Is it a bird? Is it a fish? No, it’s a kitesurfer, riding the waves and soaring through the skies with a board on their feet and a power kite in their hands. This combination of air and water makes kitesurfing one of the coolest sports around, and we’re offering you the chance to try it out, or experience some great conditions and unique areas if you’re already a pro, here in the British Isles. You don’t have to travel to the tropics - there are plenty of places in the UK that are great for learning how to kitesurf, or showing off your skills, and the coast of East Sussex is highly recommended among them.

From miles of unbroken beaches in Brighton, to wide sandy bays at Camber Sands, East Sussex boasts numerous locations with enough space and wind to make this sport a good option. As well as that, ocean waves to flat water and everything in between can be found here, so all styles, preferences and abilities are covered. Finally, there are kitesurfing schools all along the coast where you can receive expert tuition and join the ranks of the coolest kind of surfers on the beach. The easy transport linked to London, high levels of sunshine throughout the year, and value for money are just bonuses!

Where are the best spots to go kitesurfing in East Sussex?

• Brighton: This hip seaside city is a place to see and be seen, but the beach of Brighton itself isn’t ideal for it's practice. Instead, you can go a short distance along the coast to Shoreham-by-Sea, a great place to get out onto the waves. The beach at Shoreham is long, and there are no rocks, piers or groynes that just out into the sea, leaving a huge, uninterrupted expanse of water where you can build up your confidence, and try this sport with some waves. On top of that, the beach is large and rarely busy, so there’s space for introductions to the kitesurfing equipment and techniques on dryland. Just beyond Shoreham is Lancing, where small waves and beachside facilities make this a popular spot for recreational and competitive kitesurfing. Both of these beaches enjoy a reliable sea breeze, thanks to the hills of the South Downs inland.

• Pevensey Bay: Between the resorts of Eastbourne and Hastings, Pevensey Bay is an open bay that stretches for 6 miles along the coast. Unlike the beaches in Brighton, it faces to the southeast, making it a perfect place to go kitesurfing when the wind blows from the east, but still a possibility with the prevailing southwesterlies. There are very good entry level waves here when the tides out. Another option in this area is Cooden Beach in Hastings.

• Camber Sands: The jewel in this sport crown in East Sussex, Camber Sands has it all. The land descends into the sea in a series of sandy shelves, which is great for chilling out on the beach, and catching waves of different sizes. In addition, a generous area is set aside specifically for this activity, so you don’t have to worry about avoiding swimmers and boaters. Behind the beach is the large Rye Lagoon, where flat waters and gentle winds make ideal conditions for beginners. When the wind doesn’t blow the way you want it to, there’s no cause for concern, because on the other side of the headland is Camber’s mirror image, Greatstone Beach.

Requirements to do this activity

If you’ve ever met a kitesurfer, your attention might have been drawn to their physique. Kitesurfing at a high level is a relatively high intensity activity which gets your legs, upper body and core pumping, but to get started in this sport it’s not necessary to be in peak physical condition. Besides, it’s a great workout, so by the time you're pulling off cool tricks and stunts you’ll have the beach body to go with it! You don’t have to have experience of surfing either, though this can help you to make predictions about the waves and the tides, so just turn up in one of our schools and start learning.

The initiation into kitesurfing can be quite tough, because there’s a lot to learn and different skills to master, but the good news is that you can get started from a young age. Schools on beaches take on aspiring kitesurfers from the age of 12 years old. Another way to make the first stages more enjoyable is to bring some friends. Most lessons take place with a ratio of 1 instructor to 4 students, but you can also organise them on an individual or couples level.

Options for organising an experience

- Some people say that it takes 12 hours to learn the basics of this sport, covering the different aspects of the equipment and the techniques, so for a full baptism into this sport, make a trip of it and come to East Sussex for a 2 or 3 day course. You can arrange this all at once, or take day courses of different levels on separate occasions. But you don’t have to commit to a full training programme from day one, because taster sessions that last between 1.5 and 3 hours are also on offer.

- This is a fantastic destination for beginners, but you’re also in luck if this isn’t your first time. Longer courses are available for those who take this sport seriously, while specialist training for intermediate or advanced kitesurfers can be organised at various locations. Of course, if you just want to get out there and enjoy the surf, you can hire equipment. This is usually organised by the hour.

- Finally, this isn’t the only kind of fun you can have with a kite here. On Camber Sands beach, you have the opportunity to enjoy kite buggying, where you can feel the power of the wind without getting your feet wet. You’ll go speeding across the sand and up the sides of sand dunes at speeds that you wouldn’t have thought possible!

Isn’t it time you tried your hand at the most awesome water sport out there? It’s easy to book with us, so go ahead and make a dream come true!