From sailing to skiing, canoes to motor boats and more, Dave Richards offers some tips on how to get the most out of water-based activities in South East Wales.

With many water sports available in South Wales the area is a mecca for tourists and a magnet for people looking for their first taste of getting afloat.

Many open areas of water not actually accessible (e.g. rivers and lakes) so please check where you are allowed to go.

We have 300 rivers in Wales and we are only allowed to legally use 13 of them - poor stats I know, but that's how things are at the present time.

Another consideration if you are going with a company is to check that they are Royal Yachting Association (RYA) or Wales Tourist Board (WTB) accredited.

Other than that many of the local clubs will gladly let you try the sport and encourage you to become a member and get further training for the benefit of both yourself and other users.

In the UK it is not compulsory to be qualified, but it is always advisable to do so and again there are good training establishments who will teach you to RYA standards.

There are however many slipways that will not let you launch unless you have a qualified person and the correct insurance for your boat. This is to encourage people to get trained and promote good practice on the water.

There are three things that should however be remembered: