A man who ditched his high-pressure job after a breakdown and depression went on to set up a kitesurfing school on Wirral.

For 13 years, Adam Crouch worked 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 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.

Wirral Globe:

Adam Crouch (left) during kitesurfing trip that took him to South Africa, Kenya and Spain. Picture courtesy of Adam Crouch

While kitesurfing in South Africa in early 2020, the Covid pandemic 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 scope out a potential base for kitesurfing and teaching in Wirral.

After falling in love with New Brighton, Adam set up Northern Kites at Wallasey Beach and an online water sports shop.

Wirral Globe:

Adam Crouch

Adam, 34, said: "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.

Wirral Globe:

Adam Crouch

"After being so free, lockdown was very difficult for me. As soon as we were allowed out I headed to 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."

Northern Kites offers taster sessions for those who want to learn, with countless five-star reviews and top rated school in the North.

Adam continued: "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."

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 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.

For details, visit https://northernkites.co.uk/