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Hundreds head to Bewl Water near Tunbridge Wells for Neilson SUP Armada Festival

Hundreds of people flocked to Bewl Water for the Neilson Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Armada Festival on Saturday.

The rain held off as fans of the sport and their families took part in taster sessions, perused displays of the latest gear and even try paddleboard yoga on the reservoir.

The festival also saw organisers Armada Events gather just under 400 SUP lovers - many in colourful fancy dress costumes - to smash the Guinness World Record for the largest parade around a mile-long course.

SUP Armada Festival at Bewl Water. Picture: Dave White Photography / Armada Events
SUP Armada Festival at Bewl Water. Picture: Dave White Photography / Armada Events
Paddleboard yoga at the SUP Armada Festival at Bewl Water. Picture: Dave White Photography / Armada Events
Paddleboard yoga at the SUP Armada Festival at Bewl Water. Picture: Dave White Photography / Armada Events

Dan Charlish, the company's director, said: "To see so many people of all ages on the water having fun - from beginners through to experienced racers and pro’s – is exactly what the SUP Armada is all about."

For the first time, the event included competitive SUP racing, with the UK SUP National Series Races and the Red Paddle National Junior Championships taking place throughout the day.

Paddleboarders took part in competitive races at the SUP Armada Festival. Picture: Dave White Photography / Armada Events
Paddleboarders took part in competitive races at the SUP Armada Festival. Picture: Dave White Photography / Armada Events

Andy Gratwick, who was in charge of water safety, added: "We had a huge variation of activities taking place on the water but the venue is ideal for this kind of event and the boats and safety crews worked hard to ensure everyone had a fantastic and safe time on the water."

More than £2,000 was raised through the hire of SUP boards which will go to support the work of the Armada Trust, a charity which aims to help the sport reach more young people.

A short film of the festival is available here.

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