North Wales is blessed when it comes to water. We’ve got magnificent lakes, cascading waterfalls, babbling brooks and a fair few monumental rain showers. We’ve also got a spectacular coastline, with roaring waves and enchanting currents.
That coastline is home to rich wildlife and plenty of great days out, but it’s also perfect for watersports.
Here are just some of the many watery pastimes you and yours can take part on around North Wales, with a huge variety of watersports taking place from our beaches, on our coast and in our sea.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is one of the world’s fastest growing sports, and the North Wales coastline offers optimal conditions for having a go at this exhilarating activity.
The North Wales Kitesurfing School in Kinmel Bay also offers classes on Black Rock Sands in Porthmadog, and offers beginners and more advanced courses. All the school’s instructors are IKO qualified and use top-quality equipment to guarantee the premium kitesurfing experience.
Surfing
While the inland lagoon at Surf Snowdonia is often making waves in the media, some of the UK’s best surfing can be found along the coast.
Abersoch has long been known as a watersports paradise, and regular surfers can often be found there. On Anglesey, Porth Neigwl (or Hell’s Mouth beach) is becoming increasingly celebrated for its surf, while Trearddur Bay is popular with surfing beginners. West Coast Surf School at Hell’s Mouth can help beginners progress while Gecko Surf of Rhosneigr will get you all kitted out.
Sailing
We’ve got strong breezes, world-class instructors and more than 250 miles of coastline here in North Wales, so sailing conditions are perfect.
The state-of-the-art Porth Eirias watersports centre in Colwyn Bay offers sailing classes from their beautiful stretch of beach, while Conwy’s dazzling marina is another great spot to sail. For beginners, the stunning Menai Strait is always a popuplas lar choice. Plas Heli in Pwllheli is home to the National Sailing Academy, and often hosts both national and international competitions and events.
Coastal Swimming
While it’s incredibly important to be tide smart and only swim in approved areas, heading into the big blue for a dip can be invigorating, exhilarating and downright exciting.
Gone Swimming is a company based in North Wales that arranges and facilitates safe swimming days out. As well as swims in lakes and inland waterways, there are a number of optimal locations across the North Wales coast for going swimming in the Irish Sea, including organised sea swims from Porth Eirias.
Windsurfing
Rhosneigr is one of the UK’s best and most popular beaches for windsurfers, so is a great choice for those wanting to partake in this exciting sport.
Due to its proximity to the Irish Channel, there are some fearsome winds here and the swell and waves can be phenomenal for windsurfers.
Jet-skiing
Jet-skiing is another great option for those keen to take to the coastal waters here.
The high-octane pursuit is well-suited to the waters off Colwyn Bay around the Porth Eirias watersports centre. The Llŷn Peninsula is another excellent spot, with some amazing landscapes to admire to boot! In fact, you’ll find great water skiing conditions all around Anglesey and along Snowdonia’s coast, so make sure you’ve packed your sea legs!
Sea Kayaking
Anglesey is one of the country’s most naturally beautiful places, and looking out over the land from the water is a great way to appreciate the scenery from a unique perspective.
You’ll be able to get out on the open water, and also steer into sheltered coves and bays to get a closer look at the dramatic rocky scenery and maybe glimpse some of the local wildlife! Some of the world’s premier sea kayaking conditions can be found around the island, so it’s well worth pulling on a wetsuit and having a go, especially with an experienced guide like Coastal Spirit to show you all the hidden Anglesey gems.
If we’ve (pardon the pun) whet your appetite for watery adventure, why not take a look at the companion blog which gives you the rundown on watersports in and around the Snowdonia National Park?
Fancy an exciting break with some world-class watersport action? Book your stay at the Royal Victoria Hotel to be in the prime location for exploring North Wales.