Two time British Wavemasters Champion Marc ‘Blast’ Rowley has a very different life to what he used to. People who see him now can’t believe how different he looks. For more than 20 years used to wake up, put on his suit and go to his successful yet stressful career. Now he wakes up, checks the wind strength in the trees, puts on a wet suit and kitesurfs.
With his partner Sarah they run a kitesurfing business in Wales, Blast Kiteboarding, selling equipment and providing lessons seven days and week. You only have to get him chatting and he’s happy to share his favourite surf spots (not surprisingly they’re in Wales).
- Porthcawl South Wales, it's my local, it's always windy and never too crowded
- Rhosniger North Wales, with waves and flat water it has it all
- Freshwater West Wales Great natural beach with fantastic surf and extremely quiet
- Newgale West Wales provides beautiful blue water
- Oxwich Bay Gower has stunning scenery
As well as teach people to kitesurf in Wales, Marc and Sarah take them abroad to Portugal and Brazil, with a trip to North Brazil coming up in November. Having been to this area of Brazil many times, they have good friends in the area and know the best spots.
It looks like the days of turning to golf in your thirties and forties is no longer the only option. “People want to experience the buzz that a thrilling sport like kitesurfing can easily provide”.
https://youtu.be/8uNuhh6QutM
Marc is genuinely enthused about The Splashup Porthcawl this weekend October 25th to 27th, and is offering the perfect opportunity to let you have a go at kitesurfing and powerkiting (on land) for free.
The Splashup is also has plenty of other water sports, like stand up paddle boarding and kayaking, with live music in the town centre on Friday night and Saturday all day, and if you’re brave enough, a night surf!
To find Marc look for the power kites in the sky, they will also have a marquee on the beach, so just show up and give it a go.
But be warned, “Your life will change. Your lifestyle changes. It’s very, very addictive.”