Some critics say it’s too cheesy, but the last James Bond Film to feature Pierce Brosnan, Die Another Day, holds a special place in our hearts. Part of that is probably down to the awesome, if over the top, surfing scenes. The story starts with Bond riding huge Pacific breakers to enter North Korea unnoticed, but the most memorable moment is when the secret agent escapes certain death by surfing a tsunami caused by a glacier collapse with the help of a parachute. It’s one of the coolest scenes in the history of British cinema, and we’re offering you the chance to recreate it - without the element of risk or the frozen waters of Iceland - by kitesurfing on the beaches of Merseyside.

Merseyside and its capital, Liverpool, share a long history with the sea. This was one of the most important ports and shipbuilding centres in the world, and Liverpool's docks are famous landmarks. But the county’s long coastline isn’t all industrialised and busy. There are beautiful beaches too, some of them with designated areas, and the right conditions, for kitesurfing. Most of them are on the Wirral Peninsula, which juts out into the Irish Sea between the estuaries of the River Mersey and the River Dee, but there are also opportunities to catch the wind and the waves north of the Mersey. This is a fantastic place to try your hand at the sport, without spending a lot of money, if you’re a beginner, or to enjoy some great locations if you already know what you’re doing.

What are the best kitesurfing beaches in Merseyside?

• Hoylake Beach: On the point of the Wirral, Hoylake boasts one of the best beaches for kitesurfing in the Northwest. It owes this status to its 2 kilometre stretch of unbroken sands which descend very slowly and steadily into the sea. The result is a huge area of water which is shallow enough to stand up in, but deep enough to do it on. On top of that, the winds that hit this beach are perfect for getting your kite into the air, allowing for long, satisfying runs across the waves. This is the destination of choice for many learners.

• West Kirby Beach: Just around the headland, on the River Dee side of the peninsula, is West Kirby Beach. It’s a smaller location, but it’s also quieter. Not manyewer sunbathers, swimmers and holiday makers come to this beach, and it’s not as well known as Hoylake among kitesurfers, so if you want to get some practice in without worrying about disturbing other people, or being disturbed, this might be your best bet. There’s also free parking near the seafront - very convenient!

• New Brighton Beach: Wide expanses of golden sands and views of the cranes of Liverpool’s docklands give this beach a unique character. It’s a popular spot for all kinds of beach goers, but luckily it’s large enough to accommodate windsurfing and more sedate activities with ease. At one end of the beach is Leasowe Bay, more off the beaten track and with beginner friendly flat water that doesn’t come up higher than your chest

• Ainsdale Beach: This is the best kitesurfing destination in Merseyside which isn’t on the Wirral. It’s a Blue Flag zone, backed by sand dunes, located just 15 miles from Liverpool city centre between Formby and Southport. It is possible here due to water of the right depth, manageable waves and reliable winds, and there’s an area set aside precisely for this pursuit. There’s an area on the sand for another kiting activity, buggying.

Options for organising an experience

- There are a couple of kitesurfing schools in Merseyside which boast great locations, market leading kit, and expert instructors - perfect for turning aspiring kitesurfers into the real thing. There are different ways to go about learning. The first is by starting with a 2 hour beach-based lesson, to learn about one of the two key components of this sport - the kite. Subsequent lessons will take you into the water to put your new found skills into practice with the addition of the surfing element. You can combine the first two sessions into one package that lasts 4 to 5 hours, and then continue with individual lessons or by enrolling in a course which might cover 5 to 6 days.

The other option available is a series of 3-4 hour lessons, each designed to introduce you to more elements of the sport, while giving you plenty of time to develop your skills and confidence.

- But it’s not just a place for beginners. There’s tuition available for intermediate and advanced level kitesurfers too. This is a fantastic place to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of your instructor and really work on your technique. Many people book some classes or a supervised couple of hours here to sharpen or refresh their skills before they jet off to some exotic part of the world on a kitesurf holiday.

Requirements to do this activity

As we’ve mentioned, all abilities will feel welcome in Merseyside, and the facilities, instructors and conditions are sure to make visiting a rewarding experience. Kitesurfing at a high level is a physically demanding sport, which puts every muscle in your body to the test, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be in peak physical condition to try it. When you’re learning, you’ll stick to the parts of the beach with gentler conditions, where most of the strain is taken, not by your body, but by the harness. With the wind speeds that you’ll experience in lessons, it’s not hard to control the kite with your hands. Having said that, it’s a great workout - so you will have a rocking body if you commit to the sport!

It’s impossible to get more than one person on a board, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t bring your friends with you. Alongside individual lessons, you can enjoy this sport with up to three other people. You might learn as much from their mistakes as you do from the instructor’s guidance!

This sport has a licence to thrill! Make a booking to find out what we mean.