Surfing In Wales
Surfing in Wales was first started in the 1950’s and fully established when the Welsh Surfing Federation was set up in 1973. With this long history of surfing Wales has some great facilities and surf schools setup to take advantage of the amazing beaches along it’s coast line.
Wales as a country is almost perfectly suited for surfing with 870 miles of coast line and upwards of 150 beaches. Now not all of these are right for surf, but there are a good number that are perfect and there is almost always somewhere that will work not matter where the wind and waves are coming from.
To highlight quite how good the surfing in wales is you only need to look at some of the great surfing champions they have produced. Over the years these have included Carwyn Williams, Pete Jones and Linda Sharp who have won a whole host of British and European surf championships and been regarded as some of the best surfers in the world.
If you’re a beginner and looking to learn surfing in Wales then you’re in luck as there are loads of surf schools right along the coast that have been set up by some of these surfing greats. And if you just want to give it a go but don’t have the right kit then don’t let that put you off as most of these places will hire surfboards and wetsuits throughout the year.
So, read on to find out where some of the best places for surfing in Wales are found and get yourself down there.
Surfing Beaches In Wales
Llangennith beach is a favourite spot for surfing in Wales with it’s 3 miles of golden sand and consistent waves. The waves are best when the wind is coming from the east and there’s a south westerly swell (not that when the wind is on shore the waves usually close out).
The beach itself is a beauty and was voted Britain’s best beach in 2013, so whether you’re surfing or not you’re in for a treat.
In terms of learning to surf in Wales Llangennith is certainly one of the best places as it has 3 surf schools that operate from the beach or who can rent you a board to do it yourself. More info on them in the full guide.
Check out the guide to surfing at Llangennith here.
Another fantastic place for surfing in Wales is Manorbier beach. Whilst not the largest beach, at only 165 meters, with it’s south westerly facing position it does pick up some great waves and fills up with surfers when the conditions are right. This is something to keep in mind as there are only around 40 car parking spaces, so try to get there early.
You do need to be aware of the current that runs from the beach but keeping that in mind it is still a good spot for beginners and improvers looking to advance their surfing in Wales. Outer Reef Surf School can help with this as they operate right from the area and also hire out surf equipment.
Read the full guide to Manorbier beach surfing here.
Hells Mouth, also known as Porth Neigwl, is another good surf spot in Wales further up the coast to the North. In the winter and spring the surf is fairly reliable with waves coming up the coast into the south west facing beach. The northern end of the beach is where you’ll find the biggest waves which can get up to almost 8 foot on very big days.
The beach is a 4 mile stretch of sand that is considered a swell magnet, picking up anything that is passing along the coast. There’s a surf school for those looking to learn and a car park for easy access, but other than that there aren’t too many other facilities until you get into Llangengan where you can find a pub.
Check out the guide here.
Map Of Surfing Locations In Wales
Other Places For Surfing In The UK
Interested in other places that you can surf in the UK? Check out our guide with an interactive map showing all the surfing locations across the UK with links to guides for each place. And if you have any questions feel free to send us a message.