Kirsty Jones explains why kitesurfing in Wales is better than Hawaii

I started kitesurfing quite late, when I was 21. I was already passionate about windsurfing and was training for the world tour [professional competition] when I tried kitesurfing in Hawaii. Actually, Hawaii wasn’t that great because it was so crowded and when I came home I discovered that my local beach, Newgale, was much better. It’s this long sandy beach which has far more space – with 20m lines attached to the kite, you need a lot of space to kitesurf.

I loved the sport straight away. The great thing about learning to kitesurf is you get this instant adrenaline because when you hold the kite for the first time you can feel the power of the wind and kite. It’s a great first-time experience and also quite a fast learning curve compared to windsurfing or surfing because you can be up on a board within a few days. And you don’t need brute strength for kitesurfing – it’s all about technique and control.

After the first couple of years, in 2003, I wanted to challenge myself and do something for charity that wasn’t competing, so I decided to kitesurf from Ireland to Wales. In the middle of the Irish Sea a big gannet flew over me, just a couple of metres from my head, then followed me like this little Welsh angel. And when I was five hours into the journey, almost coming into Broad Haven, the wind went very light and it became difficult to continue. Two dolphins came alongside me heading in the direction of Broad Haven as if to say ‘Keep going, keep going!’

That nature and the scenery are part of what makes kitesurfing in Wales so special. I’ve always loved wilder beaches and Wales has so many – [that’s] also why I preferred kitesurfing and progressing at home in Wales to Hawaii. And you can’t beat kitesurfing with seals – you can go all over the world, but always somewhere in Wales a seal will pop up right next to you. It always makes me smile and laugh.

My favourite places to kitesurf are the Pembrokeshire beaches of Freshwater West, Newgale and Abersoch. Llangennith in Gower is amazing too. Apart from Fresh West, which can be dangerous because of currents and reefs, the experience of kitesurfing these places is open to everyone.

There’s a really nice vibe about Welsh kitesurfing too. Welsh people are so friendly in the water – you’ll kitesurf there and meet people and feel like you’ve known them for ages because everyone is always so happy to help. Newcomers often come to kitesurf in Wales and think, ‘They must be doing this for a reason’, and I’m like, ‘No, we’re just really friendly.’

Pembrokeshire is such a good spot because it’s pretty exposed to the elements. You get a lot of Atlantic swell, and I like kitesurfing in waves. Freshwater West is one of the best places to go, though it’s not ideal for beginners because of currents and reefs. If you prefer flat water, Tenby is fantastic when the wind’s coming in from the right direction.

I used to go to Dale with my parents when I was very young, and it’s still a favourite place. There’s a little pub called The Griffin right on the beach, which serves very good food. Across the estuary, Bosherston is another place I’ve always loved. You’ve got the lily pools, St Govan’s Head and Broad Haven South beach, which gets some great, challenging Atlantic surf.

...and I’ve never been so pleased to see it as when I kitesurfed across the Irish Sea from Rosslare to Marloes in West Wales. When I was five hours into the journey, the wind started to drop. It was a bit tense, but a pair of dolphins started swimming alongside me as if to urge me to keep going. On that day, it was such a relief to see Skomer Island and Martin’s Haven come into view. I wasn’t actually all that experienced when I did the crossing, so I’m keen to do it again and see if I can beat my original time.

You’ve got some of the best views in West Wales there. When you see Worm’s Head, it just knocks the breath out of you. And everyone loves Llangennith. It’s a beach with something for everyone: surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking or walking. You meet some real characters there. A lot of the Welsh surf legends are from Gower.

The coast around Abersoch is less exposed to the brunt of the Atlantic swell, so it’s perfect for beginners. I have very fond memories of kitesurfing there with a boy called Aaron Hadlow: he was about 12, and learning with his dad. The three of us would be the only kitesurfers on the beach. Aaron went on to be five-times world champion, so I suppose we both did well from those beginnings on wild Welsh beaches!

Rain is a novelty out here in Dakhla. So it may sound strange, but I love to come back to a little bit of drizzle so I can put on a cosy, warm wetsuit and go out kitesurfing. Unfortunately, every time I’ve been in Wales recently, it has been sunny – even in winter! I also miss a good tea room or café, and we’re lucky to have so many of those in Wales. I’ll always put in a word for Café Môr at Angle. It’s a caravan done up to look like a fishing boat, and they serve crayfish and lobster baps and delicious ginger cake. It’s just epic.