Speedsailing is cross between windsurfing and skateboarding. It is becoming big in Cornwall due to the area's long sandy beaches and available wind. A speedsailing event is being held at Gwithian beach later this month.

Speedsailing originated around 20 years ago in France as a winter alternative to windsurfing. Much of the equipment used in speed sailing can also be used for windsurfing.

Look out beach-goers!

British Land Speed Sailing Association Chairman Graham Bobin says: "Speed sailing is fun and easy to learn. It is the dry land version of windsurfing and is part of the Land Yaughting Association. The sport offers the opportunity to just have fun right through to racing."

The BLSA Hager-Vor Invitational event is being held at Gwithian beach on the 30 and 31 October. This two day event incorporates both course racing and slalom.

Course racing is where competitors race over a 30 minute course to the finish line. The slalom event involves heats of eight competitors racing round a slalom course with markers up to 200 meters apart.

The event depends on wind direction and speed but the organisers are expecting a big turn out. The best time to catch the extreme sports action will be Saturday and Sunday between 10-2pm from the cliff tops opposite Sunset Beach Cafe, Gwithian.

There will also be an opportunity to try out the specially designed speedsail rigs.