Press Release Issued 08.06.09

RIVERFEST IS BACK BIGGER AND BETTER

WATERSKIERS from the 'sunshine state' are the headline attraction to this years Waterways Ireland Riverfest, taking place on the River Bann on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June. Coleraine will be treated to a fantastic display of waterbased activities complemented by free family entertainment during the two day event, brought to the borough courtesy of Waterways Ireland, Coleraine Borough Council and Rob Skelly of the Edge Watersports Warehouse.

Following on from the success of the previous two years, organisers have pulled together a full programme of events to suit both watersports enthusiasts, parents and children. Rowing, Wakeboarding, Barefooting, Water-skiers and Jet Skiers by world class experts will be some of the highlights of the weekend, coupled with free fun activities such as Bouncy Castles, A Lazer Quest and Bungee Wall. Hanna Boats in conjunction with Yamaha will be on site with an impressive line up of boats including Open Fishing Boats, Day Cruisers, Top of the Range Campion Sports Boats, and of course Hanna Boats will also be supplying the awesome Tige Wakeboard and Ski Boats as the main tow boats for the event.

Rob Skelly, organiser of the event and Proprietor of the Edge Watersports Warehouse is passionate about watersports and is extremely enthusiastic about the up and coming event, he said; "We are incredibly fortunate to have secured the Tampa Bay Team, who are coming all the way from Florida to put on their show in Coleraine. They are regarded as some of the best show skiers in this business and regularly perform at Cypress Gardens and Disneyland in Orlando. This is undoubtedly a major coup for the event, and for Northern Ireland, to receive such world class skiers; this is the first time we have had an American Show Ski Team here. I would encourage everyone to come to view this magnificent display.

"The Waterways Ireland Riverfest is attracting watersports athletes from across the globe to perform on the River Bann. Personally, I can't think of any better showcase for this natural watersports arena. The River Bann is a great untapped tourism resource, which caters for all types of watersports, from angling to wakeboarding and I am delighted that we have so many high profile names joining us on the water this year. I would like to thank Waterways Ireland and Coleraine Borough Council, who along with Yamaha Motor Company UK and Redbull have made this event possible."

International stars coming to Coleraine include Emily Goldie, Ladies World Number two barefooter; Andy McDonald, Ireland's Number one in Barefooter and World Champion Freestyle Jet Skier, Ant Burgess. Spencer Wells and Jamie Brown will also be there to display their silky skills. Also, Matt Crowhurst, the Wakeboard specialist and Coleraine's own Pete Stewart who has consistently been in the best in Ireland for the past few years.

For the less active enthusiasts there will be the chance to avail of Leisure Cruises along the Bann, courtesy of Robert Anderson and the Lady Sandel. And, if fishing or angling grabs you, why not come along to one of the demonstrations.

Rowing is a popular and long established sport on the River Bann, and was the starting point for all three of Coleraine's Olympian Rowers, therefore, it is fitting that the prestigious Waterways Ireland Rowing Regatta will be held on the Sunday the event.

The Community Rescue Service will be putting on another dramatic display on Saturday afternoon as well as being on the water providing safety cover all weekend.
On Sunday afternoon the Causeway Coast Kayak Association and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland are organising a Fun Family Paddle starting at Camus Jetty at 1pm. Further information is available by contacting Robin Ruddock of CCKA.

Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing Communications at Waterways Ireland, added; "The Waterways Ireland Riverfest is an important festival on the Waterway Calendar and Waterways Ireland is delighted to be the major sponsor of the event, both to raise awareness of the beauty and diversity of the Bann, nationwide, but also to encourage local people to use the river as a wonderful recreation asset."

The Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr David Barbour continued, "This is a fabulous event and Council is delighted to be in position to support it. We welcome the continuous backing of Waterways Ireland, and the enthusiastic commitment of Mr Rob Skelly.

"Council is particularly thrilled to be hosting such World Class experts in Watersports and we hope that the event, which attracts people from all over the province and the Republic of Ireland, will go from strength to strength. It is one of the largest events in Coleraine Borough Council's annual programme of events, and long may it continue."

The Waterways Ireland Riverfest will take place from Christie Park, Coleraine on Saturday 13th June from 1pm to 7pm and Sunday 14th June from 1pm to 6pm. Admission is free, for a full event timetable and further information please visit www.waterwaysirelandriverfest.co.uk