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Wales is a fantastic place for surfing, despite the relatively cold water, we have some coastlines and beaches that seem to have been custom-made for good surf.

We’ve compiled a list of the safest places to go surfing in Wales, the list is aimed at complete beginners, but seasoned surfers may find some useful information for travel and accommodation.

Wales’ surfing beaches are quite often also popular with tourists and bathers. This double-edged sword means you can always find good facilities, but the water might get a bit crowded on fairer days. Where possible on this list of safe Welsh surfing beaches, we’ve included spots with lifeguards during the summer season, who should make sure that bathers don’t get in the way of surfers.

If you are completely new to surfing, and if you live in Wales, you really have no excuse not to give it a try! The water isn’t cold when you have a wetsuit on, and if you are worried about the cold you can also rent wetsuit shoes and gloves, these will keep your extremities toasty. Most of the beaches in this surfing article have surf schools and surf hire nearby, because for complete beginners, it’s always a good idea to get at least one lesson.

So in no particular order, click through to the next page and find some good places to have the best time of your life...

Whitesands, Pembrokeshire

Whitesands is one of the best beaches for surfing in Wales, waves can tower in the right conditions, and the shelter from the headland and Ramsey Island can make for a nice clean break. If you are going for a surfing trip in Pembrokeshire, then Whitesands is well worth a visit, especially in summer months when lifeguards are present.

The waves can reach a daunting height for beginners, if this happens you shouldn’t avoid going in the water, just make sure you don’t go out of your depth and ensure that your feet can always touch the sand. Your best bet in bigger waves is to stick closer to the beach and catch some of the smaller reforming waves, this way you won’t get in the path of the more advanced surfers, and you’ll be much safer.

On the beach you will find facilities such as toilets and a cafe, but if you venture further ashore, to St David’s, you will find some good little pubs and restaurants. If you’re looking for fish and chips then you’re in a prime location, and the city also hosts a few decent bistros for discerning taste buds.

Lleithyr Farm Campsite is your best bet if you want to spend a few days at the beach, the location of the campsite is just half a mile away from the great surfing spot of Whitesands. It will save you having to join the queue of single track traffic which backs up every day when the sun begins to go down.

Whitesands Surf School

Whitesands Surf Report

Where to stay in Pembrokeshire



Coney Beach, Porthcawl

Porthcawl’s Coney Beach is a well located surfing beach for those who are based in Cardiff and other eastern areas of Wales. Beware though, the break is not always the best at Coney Beach, in fact, it’s usually either really good or completely non-existent.

The sheltered beach means that you really need to get out at high tide to have a good time of things, but, like Whitesands, the shelter also means that the surf can be nice and clean in comparison to other beaches. For beginners, this is good news because you won’t be fighting in a sea of froth and white water.

Generally, because of the wind hitting the shores of Wales, sheltered beaches are a good bet for clean waves. Unfortunately they usually leave a lot to be desired in calmer weather. Unsheltered beaches in Wales are not always fantastic for surfing, as they can be blown out, which is a surfing term for when the waves are scattered and ruined by high winds. The wind can be useful for surfers, but primarily you want the wind to be blowing in the opposite direction of the incoming swell, that way, the force of the wind will hold up the waves for longer before they break.

Porthcawl will be a more suitable surfing destination either in Spring or early Autumn, Winter would be even better but you’re not likely to see any lifeguards around. The waves are smaller in high summer, and can often close-out. This means you won’t get a very long ride on the wave. Whilst this is annoying for seasoned surfers, it’s not a problem for beginners, as you won’t be aiming to surf across a wave. If your aim is just to paddle for a wave, catch the break, and stand up on the board whilst going in a straight line, then a smaller swell will usually be okay.

There are good facilities at Porthcawl, and there is plenty to keep you entertained if you have had your fill of surfing for the day. It’s not the most glamorous holiday destination in Wales, and is probably better for day trips.

Surf lessons in Porthcawl



Aberdaron, Llyn Peninsula

For surfers, or prospective surfers, in the north of Wales, Aberdaron is a quiet little beach on the Lleyn Peninsula. The village of Aberdaron itself has a good pasty shop, a newsagent, a pub, and a couple of good places to eat. If you want a bit of peace and quiet then Aberdaron is a great shout, mainly because it is located deep into the peninsula and not the easiest place in the world to find.

The little beach doesn’t have the biggest waves in Wales, and more seasoned surfers will prefer Hell’s Mouth, which is only a few minutes away, but the little waves are more than enough for beginners to get started on. When the swell is bigger, and the wind isn’t so harsh, the waves can be suitable for all standards. Most people who go to Aberdaron fall in love with the place, the people are friendly and there is a really nice atmosphere in the village.

