High-powers water sports proved to be a hit at Hartlepool Marina

A Zapcat in the water during the Hartlepool Marina event.

Crowds watched on as a number of activities were carried out on the water outside Jacksons Wharf Pub, at the Highlight.

Among them were open water swimming, sailing and power boating, while a demonstration was put on by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Paddle boarding underway at the marina event.

Live music and a barbecue were also laid on for those who attended, with the event having been put on jointly by Hartlepool Marina, Trigma Multi-Sport and Jacksons Wharf Pub.

Hartlepool Marina director Adam Henderson said: “It was a chance for us to showcase how cool the Marina is and everything that is available here.

“There were a lot of events on the water, including some demonstrations and taster sessions when we were able to engage people and have a bit of a laugh.

“We want to give people an opportunity to see what they can engage with all summer.”

Adam Henderson demonstrating his flyboard skills during the marina event.

The first Marina Fest was held last year, and there is plans for another one later this summer.

Matt Turnbull, of Trigma Multi-Sport, said: “We’re trying to bring Hartlepool back to the way it used to be during the summer, packed with events. This was more of a low-key event and a showcase, and then we’ll be doing another event at the end of the summer.

“Among the events was an 800m open-water swimming race, while the RNLI gave a demonstration of how they would rescue someone. This was just the beginning, and there will be some much bigger events in the future.”

Several local businesses and community groups attended to promote a healthy lifestyle, including representatives of Hartlepool Divers’ Club, as did charities, including ORCA, a whale and dolphin charity.