The department of Pontevedra

The department of Pontevedra plays a leading role in the development of watersport activities on this western coast of Spain.
 
The Baixas estuaries and particularly the Pontevedra estuary are the ideal spaces for learning: protected from the wind, they offer a diverse navigable area of water in total security.
 
Even though the development of these watersport activities is still only at the early stages, the natural environment of Galicia coupled with the motivat...to see the continuation

Metropolitan zone of North Portugal (Porto)

Porto is one of the top places for the Portuguese maritime heritage.
 
Situated at the mouth of a busy river leading to the Atlantic, the city has developed a history based on a strong commercial background. What is astonishing therefore when we discover that to go onto the water is almost second nature.
 
Whether it is about following the route taken by the Porto wines from the vineyards that border the river down to the cellars in the port or to set out towards ...to see the continuation
www.amp.pt

The Irish Mid West

The Irish Mid-West, which brings together the counties of Clare, Limerick and the north of Tipperary, is home to a tenth of the total population of Ireland. The region which faces the Atlantic Ocean is subjected to a considerable maritime influence. The River Shannon which crosses it also contributes to its unique characteristic landscape by adding a certain calmness to its life. The region keeps a strong rural identity into which it integrates an important urban centre within the triangle Limer...to see the continuation
www.ldyc.ie
www.ulac.ie
www.oec.ie/burren/index.html

Watersports in Brittany

                        “from the source to the shore”

A favourable environment

In terms of nautical assets, Brittany benefits from some considerable trump cards: 2,700km of coastline, rivers and lakes situated in some exceptional landscapes, ideal climate conditions, a regular supply of wind, customs inherited from a deep rooted culture, and areas of sheltered water that allow the taking up of a sport in a safe environment.

The many activities

Sailing schools (dingy sailing, catamaran sailing, windsurfing), cruise, surfing, sand...to see the continuation
www.region-bretagne.fr
www.nautismebretagne.fr
www.tourismebretagne.com

Valimar

Valimar, with an urban population of around 220,000 inhabitants, covers the area of coast between Porto and Galicia as well as the towns in the Lima valley.
 
Because it is convinced of the economic benefit of developing the marine sector, Valimar has put itself forward as the project lead for North Portugal.
 
...to see the continuation
www.valimar.org

The two sides to Cornwall

The contrast between the south coast of Cornwall and its north coast is stunning. To the south, large inlets shelter ports and protect them against the whims of the Channel. Ports such as Falmouth, the Helford River and Fowey. Here exists an established, maritime way of life. When one passes over Land’s End, the western point of the region, the countryside changes again. With very little shelter, a coast battered by the winds and the swell of the sea – a paradise for surfers and other board wate...to see the continuation
www.cornwalltouristboard.co.uk
www.cornwallmarine.com
www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=29215

The Normandy Peninsular, a land of contrasts

We do not know much about the La Manche department and it is a shame, as the west coast of Cotentin is one of the prettiest coasts in France.
From the cliffs of the Nez de Jobourg, within a stones throw of the island of Aurigny, to the bay of the Mont St Michel, the countryside can change enormously within several kilometres. From the Chausey islands where the sea can fall and rise by as much as fifteen metres, to the island of Tatihou, the jewel in the Conservatoire du Littoral (Co...to see the continuation
www.manchenautisme.com/
www.cg50.fr/
www.manchetourisme.com/

The Finistère Region

Activities and days out to sail, swim, row, explore, surf, travel … rowing and Canoe-kayak on sea and fresh water, Sand-yachting, Kite-surfing, Diving, Surfing, Sailing and Day Cruising.
 

Heritage and Modernism

Finistère is a marine orientated region par excellence. Long term commercial sector, naval base, inland and deep sea fishing industry, marine distribution and navigation have all shaped the minds of this region for centuries.
 
The main de...to see the continuation
www.nautisme-finistere.com/accueil/accueil.asp
www.industrie-nautique29.com/accueil/accueil.asp
www.finisteretourisme.com/
www.cg29.fr/

Galicia, where the sea starts

One is not always aware, but the point furthest west on the European continent is in Galicia on the Finisterre Cape.
 
With nearly 2,500km of coast, the maritime heritage of Galicia is evident. The sea, place of work for commerce and the fishing industry has become recently a potential space for leisure. Today, the expansion of watersports is having an effect on this maritime heritage: school children are learning the technical basics, but also revisit their historical pas...to see the continuation
www.portosdegalicia.com
www.turgalicia.com
www.galicianavega.com
www.riasbaixas.org

Wales, best step forward

If one knows the history of Wales and its mining traditions, one is less aware that its coasts are among the most beautiful and natural in Europe.
For many years, the Welsh authorities have understood the appeal of watersport activities in terms of the development of the tourism sector.
At the same time, many modern watersport centres have sprung up offering a diverse range of watersports. Traditional sports such as sea-rowing have come to accompany sailing, but so have surfing and s...to see the continuation
www.visitwales.co.uk
www.waleswatersports.co.uk
www.northwaleswatersports.com
www.goodwillraid.com

North Portugal, between the rivers and the sea

The North of Portugal is opening up to watersports activities.
 
Even if, today, the watersport activities are not yet fixed in place as an essential part of the tourist economy, North Portugal knows that it has an important card to play in this area.
 
The boating traditions on the River Douro, one of the larger rivers in the region, the development of activities such as canoe-kayak or rafting, are perfectly complimentary with those activities typically found on ...to see the continuation
www.visitportugal.com/
www.visitportoandnorth.com
www.ccdr-n.pt