which sadly comprised of two guys handing out catalogues and asking people if they wanted to enter their free competition. Oh and of course there was the Red Bull stand playing music toward the main / skateboarding arena. 

The general layout of the event was fine. The parking was close, there were plenty of stalls (if you needed some shorts – as I did), it was close to the beach, the food was good and they even were able to order the weather just right. So, what is my opinion of Skegness Windfest 2004? I hear you ask. My answer to that is another question, Where were all the kites? 

I have already said that we arrived nice and early, and the weather was perfect, but as far as I could tell there was nothing planned for the second day of the festival. Saturday from other accounts was not too different. They did hold a kite surfing competition on Saturday, which was still on the timetable on Sunday so I ended up thinking that was the plan for Sunday until I spoke to one of the local groups. All I could tell they had planned for Sunday was skateboarding comps, skill classes, and general sessions. To give them there due the actual arena was stunning. They had a half pipe, 3 quarter pipes, a box / ramp jump with 2 rails, several small boxes to grid on and loads of space to do it in. All the local ‘pro’ skaters were happy to give advice and tips and some even gave away there own boards as prizes. Luke loved it, he took part in the competitions and also stood and learnt a lot from other riders, but I went to see some kites, and I had to look hard. 

We took a walk up to the fun park thingy once we had had our fill of skateboarding for the morning, for an hour or so and then walked back along the beach. Here is where I saw some kites…about 2 miles down the beach away from the festival and there were only 2 of them out in the sea. There were a few people about flying single line kites of various shapes but only about 4 other traction kites near the festival.

After some more skateboarding we went on to the beach to fly my 4.9 Blade and a 1.4 Symphony. The beach is mostly soft sand, and I’m lead to believe that the tide does not go out very far, but the little it did while we were there allowed me to have a play on my board. 

Overall I was a bit disappointed with the kite related organisation of the festival, I thought that some of the kite surfing comp could have happened on Sunday. Flexifoil could have put a bit more effort in, as at Hunstanton 2003 they had all their gear out and were giving loads of stuff away while sharing their marquee with both Kheo and Scrub Mountain Board manufactures.  

I will most likely go back to “Skeggy” next year, as I feel that it will improve greatly as this was its first year there. 

I feel I must say that this is my opinion of this festival and not the opinion of anyone else related to this site. 

Hope to see you there next year, 

Mark (Uncle)

For a few pictures visit the Photo gallery