More people than ever before turned up on Sandbanks beach in Poole this weekend (11-13 September) for this year’s Animal Windfest 2009. The free watersports and extreme sports event hit the beach and saw an estimated 15,000 people visiting over the course of the three days.

Keeping the audiences entertained were some of the biggest names from windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking and Thundercat racing. One of those attending was kitesurfer, Andy Ward, who is on the cusp of his attempt to cross the channel from Alderney to Poole – a 70 mile journey that will see him sail into the record books if he completes it.

Day One

The weekend started with a combination of awesome wind and bright sunny skies, prompting pros and organisers alike to proclaim it “the best conditions Windfest has ever had.” But it was on dry land where the action first started. Four-time “British Biketrial Champion” and former “World Expert Biketrial Champion”, Martyn Ashton wowed audiences with his tricks on a mountain bike. His young protégé, Sam Pilgrim assisted in upping the ante by jumping high, while audiences’ jaws dropped!

Also on hand to entertain were the pro wakeboarders. Stars such as Matt Crowhurst, Steph Caller and Jonty Green grabbed, flipped and occasionally slipped over a selection of gap rails, bringing cries of admiration and alarm from fans.

Day Two

On the second day the serious action started, with the first competitive racing being in the Stand-Up Paddleboarding. The race round Brownsea Island is a gruelling competition which requires balance, strength and an awful lot of stamina. The race was open to everyone so there were amateurs mixing it up with the pros; but inevitably class shone through, with John Hibbard – rated 3rd in the world – taking top honours. He was joined on the podium by fellow pros, Paul Simmons and Eliot Dudley.

Not to be out-done, the kitesurfers made the most of early windy conditions to compete in a spot of course-racing. Again, the pros won out with Denzil Williams, Jason McCaffrey and Andy Gratwick taking gold, silver and bronze respectively. Special mention, however, should go to Devon amateur, Richard Thompson, who came in a respectable 4th.

One water-based sport that wasn’t relying on the wind to provide the power was the Thundercat racing. These fast and furious inflatable motorboats, designed for doing battle saw as much drama as an episode of your favourite soap… and then some! Standard first place went to boat number 33, Southampton Solent Uni, driven by Bligh Julius & Simon Butters, while the P750 first place was boat number 58, “Project 58” driven by James Sinclair and Murray McGregory.

By the end of day one the wind had dropped and the windsurfers couldn’t get out on the water. However, they were just saving up their energy for day three…

Day Three

By the final day of Windfest, the wind was reaching speeds of up to 12 knots, allowing the windsurfers to go out on the water and show what they can do. Taking part this year was the recently crowned Slalom World Champion, Antoine Albeau. The big Frenchman had been giving tips to newcomers on the windsurf simulator throughout the weekend and was widely expected to take the Windfest title. However, he was beaten, under extraordinary circumstances, into second place – by a 16 year old! Youth Under 17 World Champion, Sam Sills reached the chequered flag first after Albeau – unbelievably – couldn’t find the finish line! Third place went to Alan Jackson.

There were two competitions in the Kitesurfing. The AMS Freestyle competition was won by Martin Carter while Animal rider, Tom Court took pole position in the Slopestyle Pro Expression Session.

One of the real stars of the weekend was revealed in the Stand-Up Paddleboarding as Saturday’s Champion went on to claim a clean sweep. John Hibbard won the Animal Windfest BSUPA Sprint Race – a feat made even more incredible after he had to overcome arch-rival Eliot Dudley in a tricky first round battle. Mark Slater and Chris Murray completed the podium places there, while Marie Buchanan, Claire Blacklock and Sarah Frymann took Gold, Silver and Bronze in the women’s competition.

History also repeated itself in the Thundercat Racing as boat number 33, Southampton Solent Uni, driven by Bligh Julius & Simon Butters won the Standard Class. In the P750, boat number 28, “Claro” – driven by Sean Fisher and Grant Pittard claimed top honours.

As the sun set, the crowds filtered out. Some talked excitedly about having been entertained and inspired by the sports on show, others exchanged stories about the previous nights’ flourescent-themed party. All agreed it had been a pretty awesome weekend.

Event director Gary Willingham couldn’t be happier: “Windfest has exceeded all our expectations this year. We had 200 competitors from all over the world taking part and with sunshine we ensured a great spectator experience and the wind god smiled upon us maintaining our credibility as a wind related event. The event grows each year and with the help of our sponsors we can ensure the event reaches its full potential. Next year’s event is guaranteed to be another show-stopper!”

See all the action in pictures on the Animal WindFest gallery: www.animalwindfest.co.uk and check the website for build up to more Windfest malarkey next September!