National Boat Shows (NBS) have announce that model and TV presenter Kelly Brook will officially open the Show at 11:00 tomorrow (9 January) on the Main Stage.

Kelly Brook, who has presented The Big Breakfast on Channel 4, appeared on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and starred in TV, film and theatre productions, will be bringing a touch of glamour to the proceedings.

Once open there is plenty to explore, including the latest obsession with watersports fans – brush boarding is a revolutionary cross between snowboarding and surfing on dry land, and is done on a Brush Ramp. Situated in the South Hall, the ramp, which is the size of a quarter-pipe skateboarding ramp, has a moving surface of soft brushes that push the rider upward. The rider is taken up the ramp by putting an edge of their board into the brushes, and skims downward when the edge is taken out.

Samantha Bryant, Product Manager for London International Boat Show, commented: “We’re thrilled to have the brush boarding ramp at the Show, as we pride ourselves on offering a highly interactive element to our Shows. Last year we had the highly popular indoor kite surfing simulator, and this year we are confident that brush boarding will prove as big a draw for visitors. Brush boarding is both safe and environmentally friendly, builds key skills and the fitness needed for all board sports – without the need to get wet, perfect for the January fitness craze!”

Features highlights

Ever popular with visitors, the Classic Boat – in association with Classic Boat, Old Pulteney and International Paints area will once again provide an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a friendly working boatyard; watch, learn and talk to experts about classic boats and find out about the traditional skills involved in their restoration.

The Show Marina on the Royal Victoria Dock will feature some of the largest exhibitor boats in production which cannot physically fit through the doors of the ExCeL building, as well as the Royal Naval Frigate HMS Westminster and a number of smaller inland craft.

The Suzuki Indoor Harbour will enable Show visitors to see and inspect boats powered by Suzuki 4-stroke outboards in their natural element – on water. At over 1,000sqm, the unique stand will incorporate a large pool for displaying boats and engines afloat.

Following last year’s success The Main Stage – Powered by Fairline will return to the 2009 Show. Visitors will be dazzled by theatrical shows, marine inspired catwalk collections, engaging seminars and much more running throughout each day. The sequel to last year’s star attraction of the Sea Queen Stage Show will once again provide the main draw to the stage, amazing visitors with a stunning ‘underwater’ show.

Test your marine skills against friends and family in the ever popular interactive Deck Games zone. This year the feature will return with a splash of difference, literally! Be sure not to miss the brand new indoor pool.

The Royal Navy will be displaying HMS Westminster, a type 23 Frigate, which was launched in 1992 and commissioned into service in 1994. The Type 23s have a specially designed superstructure that makes them hard to detect with radar although visitors to London’s largest Boat Show will find it a little easier to locate HMS Westminster, which will be moored outside on the marina throughout the duration of the Show.

Visit www.londonboatshow.com for the latest news and to see the Show being built in real-time on strategically placed webcams. Visitors can use the website to book tickets online, or they can call the ticket hotline 0870 209 0333.