There are many beautiful surfing beaches to discover in Wales if you want to ride some waves in scenic surroundings.
It doesn’t matter if you are a first-time surfer or if you are a surf pro, there is a surfing beach in Wales that is perfect for you.
There are also numerous surf schools in Wales if you want to try surfing for the first time or improve your surf skills? Let the pros teach you how to ride the waves and be master of the ocean.
Check out our guide to some of the best surfing beaches in Wales and get ready to rock the Welsh waves.
Porthcawl, Glamorgan
Rest Bay in Porthcawl is a perfect location for a day surfing the waves. The waves here are mellow enough for beginning surfers, and Rest Bay provides perfect peaks with nearly every wave.
More experienced surfers may prefer Black Rock though? The beach here is sheltered which means that the best waves will be during high tide.
The winds off of the sheltered beaches work in the surfer’s favour, so it may not be worth the trip on a calm day with no wind.
Llangennith, the Gower
One of the best places for surfing in Wales is in the Gower. One of my favourite surfing spots in the Gower is Llangennith. It’s a picturesque spot to surf in with consistent waves that rival Newquay in Cornwall.
There are several breaks around the area to explore with wind swells and groundswells in equal measure.
Be aware that it can get quite crowded in the surf, so pay extra attention and care. Especially if you are a beginner surfer.
If you are new to wave riding why not book a surf-lesson with Big Blue Adventures?
These guys are the outdoor adventure specialists in Wales and offer a range of surf lesson options.
The surf lessons take place at either Rhossili Bay or Llangennith Beach and are around 2 hours long.
The lessons include all equipment, experienced instructor and training on the beach.
Manorbier, Pembrokeshire
If you have ever wanted to surf under the ruins of an old Norman castle, then Manorbier in Pembrokeshire is the awesome surfing spot for you.
There are mellow beach peaks perfect for the beginning surfer, and for those who are more advanced, there is a cool right-handed reef.
If you are new to surfing, the Outer Reef Surf School offers lessons that cover surfing basics and developing good techniques.
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
Home to the Welsh Nationals this beach has something for surfers of all ages and abilities.
The reef section of the beach break here is more suited to intermediate surfers and up, but the rest of the beach is perfect for surfers of all experience levels.
Surf Snowdonia
Surf Snowdonia is not technically a surfing beach, but it is sure to give you a day full of fun on the waves.
Surf Snowdonia is a freshwater lagoon with man-made waves occurring every 90 seconds so you will always be able to catch that perfect wave.
Surf Snowdonia has classes and one on one lessons for surfers of all ages and abilities from 5 years of age and up.
The lagoon is divided into sections so that surfers of all abilities can catch the waves all day long.
Surfing in this manmade surf lagoon definitely one of the most unique things to do in Wales.
Whitesands, Pembrokeshire
If you don’t mind a crowd and are looking for some bigger waves then head on over to Whitesands in Pembrokeshire for your surfing adventure.
This beach has waves of 10 feet or more on a fairly consistent basis, and the waves here are best at mid to high tide.
The views here are amazing, and there is a surf school as well if you are looking to advance your boarding skills.
Hell’s Mouth, Llyn Peninsula
While the name Hell’s Mouth [Porth Neigwl in Welsh], sounds a little intimidating, it’s actually a pleasant place to surf in the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales.
The name refers to the beach’s semi-circle shape and not to the waves
found here.
Hell’s Mouth is one of the more popular surfing beaches in Wales and is suitable for first-time surfers. The best surf swells here tend to happen in mid to high tide.
Tywyn, Gwynedd
This is a quiet beach if you are looking for somewhere to surf the waves without a crowd.
The swells at Tywyn in Gwynedd are pretty consistent and are best an hour or two before or after high tide here, and they are suitable for surfers of all experience levels.
Tywyn beach is relatively safe for surfing as it is a long straight beach with no rocks or tidal rip.
Where to surf in Wales?
Remember, when you surf in Wales, always be aware of rip tides, have proper surf equipment and keep an eye on weather conditions.
Always check the surf report before you set off, follow surf etiquette and try not to surf alone if possible.
Have you ever visited any surfing beaches in Wales? Which beach do you head to when you want to spend a day riding the waves? Let us know in the comments below.
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Really useful article, we both surf so we keep it in mind if we travel to Wales 🙂
Thank you, there are some beautiful surfing beaches in Wales to discover. I hope you can come surfing here soon? x