It can be a little bit bleak when the sun isn’t shining, and there can sometimes be a harsh wind blowing across the peninsula. When the wind drops, you should explore the hills and countryside around Aberdaron and Uwchmynnydd.

A good place to camp or rent a caravan is Ty-Newydd Farm in Uwchmynydd; a three star touring and camping park with good facilities and a nice family atmosphere.

Ty Newydd Farm campsite

Places to eat in Aberdaron

Surf report for Aberdaron



Oxwich Bay, Gower

Oxwich Bay is the Gower’s beach for beginner surfers, if you aren’t massively confident about your swimming abilities then Oxwich bay is a good place to get a feel for surfing in Wales. On its day, this is one of the better places to surf in the south of Wales, you’ll know when this day is because the beach will become crowded by high tide.

It can be a bit frustrating trying to catch a break in Oxwich, it can be really flat at times, but when this is the case, there will usually be a bigger swell in some of the nearby beaches. I’m using Oxwich as a Gower umbrella beach in this article, for beginners, it’s a good place to start, but if the waves are no good then there are many more options within 10 miles.

It’s a glorious beach in summer, regardless of whether you are surfing or sunbathing, it’s well worth a visit. There is a car park nearby, as well as a few places for refreshments, and the beach has toilet facilities. If your trip is badly timed and the swell is tragic, then you can always find plenty to do in the Gower. Greenways Leisure park is a pretty good bet for camping and caravans, although the area hosts a number of decent hotels and B&Bs.

Greenways Leisure Park

Surf report for Oxwich Bay



Poppit Sands, Cardigan

Poppit Sands is just a beautiful beach generally, surf or no surf. It tends to have consistently small waves which are good for trying to get a short ride on. If you have no previous surfing experience whatsoever, then this is a good place to go. The beach is clean, the local people are very friendly, the facilities are good, and on the right day the waves can pack a small punch.

Stay on the west side of the beach, away from the river estuary, as there will be strong currents and rips near the estuary. Parking is rarely ever a problem at the beach, and Lifeguards are on patrol in July and August.

In terms of accommodation in Cardigan, the options are almost endless. If you like camping then you will find a number of good places to pitch, and if you prefer to stay in hotels, holiday cottages or B&Bs then you’re in the right place. The food is generally pretty great everywhere, particularly seafood, and you will find a number of good watering holes for sinking a well deserved post-surf pint. The area is family friendly, and there is a great deal to do for kids as well as for adults.

Places to stay in Cardigan

Surf report for Poppit Sands



Llangennith, Gower

You can’t talk about surfing in Wales without mentioning Llangennith. If there is any swell hitting the southern shores of Wales, then Llangennith will have a decent breaking wave height. The beach is suitable for all abilities and if you enjoy the beach when you are a beginner, the chances are that you will keep going back as you progress.

Llangennith sometimes reminds me of Gwithian beach in Cornwall, in that the paddle out can be a bit tough, especially if you’re riding on a board that is over 7-ft-long, and if the winds get high, the waves can get big and messy.

You fill find a number of surf schools at Llangennith, and as previously mentioned, it’s definitely worth having at least one if you are a complete beginner. Hillend campsite is a good nearby camping spot, or if you are down for a day trip then the parking is pretty good. It’s the Gower, so pubs and restaurants are in fine supply, and holiday cottages are probably the best choice for accommodation as you can have a hot shower and let the boards dry off in the garden before bringing them in for the night.

Surf report for Llangennith



Rhosneigr, Anglesey

Okay, so Rhosneigr is not the safest beach in the world, but if you are at the latter stages of being a beginner, and you know how to stay safe, this is a consistent spot for surfing in Wales.

It’s probably not the best place to surf in Wales for the first time, but when you are confident of your swimming and surfing abilities, and if you are with a few other people, then try this place out. You don’t have to be a pro to surf here, just have a bit of common sense and avoid going out of your depth until fully confident you can handle it.

It’s a good stepping stone from the tourist beaches to the quieter beaches, and the beach is fairly consistent for good waves. Beware of the rip tides, you will find these on almost every beach in the UK, but they can be a nuisance whilst surfing in Rhosneigr. Rips are not a problem as long as you understand how they work, it’s very rare that they will pull you away from the shore, and more common that a rip will pull you across the shoreline. When this happens, simply find a fixed point on the shore, and make sure you always try and stay in line with that fixed point. If you find yourself drifting then don’t panic, it’s okay to drift a bit, but just catch a wave back to the beach and walk back to your original spot.

The rip is strongest at the southern edge of the beach, and this is also where the rocks are, so just stay away from this end, plain and simple. It’s also a good idea to start surfing at low tide so you can see where the rocks are and get your bearings.

Probably not a family surf spot, but a good place to go with friends, especially if you stay sensible.

Surf report for Rhosneigr