Welcome to Abersoch Sensation Magazine
Last summer I was lucky enough to be sitting on my surfboard waiting for the next set of waves at the wonderfully named Santa Claus Lane beach in Southern California . My son was alongside me and we truly could have been forgiven for thinking we were in wonderland as the sun streamed down from a blue sky , illuminating the Pacific Ocean , the golden sand on the shores and the Santa Ynez hills on the horizon . Our sensations were taken to the next level as a small pod of dolphins joined us in the breakers , dancing in the surf and sliding around our surfboards within touching distance .
It ’ s tempting to believe that nowhere in the UK could compare with this Pacific paradise .
Well a few short weeks ago I completed my first day as the new editor of Abersoch Sensation magazine - a long day spent getting to grips with how the magazine works and how it tells the story of Abersoch life in its own unique way . I felt pleased with the first day ’ s results as I put my paddleboard onto the car roof , took the road through Sarn Bach , on up to Bwlchtocyn and down the lane to Macroes beach .
With the westerly winds that blow across Abersoch , Macroes can be a wonderfully peaceful location , nestled in the sheltering crook of the headland . In the evening at the end of a long , sunny Abersoch day it can be particularly magical . Waving to the staff packing up for the day at Mickey ’ s Boatyard Beach Café I paddled out , hugging the shore until I rounded the old Lifeboat Station . Turning to catch the setting sun dropping low over Rhiw to the west , my eye was caught by a movement in the water alongside me .
Within moments I was surrounded by a huge pod of dolphins of all sizes . For a magical hour they put on an incredible show , sliding beneath my paddleboard , rolling in pairs in the swell , ‘ porpoising ’ in their familiar style - fins silhouetted against the Snowdonia skyline - and occasionally leaping fully clear of the water , the spray rolling off my wetsuit like pearls .
Welcome to Abersoch – North Wales ’ very own paradise . Just a short drive from some of the UK ’ s biggest cities and yet another world , offering locals and visitors alike experiences that more than compare with any Californian dream . On top of the beaches and bars and shops and incredible marine life , this summer Abersoch brings you Glass Butter Beach music and boardriding Festival , a full programme of beach-based athletic events , sailing regattas and Dinghy Week , crab catching , the mackerel race and a whole host of other highlights .
We ’ ve captured it all for you in your Abersoch Sensation Magazine , along with everything you need to know about all the exciting new shops , bars and cafes opening in and around the village , great beach reads recommended by our resident critic , ‘ How to Abersoch ’ features on Crabbing in the Harbour and Mackerel Fishing , another in our fascinating ‘ Legends ’ series and the first in a new ‘ Somewhere only we know ’ feature introducing you to the hidden beauty of the Cilan headland , here on the doorstep of the village .
Our cover shot by John Wormald from Totally Abersoch captures the timeless appeal of this amazing location . This issue also offers a real insight into the world of stunning interiors created by Rob David , our look at the local legend that is Manana ( and the local legends Chris and Leigh Hookes behind it ), and an insight into the fast-moving property market and all the new developments coming on stream .
Have a great summer with us in your own village of dreams ! The Editor
12 | Abersoch Sensationa Magazine | Summer 2016