Posted on 23/06/2016 by David
There’s no shortage of seaside and lake destinations in North Wales, so for water sports enthusiasts, it’s nothing short of paradise!
From kayaking to surfing, swimming to white water rafting – whatever your preferred water sport, there’ll be somewhere in North Wales you can visit to get your adrenaline pumping! Here are just a few of our favourite water sports spots…
1. Surfing
Adventure Parc Snowdonia in the Conwy Valley has caused ripples in the surfing community, and is currently the only place in North Wales which has held a world surfing championship!
Surfers from around the country visit Adventure Parc Snowdonia for its guaranteed waves all year round. It’s the perfect day trip – or for those who’d like to spend a whole week riding the waves, rent a cottage close to the action.
2. Wild swimming
Open water swimming has become increasingly popular over the years, particularly with indoor swimmers who want to push themselves, or for those who partake in triathlons and need to train.
Gone Swimming will guide you through different open water environments, such as those in Llyn Peninsula, while we can provide the perfect crash pad for your stay on the romantically-titled Edge of Wales.
3. White water rafting & kayaking
The National White Water Rafting Centre based on the River Tryweryn is the home of white water rafting and kayaking in the UK.
Much like Surf Snowdonia, perfect conditions are guaranteed as the river is dam-controlled, so even at the peak of summer, the centre is ideal for both rafting and kayaking.
For those mad about kayaking - the centre offers reasonably priced day tickets so spend as long as you like perfecting every twist and turn in the ever-changing rapids.
A Snowdonia holiday cottage makes the perfect base for tackling the waves at the National White Water Centre - find out more.
4. Sailing & wind surfing
Sailing and wind surfing go hand-in-hand and there are locations all over North Wales for you to practice your tacking and jibbing.
For those who are experienced in sailing and windsurfing, Plas Menai (Sport Wales National Outdoor Centre), situated on the banks of the Menai Strait between Bangor and Caernarfon, offers the perfect spot for you to put your skills to the test.
Rent a cottage near Caernarfon and you'll be well placed to catch the tide each day.
5. Rowing
North Wales is great for both traditional rowing and sea rowing. Although many of the sea rowing destinations are membership based, there are clubs, such as Trireme Ynys Mon, which encourage keen first-timers to give sea rowing a go!
Why not organise for your rowing team to head down to North Wales and try a different style? With so many cottages in coastal resorts to choose from, your hardest decision will be where to weigh anchor from!
6. Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding is becoming increasingly popular and Green Dragon activities offer taster sessions at Conwy Marina.
For those mad about paddleboarding, there are advanced lessons available on the Conwy River, where paddlers can experience standing waves, flows, and cross currents – a thrilling experience for those with the skills and courage!
Conwy is one of the best places to rent a cottage - it's within easy reach of the coast (and all the watersports you can shake a paddle at) but it's just a short drive from the thrills of Snowdonia too.