WALES
It’s a tenner to cross over the Severn Bridge but they let you out for free. Once across the border then there are endless reefs, beaches and point breaks awaiting in some of the most scenic coastline in the country. From the Gower to the Pembrokeshire Coast all the way up to wind ravaged Rhosniegr you’ll find some of the best wave sailing and freeriding conditions in the country and you might even bump in to locals Phil Horrocks or Ben Proffitt and then you really will see an amazing show on the water.
OUR BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE
Over the past five years we’ve sent John Carter on a mission to visit virtually every single nook and cranny round the British Isles for our Coast series. Amongst missing countless planes, trains and ferries, he’s managed to take the odd snap here and there of our beautiful shores while also testing out boozers and looking for his lost keys. We mentioned at the beginning of this feature Britain is no Hawaii, but our varied coastline serves up waves, speed strips and bump and jump conditions to suit every level of sailor. From stunning chalk cliffs to sweeping dunes on Atlantic beaches, blistering speed strips, jumping playgrounds, slabs, point breaks and reefs; we really do cover all angles of windsurfing with some incredible scenery to boot.
CORNWALL
From Gwithians, synonymous with down the line wave sailing in the UK, to the stunning beaches of Marazion and Daymer Bay, Cornwall really does boast some amazing conditions and locations for the UK windsurfer. Anytime a low pressure hits the UK it’s a pretty safe bet to head to the West Country to top up on your wind and wave fixation. Throw in a few pints of Doonbar at a traditional Cornish pub, a pasty or fish and chips and you have the best of British all served up in one.
KIRBY
Who needs a man made trench in the middle of nowhere in Namibia when there is already one ready to roll just outside Liverpool. On its day, even in a force 13 gale, this mirror flat runway of almost transparent turquoise water is the most deadly speed venue on the planet. Throw in a couple of dodgy scousers who will leave your trusty van up on bricks and you could end up stuck there for weeks; you can’t ask for more than that can you ?