"THERE is something special about the West of Ireland and Achill Island," says Frenchman Francois Colussi before he charges to the shore and dives into the crisp Atlantic waters.
The kitesurfer left France in 2006 and made Ireland his home - bringing his Pure Magic kitesurfing team with him to Achill, Co. Mayo.
Scroll down to see Francois kitesurf on Achill Island, the views are stunning...
"Mayo is one of the best places in the world for kite-surfing but there is more than that," he adds.
"The people, the landscape, the culture and way of life, I have travelled the world and have yet to find something so magnificent."
Francois Colussi preparing to kitesurf on Keel Strand, Achill Island.Colussi is the star of a new short film trying to capture the magic of Achill and Mayo and he shares his experiences in Ireland and the natural relationship between kitesurfing and the Atlantic.
The video, the first of five films due to be released, has been created by Glasgow agency Cut Media, who were behind the viral hit Danny MacAskill: The Ridge, which reached over 50million views on YouTube.
Kitesurfer Francois Colussi"Francois clearly loves Mayo and it’s easy to see why, " said Cut Media director Stu Thomson. “Everyone made us very welcome during the shoot and we’ve tried to incorporate that genuine warmth of the people in this film."
Each of the films, being released under #WildMayo on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, will feature a personal story of an athlete and showcase the scenery of Co. Mayo.
Francois takes to the water.The second in the series will be released on June 6 features Mayo GAA footballers Lee Keegan, Aidan O’Shea and Colm Boyle taking a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Triathlon medallist Con Doherty will be seen training in his native county in the third instalment, out on June 20 while films four and five will be released later in the year.
Fellow kitesurfer Sophie Mathews beneath Minaun Cliffs on Achill Island."While all the films are profile pieces on athletes, we wanted to tell authentic Mayo stories through people who know it best,” Thomson added.
Francois Colussi kitesurfing beneath Minaun Cliffs"Mayo is home to outstanding landscapes and the most welcoming people in Ireland," said Joanne Grehan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council who commissioned the films.
"The county is the ideal location to visit in Ireland for adventure and fun."
