WAF (Windermere Action Force) have arranged a weekend long festival of lake activities in protest of the 10mph speed limit which is to come into force in 2005
With a 10mph speed limit set to take hold on 29 March 2005, members of WAF (Windermere Action Force) in association with Cumbria Tourist Board have arranged a weekend long festival of lake activities that are free for everyone to enjoy. It is hoped that people will begin to appreciate the effect that the speed limit will have on recreation.
Ever wanted to try the thrill of water skiing? Seen youngsters tricking and somersaulting on wakeboards and wanted to try? Fancied a ride in a sports boat or simply want to cruise leisurely down the lake amongst truly remarkable scenery? Lake Windermere’s Heritage Weekend is offering visitors the chance to try these sports for free.
Over 100 volunteers, training officers and world class champions are ready to welcome members of the public, young and old alike, to the world of water sports on a first come first served basis.
As water skiing forms a strong part of the Lake District National Parks heritage, with the likes of six times World Slalom Skiing Champion Andy Mapple OBE, Liz Hobbs World Water Ski Racing Champion OBE, European Ladies Wakeboard Champion Louise Moore, and the first World Water Ski Jump Champion for the totally blind, Gerald price, all having learnt to water ski on Lake Windermere, the lake offers the public an unprecedented national amenity.
Andy Mapple OBE, said “The Windermere Heritage Weekend is all about safe, controlled family enjoyment of this superb facility that will soon no longer be accessible. By getting people out onto the water who may otherwise not have had this exhilarating experience, we hope to generate significant interest in water sports and also show that the byelaw which is going to ban these activities on Lake Windermere is effectively a ban on fun.”
Windermere Action force spokesman Tony Kemp claims “the water skiers only want to share less than 1% of the Lake District National Park”. Tony has water-skied with children, adults, pensioners and disabled skiers and wants to see this thrilling sport preserved. He says, “The recent review of National parks has stated that no activities should be prohibited.”
There will be many activities available to the public on the weekend, Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September, which include a Power Boat Race and water ski and wakeboard demonstrations.
For further information please see the official web site http://www.waf.uk.com
