Make a big splash: Have a go at watersports in North Wales
Whether you are a confirmed water baby or want to venture out for the first time, there’s no better year to have a go at watersports in North Wales. Whether it’s in the sea, a mountain, a lake or a river, you are bound to have an adventure.
Stand up paddleboarding or SUP
From seasoned professionals to first-time paddlers, North Wales has some breathtaking places to SUP. Choose from exploring Llanddwyn Island or navigating the Menai Strait, hike to a remote mountain lake in the Eryri Wilderness, there is so much variety. Getting on a paddleboard is a great way to visit hidden beaches, see some of our beautiful wildlife and view the coastline from a different angle. We have some fantastic activity providers who can help you get out on the water. Here are some we’d recommend.
Psyched Paddleboarding
Snowdonia Watersports
Kayaking
From the turquoise blue waters of Porth Dafarch with its rocky coves and islets to explore, to the Mawddach Estuary in Barmouth, the North Wales coastline is as varied and interesting as it gets. There are seals and dolphins to spot, puffins and choughs to watch, all of whom will be undisturbed by the gentle sound of your paddle in the water. B Active in Rhoscolyn can help you get on the water in Anglesey and Snowdonia Watersports can help you elsewhere.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing
Kitesurfing is a great sport to watch as well as do. The mecca for adrenaline watersports is Rhosneigr. The town beach, or Traeth Crigyll, as it’s known locally, draws loads of kitesurfers and windsurfers in the right conditions. Newborough beach is also a great spot with its stunning mountain vistas.
Funsport Rhosneigr can help you get kitted out in Anglesey and Offaxis can help you in Abersoch and Pwllheli.
Surfing
There is nothing like catching a wave whether you have your own longboard, or just want to get on a foam body board and have that rush of zooming into shore. North Wales has some stunning spots to catch great waves. Of international repute is Hells Mouth, and nearby Porth Oer and Porth Towyn on the Llŷn Peninsula. Broad Beach and Cable Bay near Rhosneigr on Anglesey are great spots for watersports in North Wales. Lessons are offered by Gecko and Funsport in Rhosneigr and Offaxis in Abersoch and Pwllheli.
Wild Swimming
There is something thrilling about stepping into an undisturbed mountain lake with just yourself, a friend and the mountains as company. Yes, the water is cold but the experience is invigorating, life-affirming and just thoroughly wonderful. If you don’t want to go it alone Snowdonia Watersports can hire you a wetsuit and take you somewhere lovely to swim.
Coasteering
Coasteering in North Wales provides a whole different way to explore our beautiful coastline. However, you’ll need some help if you want to scramble around the rocky cliffs and plunge into the crystal clear waters below safely. North Wales Active or Great Outdoor Adventures can help you enjoy this great sport.
Sailing
From Fifes to dinghies, yachts, catamarans and sea fishing charters, there are abundant opportunities to get out in a boat. With a sailing academy in Pwllheli, and lots of sailing events such as the Three Peaks Yacht race and the Strait Regatta week, there’s plenty going on. The main sailing centres are Beaumaris, Trearddur Bay and Holyhead on Anglesey, Abersoch and Pwllheli on the Llŷn Peninsula and Barmouth in Snowdonia. So hoist your mainsail and set your compass for North Wales waters.
Boat Trips
If you a want a more exhilarating ride on the water then take a look at Rib Ride . Offering boat trips around the island, take it all in from a different perspective. If wildlife is your passion then a trip to the Skerries or Bardsey Island is a must, or take one of the sea fishing trips with Abersoch Angling.
With such a huge variety of watersports in North Wales there is truely something for everyone. Which one will you choose?
