In recent years, the sport of kitesurfing has become more and more popular, with many people realising the mental health benefits of getting out on the water. Testament to this is the story of Adam Crouch, 34, who ditched his high pressure job in London following a breakdown to set up the Wirral’s only licenced kitesurfing school, Northern Kites, in New Brighton.
For a kitesurfing taster session call 0151 662 0316 or message Northern Kites on FACEBOOK!
For 13 years, Adam was working in Construction Project Management in London — a dangerous job that consisted of demolishing buildings, strict health and safety guidelines and tight deadlines. The high pressure role, including an incident that almost led to the death of himself and two other co-workers, finally resulted in a breakdown and depression.
Adam explained: “Over 13 years in the job, paired with the fast paced lifestyle of living in London, took a massive hit on my mental health which led to depression and a breakdown. While on a kitesurfing holiday to help improve my health, I decided to hand my notice in at work. At the start of that final week there was an incident which nearly led to the death of myself and two other workers. That was the final sign and I knew I had to leave.”
For a kitesurfing taster session call 0151 662 0316 or message Northern Kites on FACEBOOK!
Adam decided to take three months off on a kitesurfing trip, taking him to places such as South Africa, Kenya and Spain. He trained as a Kitesurfing Instructor and spent the summer of 2019 in Greece teaching people the sport — falling in love with the kitesurfing life and vowing never to return to the rat race.
While kitesurfing in South Africa in early 2020 Covid began, so Adam returned home, but within two weeks of returning lockdown hit — plunging him into depression again. As soon as the lockdown was lifted, he decided to visit the Wirral to scope out a potential base for kitesurfing and teaching and the rest, as they say, is history.
For a kitesurfing taster session call 0151 662 0316 or message Northern Kites on FACEBOOK!
Adam explained: “After being so free, lockdown was very difficult for me. As soon as we were allowed out I headed to the Wirral to scope out where it was possible to kitesurf. I found an amazing community of kitesurfers, but there was no kite school. Word got out that I was an instructor and the demand for lessons skyrocketed. This was the start of Northern Kites in Summer 2020.”
For a kitesurfing taster session call 0151 662 0316 or message Northern Kites on FACEBOOK!
After falling in love with New Brighton, Adam set up Northern Kites at Wallasey Beach — the only licenced kitesurfing school in Wirral and North West of England— and following this an online water sports shop. Northern Kites offers taster sessions for those who want to learn, with countless 5 star reviews and top rated school in the North.
For a kitesurfing taster session call 0151 662 0316 or message Northern Kites on FACEBOOK!
Adam explained: “I’ve really found my home here back in the North West doing what I love and it’s been amazing getting so many people involved in kitesurfing. Kitesurfing is really good for mental health, as well as fitness, getting out in nature and the social aspect of it. The scene here in Wirral is growing massively and we’re planning lots of community events and kitesurfing competitions. We have a new watersports club being developed at the West Cheshire Sailing Club site too.”
He continued: “Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t pursued my dream of kitesurfing. The truth is I’d probably be dead due to the sheer pressure and stress from my old career. I was in a really dark place and had bad thoughts, but now I’m a lot happier and want to show others the mental health benefits of getting out on the water.”
For a kitesurfing taster session call 0151 662 0316 or message Northern Kites on FACEBOOK!
Wirral’s water sports scene is growing at a rate of knots — with an ever increasing community of sailors, kitesurfers, surfers, stand up paddlers, kayakers, cold water swimmers and others. Adam is a key part of this growth and is on a newly formed committee at West Cheshire Sailing Club to help develop it as an all encompassing water sports hub.
Adam’s Northern Kites is based on Coastal Drive in New Brighton, Wirral, and offers taster sessions, lesson packages and has a water sports shop to get all the gear required to go out independently. Anyone interested in giving kitesurfing a try can contact Northern Kites via their website or social media pages.
Northern Kites / Coastal Drive, New Brighton, CH45 3PZ / 0151 662 0318
For the kitesurfing school and online shop visit the Northern Kites WEBSITE!
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