Here are four recommended Indo surf spots for those who want to travel between September and February.

Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach offers a shore break with fast, powerful waves. The winds blow from the southwest to the east during the wet season, creating great surf sessions. Though the average waves are only 2-4 feet, this surf spot is not recommended for beginners due to the power and speed of the waves.

Serangan Beach

Serangan Beach also offers a shore break. The waves here are fat, fast and powerful during the wet season. Like Sanur Beach, the waves here also average 2-4 feet but it’s recommended that surfers be at least Intermediate surfers to take on the waves here.  Serangan Beach is located on the island of Serangan, which is about 25 minutes away from Denpasar.  Serangan Island is connected to Bali Island via a bridge.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is another Indo surf spot not to be tried by beginners.

“There’s always a wave, and often it’s big. Nusa Dua is a swell magnet and sometimes it’s too big, in fact Nusa Dua is known to have the biggest rideable surf in Bali, and much of Indonesia. These days, local fishermen offer surfers a lift out to the break for 5,000rp ($0.50). It’s a great deal considering how far out the break is, and allows for many people to get out there that would otherwise think twice. Nusa Dua can be a beast of a wave. The wicked current and rogue set waves can wash a surfer down the entire reef before he or she even gets a wave.”  Read more on Surfline. 

 

Keramas Beach

If you’re pro-level surfer in search of powerful, fast barrels, Keramas Beach is your Indo surf spot. Be warned, though, the end section gets really shallow and you’ll need to navigate sharp reef and sea urchins. Read more about Keramas Beach from Bali Surf Advisor.

It’s also cheaper to travel to Indo surf spots during the wet season.  Hotels are generally less expensive and a flight from Los Angeles to Bali is about $500 less in January than it is in July.  Visit Expedia.com to plan your Indo surf trip.

To learn more about surfing Indo during the wet season, visit Bali-Surfing.

Sadly, when we arrived it was flat. But a local recommended we drive south about an hour to a small beach town called El Palmar. Once there, we were thanking Mother Nature that Cadiz had been un-surfable because to us, finding El Palmar was like Indiana Jones finding the Holy Grail. It was what I would characterize as the perfect surf spot. Not necessarily perfect surf, but perfect surf spot.

I’ve avoided writing about it for six months now because I want to keep it to myself. Once we start writing and talking about El Palmar, everyone’s going to swarm there and this natural, unspoiled surf spot will become a Huntington Beach or Nosara Costa Rica. But I can’t get my expense check if I don’t produce the work, so here’s the scoop on El Palmar; my ideal spot to surf in Spain.

El Palmar is located 5km north of Vejer and is the Surf capital of Andalucia. Unknown by non-Spanish visitors until recently, El Palmar is becoming more popular for its laid-back atmosphere and unspoiled landscape. The dunes and foliage are being carefully preserved with elegant solid wooden walkways leading to the beach. The sand is golden.  So writes the tourism board for the Andalucian region of Spain

By American standards, the wooden walkways wouldn’t be described as elegant.  They’re your basic, wooden beachside walkways like the ones you find in Florida or the Carolinas. But just the fact that they proudly promote the walkways as elegant provides insight into the quaintness or provincialism of El Palmar. The tourism site also promotes their “huge variety of bars and restaurants.” We counted about five.

All that said, if I were to imagine the perfect surf spot, it would look like El Palmar.

One small, paved road runs along the beach. Across the road there’s one surf shop, Kotadalu Surf. They don’t speak English in the shop but the surf instructor speaks English and he’s more than happy to translate. In fact, everyone in town seems happy to help you in any way they can. It’s very chill and friendly.

There’s a hostel and a small bar/restaurant next door to Kotadalu where they do speak a little English. I ordered a Corona and asked if it was legal to carry it across the street and drink it while sitting on the beach. The response, “You can do whatever you like here.”

Further down the road (as in a 3 minute walk) was Casa Francisco el de Siempre, a white-linen tablecloth restaurant which served, as you can imagine, the freshest seafood. The white-linens seemed out of place, especially when we and the other guests, were in shorts and flip-flops. We were eating lunch. Perhaps there’s more of a dress code at night, but somehow I doubt it.

If you need lessons or to rent a board, there are also four surf schools in town. But don’t look for buildings. Each surf school is a board rack with a sign along the side of the road. If they’re open, there will be boards in the rack. If the rack’s empty, they aren’t open that day.

The beach is a three-mile stretch of pristine, white sand and the surf is best suited for beginners-to-intermediates. On a clear day, you can see the coast of Africa.

