Eastbourne Extreme

If you’re an adrenaline-junkie and in desperate need of a fix, then pop down to Eastbourne’s seafront this weekend. Eastbourne Extreme is back and with it comes plenty of sports to satisfy your cravings.

Either on land, sea, or even air, this weekend will provide exhilarating sports for everyone who enjoys the extreme side of life. From power boating, to parkour (free-jumping), slalom to windsurfing and a bit of kite-surfing/buggies/flyers thrown in for good measure, there will be something there for everyone, and it’s free. As well as exciting events to watch, taster sessions will be on hand should you fancy giving one of these extreme sports a go. New to this year’s event is Zorbing (the sport for anyone who ever wished to roll down hill in a huge plastic bubble), Jet Ski displays and a BMX bike display straight from the Animal Relentless Bike tour. A present from Street Surf, street surf ramps, are also making their debut this year as well as the East Sussex Fire and Rescue climbing wall.

To show us non-adventurous types how it’s done, some of Europe’s and the UK’s top freestyle slalom skaters will battle it out at one of the leading displays – the Battle Slalom competition. Another high energy event hitting our shores is the Formula Future Offshore Race Club who will be spoiling us by bringing their powerboat national championship for the first time for round four of their national championship. They’ll set off from Sovereign Harbour Marina and race along the Eastbourne Shoreline, so watch out for the powerboats this weekend.

(Photo: Neil Harvey)

As well as activities for those who like to live on the edge, there will also be more relaxed diversions such as a VW bus stop tour, children’s rides and various stalls for mums who likes to browse. Refreshments will be available all the way along the seafront and the Surf Shack Beach Bar directly next to the main stage will have drinks and snacks.

Performing on the main stage on Saturday are the finalists of the Battle of the Bands competition which has been running for several months. Acts include Glam Ryze, Spaniel’s Ears, Ultraviolets, Dinosaur Attack, Knocksville, Centralia DC & Western Bodies Eastern Minds. Live music will also be provided on Sunday with performances from Unused Novelty, Dusty Rosko, The Occasionals and others to look forward to throughout the day.

All the action takes place over the weekend from 11am-7pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. A night time skate has been organised for Saturday, giving keen cyclists the opportunity to witness Eastbourne at dusk. The event is completely free, apart from paying for the occasional drink. Expect the seafront to be extreme.

Visit: www.eastbourneextreme.co.uk for more information.

Words by Emma Bigsby-Sayer, East’s July intern.