Wales is recognised for its scenic landscape, rich history and let's not forget the worlds first public human-made wave. But Wales also has an array of reef banks and mix of beaches to cruise down to.
This article will have you instantly putting Wales on your surfing bucket list. We’ll be exploring its charming coast to show you some great surf spot locations!
If you’re in need of any equipment this season, take a browse through our range of wetsuits and wetsuit boots. The extra neoprene will help to keep the cold away, so you can enjoy riding the waves for much longer.
Porth Neigwl
Otherwise known as Hell’s Mouth, which admittedly sounds pretty gnarly. Although it can be flat in the summer, the waves tend to be fairly consistent, and can reach up to eight ft on a bigger day. It’s suitable for professionals and learners.
The bay is four miles long and offers a different range of peaks, including some barrel waves. It has four main breaks, so you’ll be sure to find your wave when taking a walk.
Barmouth Beach
The waves here welcome all levels of experience as the beach break works in all tides. The only issue is that the surf quality heavily relies on the swell of the ocean. Rarely crowded, the beach is ideal during easterly winds, and the best swell is southwesterly.
Traeth Llydan
The small seaside village of Rhosneigr is a favourite for the surfing community in the area. In the right conditions, the beach becomes a surfer’s paradise. When surfing the south edge be wary of the rocks, there’s a sneaky riptide in the area.
We wouldn’t recommend starting your introduction to surfing here, but if you’re a confident swimmer and surfer, you should be sure to check it out. Try surfing at a low tide to get your bearings of the beach and the rocks.
Tywyn
Tywyn beach is located near Cardigan in Gwynedd. It’s a sandy beach that has a short but great window either side of high tide. It’s welcoming to beginners and experienced surfers.
The beach can be relatively quiet, so it’s great if you’re still working on your confidence in the water or are feeling like having a more chilled out session.
Do be wary of the wooden groynes along the beach.
Anglesey
An island of the northwest coast, Anglesey is well known for its beaches, as well as being home to some ancient sites. If you catch a southwest wind with a big swell, you’ll have Anglesey’s prime surfing conditions.
The best time to visit for a surf is in the winter. If you know where to look, you’ll find some great breaks. You’ll need some local knowledge to find out more about the coves.
Some well-known spots include:
Aberffraw
A southern spot situated in the northern island. The conditions to surf improve during the winter and when the tide is high, which protects it from the wind. Keep in mind the strong rips by the river mouth on the northwest end.
Cable Bay
Otherwise known as Porth Trecastell. The bay is very small and fairly popular with not just surfers but kayakers and bodyboarders as well. The beach received its name from the appearance of underwater cables from Ireland and America, which came ashore.
The surf is reasonably consistent all year round, and the beach breaks provide left and right-hand waves. It tends to receive a mix of groundswells and wind swells.
Surf Snowdonia
Unlike the other surf spots featured in this article, Surf Snowdonia is an artificial wave pool in the Conwy valley. It’s the worlds first commercial, artificial surfing lake.
It offers a safe, fun and friendly environment of all abilities and includes beginner, intermediate and advanced zones. Due to Covid-19 Surf Snowdonia isn’t open until the end of March 2021.
Llyn Peninsula
Porth Ceiriad
Found at the tip of the Llyn Peninsula, it’s situated in between Hell’s Mouth and Abersoch. It’s a lovely, remote beach that works it’s magic with southwesterly swells in the winter.
During a medium to high ride, it will provide large winter storms and hollow barrels. Its convenient placement is only a twenty or less minute walk away from the car park too.
Porth Oer
Otherwise known as whistling Sands. It’s a spot for those experienced surfers who relish in large riptides and currents. You’ll get the best out of this sweet spot during high tide when the breaks are at their best.
Traeth Penllech
Also referred to as Porth Colmon. This beach is admittedly inconsistent, but it’s great for beginners. The beach offers both left and right breaks, providing waves on each side.
The waves are more likely to come from local wind swells in comparison to distant groundswells. The offshore winds blow from the southeast, so this is the perfect conditions to surf.
We hope you’ve found some new spots to check out when the lockdown restrictions have eased! When you head over to any new surfing spot, be sure to get some local knowledge before entering the water. It’s always best to be safe than sorry!
Have we missed out any places out that you prefer? Be sure to let us know; we would love to hear about them!