Make the most of the coast

Our patch is blessed with the most fabulous coastline and we know many of you will be heading there this summer. Whether it’s buckets, spades, sandy picnics and family fun, or leaping from cliffs, launching into the surf and embracing aquatic adventures – our area has you covered. The Shire team has checked out all the options and put together a practical guide over the next few pages to make sure you get the best out of our beautiful beaches and enjoy the water this holiday season.

Where to start

If you’re drawn to try your hand at water sports, it can be tricky to decide which one. So why not head somewhere where you can sample all the action, and then choose your favourite?

Plas Menai in North Wales is home to the National Outdoor Centre for Wales. Nestled on the Menai Strait, this stunning facility offers activities for all ages and skill levels. One of the main attractions is sailing –the centre provides courses and lessons from introductory sessions to advanced racing techniques. With expert instructors and top-notch equipment, you can embark on an adventure and learn the art of navigating in open water. Those seeking a high-octane experience might try kayaking or canoeing. Plas Menai offers guided tours, allowing you to explore the breathtaking coastline and discover hidden coves and wildlife-rich areas. If you want to really challenge the waves, powerboating and windsurfing will be right up your street. And the centre also offers stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), coastal exploration and team-building exercises such as raft building and orienteering. You’ll find all the details at www.plasmenai.wales

Riding The Waves

Away from the relatively calm waters of the Menai Strait, some people turn to the waves for their thrills. Kite surfing is an exhilarating sport that combines elements of surfing, wakeboarding and kite flying. It involves riding on a small board while being propelled by a large, controllable kite. This dynamic activity has gained immense popularity worldwide, and Anglesey with its stunning coastal landscapes and strong winds provides an ideal setting. The island’s expansive beaches, such as Rhosneigr and Trearddur Bay, offer ample space and consistent wind conditions, making it a hotspot for kite surfers of all skill levels.

Jump to it

Catchingwind

Another activity growing in popularity is coasteering. a thrilling adventure sport that involves traversing along the coastline, swimming, climbing, scrambling and cliff jumping. It allows participants to explore rugged and beautiful scenery while experiencing an adrenaline-fuelled journey.

North Wales offers some fantastic locations for coasteering. One prominent destination is the Llyn Peninsula, stretching along the northwest coast. The rocky cliffs, hidden beaches and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for this adventurous sport. Places like Abersoch and Aberdaron offer exhilarating routes, featuring jumps into deep pools, rock scrambling and exploring secret caves carved by the sea.

Board level

Another must if you’re visiting the Llyn area is surfing, where an exciting surf scene attracts boarders to catch some thrilling waves. Abersoch, with its sandy beaches and consistent swells, attracts surfers of all levels. The main beach provides ideal conditions for beginners, while more experienced surfers head to Hell’s Mouth, a vast stretch known for its powerful waves and challenging breaks.

Further north, Rhosneigr in Anglesey is another popular spot, boasting stunning beaches and a vibrant surfing community. With its reliable swells and favourable wind conditions, Rhosneigr offers fantastic waves for surfers looking to test their skills or learn the ropes.

DID YOU KNOW?

The record for the number of surfboards stacked on top of a car is 282! in california –where else. It drove 30 metres.

Keep the kids water-safe

With the latest figures indicating that around 25 percent of primary school pupils leave school unable to swim, Freedom Leisure is urging parents to make sure their children acquire this life-saving skill and know how to stay safe and enjoy the water. As an incentive, it is allowing children on its Learn to Swim programme to swim for free during any public session at its pools for extra practice. Freedom Leisure operates a number of pools including Waterworld in Wrexham, Gwyn Evans in Gwersyllt and Chirk Leisure & Activity Centre, and its Learn to Swim programme is accredited by Swim Wales. Visit www.freedom-leisure.co.uk to enquire about lessons at your community leisure centre.

Experts fear that as a result of pandemic lockdowns, many youngsters have missed out on learning to swim and self-rescue. Lee Heard, charity director for the Royal Life Saving Society UK said: “Water safety training and learn-to-swim programmes are a critical factor to help acquire the skills to be competent around water. Every young person should have the confidence to explore the beauty of Wales and take part in the aquatic activities possible. Learning to swim at an early age opens up a lifetime of opportunities.”

DID YOU KNOW?

cardigan bay is home to Britain’s biggest population of dolphins. You’ve a chance of seeing porpoises, seals and maybe basking sharks too!