“I have found good waves on this coast year round. I have been travelling here for over 10 years. Winter is definitely the best as it has the consistency and conditions to beat most of northern Europe although it can lack the size of Portugal. Many “secret” waves along this coast and in some surprising locations quality barreling waves in plain view that are rarely surfed. The major hurdle here is the swell direction. The less west in the swell the more the size will decay as it wraps around point Zagres in Portugal. Although this same wrap can turn a huge messy Portuguese storm swell into classic ground swell for Costa del la Luz.”

The best time to visit El Palmar is November to February. During those months there are regular swells with 5 – 6 1/2 foot waves.  March to May delivers occasional swells and the waves are approximately 3 feet. June to August is the worst time for surfing El Palmar. It’s usually flat and when there are wavees, they’re less than 1 1/2 feet.  September to October offers the occassional swell with 1 1/2 foot waves.

Many people would argue that the perfect place to surf in Spain is on the northern coast, in San Sebastian. I won’t disagree that the surf in San Sebastian is amazing, but for me, the surf is only part of the experience. For the entire experience, my vote goes to El Palmar as the perfect place to surf in Spain.

Whether you travel to Spain, Costa Rica or the coast of the USA, you can Earn FREE Travel with the Expedia Rewards program! Why not sign up? It’s free to join!

Originally from Hawaii, Takayama was best known for his longboards and perhaps his greatest recognition was in the 90’s when Joel Tudor chose Takayama’s boards to compete. Though he may have gained his greatest recognition then, Takayama was shaping – and riding- boards well before that time.

In fact, he began shaping surfboards when he was only seven years old. When he was 12 he moved to the mainland where he got a job in Venice Beach, CA with Velzy-Jacobs. That company would eventually split and Takayama went with Jacobs Surfboards which located themselves in Hermosa Beach.  

Like most entrepreneurs, Takayama found his way to his own surfboard company after stints at Bing and Weber Surfboards. It was the late 1970s when Takayama gave birth to Hawaiian Pro Designs which would draw in Pipeline Master Joey Buran and renowned surfers David Nuuhiwa and Dale Dobson, all of which looked to Takayama for their boards.

But Takayama wasn’t only known for his shaping. He was also known as an accomplished surfer.He placed 3^rd twice (1965 and 1966), 4^th once (1964) and 5^th once (1967) in the US Surfing Association’s year-end ratings. In 1971, 1972 and 1973 he won the Masters division of the U.S. Championships.  

More than anything else, though, among those who knew him, Takayama was  “A fun-loving guy, he enjoyed jamming the penny slots and letting them roll. He experienced his travails, many in plain view for us all, yet he was universally loved and respected—a sweet, sweet man who was Hawaiian-style, generous to a fault, giving to those he felt worthy, and, finally, a teacher—the highest attainment of the human condition.”  Surfers Journal  

RIP Donald Takayama | 1944 – 2012

Read an interview Takayama did with Liquid Salt in 2010.

Many of these Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, & Marines lost limbs, were burned, have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or have PTSD from serving in operations overseas. Our police and firefighter heroes were injured here at home in the line of duty. All will come to experience something most thought they could not do. AmpSurf’s trained instructors, along with professional and local surfers will provide surf instruction for Operation Restoration.

AmpSurf’s goal is to Promote, Inspire, Educate, and Rehabilitate through the healing power of the ocean and adaptive surfing.

This marks the 7th year of our Operation Restoration event, and the tenth year AmpSurf has been putting these events together.  AmpSurf’s events have grown from only serving a few to now serving over 450 people a year. Some of our past participants had this to say about their experience after learning to surf with AmpSurf:

“…I finally feel like I am able to do a sport again, after just about giving up on everything. I was very rewarding! Thanks again!” Wounded Warrior Andrew Mitchell

“… it sure was a blast this summer and thanks for all your help, Ian and Greg and the rest of the crew at AmpSurf…” -Veteran Brian Foss

“As a first time volunteer I didn’t know what to expect. My day helping disabled veterans is one I’ll never forget. It was so emotional, I was thrilled and honored to be there. I can’t wait to volunteer again soon.” – Volunteer Josh Caplan

Activities will start with a Meet & Greet on Friday evening October 5^th at the Moose Lodge in Pismo beach from 6-9pm ($10 tickets available at the door), Opening ceremonies will be held at the Pismo Beach pier Oct. 6^th at 8:30am, an invocation will be performed by Pastor Ron Kennedy, a flag ceremony by Central Coast Leathernecks.

Keynote speakers will address the event crowd along with singing of the national anthem by Deanna Delore.

Surf instruction will follow on both Saturday and Sunday. The participants will also have the opportunity to go kayaking with Central Coast Kayaks, go fishing at Lopez lake, and participate in other fun activities.

The event will close Monday evening October 8^th with a luau at the Mongo’s in Grover Beach from 6-9pm.

The public is invited to show their support and join the participants for the meet and greet on Oct. 5^th as well as the luau on the 8th.  Luau  Tickets are available here.

