Top kitesurfing beaches around Wales

Abersoch has several beaches perfect for an easy kitesurf. The main beach enjoys spectacular views over the mountains of North Wales, with a sheltered location that means any breezes will be unlikely to scupper your fun. Porth Ceiriad and Harbour Beach are nearby. It's also host to the annual Abersoch Regatta.

The Llŷn Peninsula’s south-facing coast is a watersports playground for adventurous souls and Carreg y Defaid is an ideal place for those of us who like to play hardest.  A secluded and appealingly moody lump between Pwllheli and Llanbedrog, this beach offers ideal conditions for kitesurfers. The cheerful multi-coloured row of huts along the beach also offer an ideal backdrop for your coastal adventure.

Translated as ‘Hell’s Mouth’, Porth Neigwl is set in the jaws of the Llŷn Peninsula’s edge. Its large waves and windy conditions make it a magnet for thrill seekers looking to harness the power of the wind. The gently shelving beach is pebbly at high tide, but reveals large expanses of sand at low tide. The glorious mountainous backdrop and south-west facing beach also make it one of the most picturesque locations for kitesurfers to glimpse from above.

Receiving a mix of swells from the wind and land, the golden sands of Rhosneigr are hugely popular when it comes to just about every beach sport you could imagine. Visit the village, enjoy a sunbathing session or relax on a wildlife stroll once you've finished.

Three miles of sand and shingle make Borth an uplifting, slightly wild place for a surf, with the rugged surrounding coastal scenery well worth a wander afterwards. Set in Cardigan Bay, it's best to check the tide in advance – the beach is much larger when it retreats.

Few surfing spots in the world can rival the dramatic views across Newgale Sands, where a large surf awaits you, as well as a two-mile stretch of golden sand, shops, a pub and excellent facilities. Awarded Blue Flag status, this safe beach is an ideal place to test your balancing skills.

Tenby South Beach is a repeat award-winner, with good facilities and views out to Caldey Island, Tenby's sands offer plenty of space in any conditions – ideal if you're taking the family or have a dog (check restrictions). Stretching over two kilometres, the consistency of the surf makes this a safe place for beginners.

Adored by ardent surfers, Freshwater West is a large beach and a wild one, with smooth waves, wind coming in off the land, a reef and sandbanks inviting the more adventurous visitors to try a few tricks. Highly recommended if you have some experience of the waves and are a strong swimmer.

This flat, wide and sandy expanse is widely-regarded as one of the best in Britain for surfing, with a three mile bay making Llangennith Gower's go-to beach for water activities. An ideal starting point if you're a beginner - try a pint in The Kings Head after you've had a go.

Positioned on the glorious Gower Peninsula, Horton Beach is one for the braver surfers as on a good day it attracts quite a swell, accessible through the sand dunes of Port Eynon Bay. Popular with bodysurfers and kitesurfers during the summer, you should also take a walk around its coast.

Oxwich Bay is a picturesque, 2.5-mile stretch. It's yours for the surfing, with a large, flat beach and conditions making it popular with watersport lovers throughout the year. Take a clifftop stroll to see why this is considered one of the world's most beautiful beaches, or visit the nearby National Nature Reserve.

A great place to dip your toe in and try a taster session, Porthcawl's sandy beach, Rest Bay, attracts an Atlantic swell against the backdrop of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Find out why surfers from Bristol and Cardiff often stop off here, then visit the rock pools or the Wales Coast Path.