If you crave a heady mix of adrenaline, wind and water then kitesurfing or windsurfing are probably the sports for you. Kitesurfing is one of the most exciting new thrill sports to hit Britain’s beaches while windsurfing remains the fastest sailing discipline on the face of the planet.

Whichever is your thing, Cornwall has the natural resources, the facilities and quality of services to make a kite or windsurfing trip here the sort of experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.

You don’t have to be an expert to kitesurf or windsurf in Cornwall. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are both amazing sports that allow you to learn at your own rate and challenge yourself against nature and the elements – Cornwall is home to some of Britain’s best schools and training academies ready and waiting to get you on the water.

Most of the major wind sport hotspots have a training school nearby and there are mobile schools that make the most of the prevailing wind to use any of a list of beaches depending on which way it’s blowing. That’s another good thing about Cornwall, there are beaches facing all directions and it’s rarely more than 20 miles to the nearest one. Whatever the wind is doing, as long as it’s doing something, there should be some great quality kite or windsurfing action to be had.

Most training schools provide equipment hire as well as tuition from qualified instructors. Many beginners find that modern equipment is light and easy to use, taking a lot of the hassle out of trying to get up and about.

Once you’ve mastered the basics and are up to taking to the water on your own, Cornwall has still got plenty to offer. You’ll often find experienced windsurfers tearing the tops off waves on the north coast or when it’s really blowing, they’ll be planing at speed in the relative shelter of the Carrick Roads with the built-in safety factor of having land on three sides. Meanwhile kitesurfers can be seen, year–round, making jumps of upto 50 feet on many of the north coast surf spots.

There are many wonderful windsurfing and kitesurfing beaches including Carlyon Bay, Hayle Towans, Gwithian Bay, Coverack, Par, Perranporth, Marazion, Rock and Daymer Bay. A day out at Marazion will find you sailing in one of the most spectacular locations with the magnificent St Michael's Mount providing the backdrop. This venue has played host to windsurfing's South West Cup four-day racing event. Gwithian is also a popular spot for competition windsurfing – having hosted the Freewave Triple Crown event. So whether you're an experienced windsurfer or you're wanting to try it for the first time, Cornwall has a venue to suit you.

• Elemental UK
• Loe Beach
• Roseland Paddle & Sail
• SW Lakes Trust

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