Surfing in Wales: A Guide to Catching the Best Welsh Waves

Get ready to dive into the exhilarating realm of surfing in Wales! Embark on this journey along the majestic Welsh coast to find diverse breaks, stunning landscapes and vibrant surf culture.

Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it’s unsurprising that surfing in Wales is hugely popular. With miles and miles of coastline and over 150 spectacular beaches, you’re sure to find a surfing beach that’s perfect for you.

Look forward to catching huge waves, thanks to the swell of the Atlantic, in some of the most beautiful places in the UK! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, the thrills are guaranteed!

Continue reading to find the best surfing in Wales spots below…

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Surfing in Wales FAQs
The Best Surfing in Wales
The Best Surfing in North Wales
The Best Surfing in South Wales
Surfing in Wales Map

Surfing in Wales FAQs

The Best Surfing in Wales

The Best Surfing in North Wales

1. Traeth Abermaw (Barmouth Beach), Barmouth, Gwynedd

Kicking off our comprehensive guide to the best surfing in Wales is the breath-taking Traeth Abermaw (Barmouth Beach). With long stretches of sand and unrivalled views across Cardigan Bay, this Welsh surfing spot is spectacular.

Famed for its variety of surf, Traeth Abermaw is a haven for both beginner and experienced surfers. At low tide, the smaller waves close to the shore prove perfect for perfecting your craft, whilst high tide brings dramatic swells ideal for thrill seekers.

This Welsh surfing spot is also one of Snowdonia‘s most popular seaside resorts! After exerting yourself in the surf, head to one of the many cafés or pubs to refuel or bask in the sun on the sand. There are even donkey rides along the coast; a traditional seaside activity!

2. Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth), Llanengan, Llŷn Peninsula

 

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Recognised as one of the most consistent surfing in Wales spots, Porth Neigwl better known as Hell’s Mouth is a must-visit for surfing lovers. Stretching over four miles, this surfing beach is a great alternative to the busier shores of the nearby Abersoch.

Everything you need for surfing in Wales can be found on or near this beach! Book lessons in advance with Abersoch Watersports for a proper introduction to surfing. You can even hire equipment nearby if you’re after a spontaneous surf!

As well as being one of the best surfing beaches in Wales, Porth Neigwl is a must-visit for watersports fans. Both bodyboarding and kayaking are popular here making opportunities to take to the water endless.

3. Traeth Llydan (Broad Beach), Rhosneigr, Anglesey

 

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Stretching up to a mile, Traeth Llydan is the smaller of Rhosneigr’s two beaches but is idyllic for keen surfers. Known locally as Broad Beach, Traeth Llydan is undoubtedly Anglesey‘s best surfing beach,

Thanks to its west-facing location, this part of the coast picks up any south-westerly swell making it a great spot to catch the best waves. The swell makes Broad Beach popular with kite and windsurfers who often frequent this surfing in Wales spot.

Despite being suited to more experienced surfers, beginners can book lessons with the experienced instructors at Gecko, who will guide you through the safer surfing spots on this beach.

The Best Surfing in South Wales

4. Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire

As well as being one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Wales, Freshwater West Beach also offers excellent opportunities for surfing in Wales. Renowned for its exposure to the swells of the Atlantic Ocean, this beach offers consistent surf.

The Welsh National Surfing Championships have even chosen this surfing beach in Wales as its host multiple times; a testament to the good surf here! However, due to the large waves here, Freshwater West is not recommended for beginners unless you are accompanied by a surfing school or instructor.

Enjoy catching the surf on this beach which may even look familiar to film buffs. The beauty of Freshwater West has drawn Holywood to its shores by featuring as a filming location in the Harry Potter series as well as Robin Hood and Their Finest.

5. Cwm Colhuw (Llantwit Major Beach), Llantwit Major, Glamorgan

Cwm Colhuw (Llantwit Major Beach) in Glamorgan is our next recommended spot for surfing in Wales. This delightful rocky beach lies on the outskirts of Llantwit Major overlooking the Bristol Channel with fairly dependable surf.

This surfing in Wales spot is popular amongst surfers due to its right-hand point break along the east side of the bay. This makes it a great choice for regular-footed surfers (those who stand with their left foot forward).

The beach is also backed by the Cwm Colhuw Nature Reserve which follows the cliffs and houses an array of wildlife; perfect for a South Wales coastal walk. Wildlife can also be found along the shore in rockpools left behind at low tide.

6. Rest Bay Beach Beach, Porthcawl, Glamorgan

With stunning coastal beauty and consistent swell, Rest Bay Beach in Porthcawl is a go-to destination for those seeking an exhilarating experience on the waves! Boasting a long sandy shore and powerful waves, it should come as no surprise that it makes our list of the best surfing spots in Wales.

Surfers flock to Rest Bay Beach throughout the year to take advantage of its varied breaks. Look forward to rubbing shoulders with friendly, seasoned surfers while waiting for waves on one of the best beaches in South Wales. You can even stick closer to the shore and join lessons with the Porthcawl Surfing School.

After a day full of fantastic surf, be sure to take a moment to admire the breath-taking views of the rugged coastline. On a clear day, you can even see all the way across Devon! This is truly an awe-inspiring surfing beach in Wales.

7. Manorbier Beach, Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

Looking for an idyllic surfing escape? Then Manorbier Beach is the place for you. Nestled in a picturesque bay, this beach offers uninterrupted views across the horizon as well as excellent surfing conditions.

Manorbier is sheltered from the wind by the towering cliffs on either side, making this surfing spot in Wales the perfect choice for days when other beaches are blown out by the wind. However, from the top of the cliffs, the surf can look bigger than it is; make sure to wander down to check it for yourself.

Following a day of catching the rugged waves at Manorbier, you can also travel up into the village to discover the magnificent Castell Maenorbŷr (Manorbier Castle). Here you can uncover the history of the Welsh castle, dating back to the 11th century!

8. Rhossili Bay Beach, Rhossili, Gower Peninsula

 

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Often considered one of the best beaches in Wales, Rossili Bay Beach is next up on our guide to surfing in Wales. Located in the charming village of Rhossili on the Gower Peninsula, this beach is undoubtedly a paradise for surfers!

One of the selling points of this surfing in Wales spot is the consistent waves all year round! As well as three miles of sandy shores you can also look forward to beautiful views across the sea. If you’re lucky, while catching waves you may even spot basking seals or dolphins in the surf.

The beach is also home to the historic wreck of the Helvetia, which was shipwrecked in 1887, and numerous coastal walks. Join the Gower Coast Path or the walking route to Mewslade Bay; both promise a refreshing walk and stunning views.

9. Whitesands Bay, St Davids, Pembrokeshire

The last spot on our guide to the best surfing in Wales is the Blue Flag award-winning Whitesands Bay. Nestled in the idyllic Pembrokeshire Coast National Park close to the UK’s smallest city, St David’s this is a hot spot for surfers!

With views above of the Carn Llidi the craggy hill above the beach, Whitesands is recognised as one of the best surfing beaches in Wales. Find the break at the Northern end of the beach and enjoy surfing alongside canoeists and bodyboarders who all frequent here.

With lifeguards throughout the summer months, you can safely enjoy riding waves surrounded by picturesque views. After a day full of surf, end the evening on the sand with a hot drink from the café and watch on in awe as the sunset casts a beautiful orange haze over the sky.

Surfing in Wales Map

Eager to book your next surfing break? Then check out these Welsh cottages! If you’re looking to stay right on the coast then these Welsh coastal cottages are perfect. For more inspiration on what to do read our Wales Travel Guide.