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Kitesurfing in Llandudno
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing has been around since 1996.
It involves using a big kite with multiple strings to pull you along on a board.
Kiteboarding can be done on land, but the most popular type is kitesurfing, which is done on water.
The kite pulls you along and you can alter your direction and do jumps and tricks.
Many kitesurfers say the freedom this gives them is why they love the sport so much.
Where are the top places to kitesurf in North Wales?
Llandudno's Westshore is one of the world's best kitesurfing spots, say British champion Johara Sykes-Davies and Adam Jones, owner of Turbulence in Llandundo Junction.
Adam added: "Rhosneigr and Newborough are also good places to kitesurf - anywhere between Abergele and Anglesey really.
"North Wales has winds going in every direction, which is great. We do try to avoid busy beaches though."
Turbulence
Website
If you want to have a go at kitesurfing then Turbulence, in Llandudno Junction, is a good starting point.
As well as having a kitesurfing shop stuffed full of all the necessary equipment, the people at Turbulence offer lessons from beginner level to pro level.
The lesson cost £35 per hour, or £45 if you choose to have a lesson with one of their resident pros.
The lessons are either one-on-one or one-on-two and Johara's tips are a good indication of how the lessons will pan out.
Profile: Johara Sykes-Davies
Johara, 25, from Llandudno, has been kitesurfing for three years and is already recognised as one of the sport's most talented riders.
In 2006 she entered the British Kite Surfing Association ladies' amateur event and came 2nd.
The following year she mixed it with the pros and came 1st!
At the time of writing she is in France as part of the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association world tour, which sees competitors battle it out in exotic locations around the world.
The events are a mix between racing and freestyle and this can involve boarders jumping 30 feet into the air, doing somersaults, and all sorts of other acrobatic tricks.
Johara's five top tips on how to get started with kitesurfing.
1. Get lessons
It's an extreme sport. If you don't know what you are doing it can be dangerous, so it's important to be shown the ropes, as it where.
2. Start with a little foil kite and practice on land.
These can be 1.8 - 3.3m², with different sizes suited to different wind conditions. Getting the hang of figure-of-eights will help no end when you go out on the water.
3. Stay relaxed
Keep your arms relaxed, with your elbows by your side. Your hands should stay still, while your arms move back and forth.
4. Practice going against the wind
This is a technique known as "body dragging". Offshore winds can whip you out to sea in no time if you are unable to do this.
Use an LEI kite (leading edge inflatable) - it will hold its shape better.
5. Try with a board!
Put the edge of the board in the water and work it up and down to get going.
Adam Jones of Turbulence estimates that it will take 6-8 hours of tuition before you get to this stage and 3-6months before you start pulling off some funky tricks.
Johara is sponsored by Turbulence, Flexifoil, Jimmy Lewis Boards, and Mint Condition Gym.
