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As with surfing, West Wales isn't renowned for its high quality windsurfing. It is however, fairly well known for being wet and windy... 'Windy' being the important word here. We certainly do get our fair share of wind, and with numerous beaches and more sheltered areas of water, there are no shortage of windsurfing opportunities.

There are a number of local windsurfers (Me, Andy, Derek, Simon, Ben etc.) along with some windsurfing students from the university meaning that a nice community has built up at the beach. This is boosted by several windsurfers from the Midlands who 'commute' here most windy weekends (There you go Steve, you've got a mention). There are also a number of people who windsurf from Aberdovey where I presume there is another little windsurf community.

For the most part, windsurfing is confined to the beaches of Borth and Ynyslas and consists of (usually) onshore wave conditions on the sea, or flat water blasting 2 hours either side of high tide in the estuary at Ynyslas. The estuary at Ynyslas also provides ideal conditions for beginners. Lately we have also been sailing in the estuary in easterly or westerly winds at all states of the tide in the narrow 'speed' channels.

Other sailing locations in the area are Aberdovey and Fairbourne, but with with similar conditions existing this side of the Dovey Estuary, we rarely travel. However, a westerly wind is dead onshore at Borth, whereas it will be cross-onshore at Tywyn. You can also windsurf in Lake Bala if you like gusty inland conditions.

There are no windsurf shops in the area, so travelling windsurfers would be well advised to make sure they packed everything and if staying for a while to bring some spares. The local windsurfers are particularly friendly though and likely to lend you something if you're particularly desperate.