Catch Some Air

LEAPING into the air, a kite surfer braves the waves off the North East coast.

High winds whipped up some extra waves at Tynemouth yesterday, bringing surfers out to enjoy the occasion.

Kite surfers rarely surf at Tynemouth, preferring the beaches around South Shields, which usually catch most of the winds.

Stephen McArdle, owner of Tynemouth Extreme surf shop, said: "Kite surfing is getting much bigger up here at the moment, but it depends on the weather. It's been great recently and they've been out in force."

The daredevil surfers use a lightweight surfboard that is strapped to their feet and connected by rope to a huge sail.

When conditions are favourable they can jump up to 40ft into the air.

Stephen, a kite surfer himself, added: "It can be quite dangerous. We would urge anyone thinking of trying it out to contact a professional shop first."

CAPTION(S):

SKY'S THE LIMIT: A daring kite surfer braves the chill and makes the most of the waves caused by recent high winds at Tynemouth Beach; PICTURE: OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA WIRE

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