Also please come out and show your support at the beach from 8am-1pm Oct. 6^th & 7^th. Many have stepped up to help, but more volunteers are still needed.

Some of the sponsors of this event include, The City of Pismo Beach, The County of San Luis Obispo, PG&E, The Boutique Hotel Collection including the Cliffs and The SeaVenture, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Hoagies Sandwich Shop, Kiwanis Club of Arroyo Grande, Welcome Home Military Heroes and many more.

Support is still needed and would be greatly appreciated.

To donate and support this event and our program please click here.

Clinic Information:

Location: We will be located on the south side of the Pier in beautiful Pismo Beach. We will have a pop-up located up on the promenade south of the pier for sign in and information. We will have 1-2 pop-ups on the beach just south of the pier where dryland surf instruction will be given.

Directions:
Coming North-

US-101 N
Take ramp toward PRICE STREET
Bear Right on PRICE ST
Turn Left on POMEROY AVE
Follow Pomeroy to PISMO BEACH PIER

Going South-
US-101 S
Take HINDS AVE/PRICE CYN RD exit
Turn Right on HINDS AVE
Turn Right on PRICE ST
Turn Left on POMEROY AVE
Follow Pomeroy to PISMO BEACH PIER

Parking: No parking will be provided for this event. If you wish to park on the pavement by the pier the cost is $8 for the day. Free parking is available in the Addie St. lot south of the pier and is only a short walk along the promenade.

Volunteers are always needed. Ideally we need a 3:1 ratio of volunteers to participants sometimes 4:1. If you’d like to volunteer, Please register on line and fill out the volunteer form. Please email us at volunteer@ampsurf.org if you need more information. 

Sponsors, please contact us at sponsor@ampsurf.org, or (805) 773-0302 to learn how you can help. We also welcome any charitable events or fundraisers to help support our efforts.

10/5 6:00-9:00pm Meet & Greet- The Moose Lodge in Pismo Beach

Participants, families, volunteers & sponsors come together to enjoy
a great chicken dinner and have an opportunity to meet one another
before the event gets started Saturday morning.
Please join us as we meet our participants and honor our sponsors.
$10 for adults at the door,$5 for children under 13 at the door
(Sponsors, Participants and their families are free)

10/8 6-9:00pm Farewell Luau at Mongo’s

Please join us as we say good-bye to our participants and bring this years event to
a close. Mongo’s Saloon and Sports Bar will be our host for a farewell Luau and closing.
(Participants and their families are free)
Order tickets for the Luau here.

When I was in Portugal earlier this year I met several surfers who had been in Morocco and they said it was a great time. And after reading Gavin McOwan recount his visit to the surf spot Taghazout Morocco in the British newspaper Guardian,  I’ve elevated it on my priority list.

I was staying with Surf Maroc, a British-owned outfit who have created a mini empire in Taghazout, Morocco’s leading surfing beach, just north of Agadir. It has surf camps (including a girls-only week), yoga-surf retreats, lessons and equipment hire, and a choice of four places to stay (all on the beach), from basic hostel-style rooms to a comfortable villa with a pool and hammam. There is also a daily sunset yoga class to help surfers stretch after a hard day in the water, which I’d joined shortly after my arrival.

Villa Taghazout, where I stayed, felt a bit tired and in need of a refurb (choose the lovely Villa Mandala if you’re here to relax rather than party) but the overall level of service is unbeatable for the price—surf packages cost from £275 a week.

For dinner, big tasty helpings of Moroccan food are served at a communal table where everyone chats about which beach they’ve been to that day (surfers are divided into groups depending on their level).

Surf Maroc’s next project will be a notch up from this successful communal, happy-camper formula, however. Amouage, which will open at the end of the year overlooking Anchor Point, Morocco’s most famous wave, is its first purpose-built property and—with its swanky, ocean-front infinity pool, yoga centre and rooms with balconies overlooking the water—will be the country’s first boutique surf pad.

Surfing naturally attracts chilled-out types (as co-owner Ben put it: “It’s not like we’re running golfing holidays for fat cats”) and there was a lovely easy vibe to Surf Maroc. Many of the surfers I spoke to were returnees.

This friendly approach extends to the excellent surf instructors. My first one-on-one lesson was with Lisa, an easygoing South African ex-pro who had that teacher’s gift of filling you with confidence. She had coaxed me into the water and on to my board before I had time to feel daunted. I didn’t get to my feet on day one but Lisa convinced me I’d made fantastic progress, even telling everyone back at the villa that I was “a natural”—though we both really knew I was as lithe as a beached whale.

Day two: different teacher, different style. Youness is a local who has been with Surf Maroc for five years. He was great fun but also intense and analytical, giving feedback after every wave I caught: “Hands further up the board!”; “Paddle harder!”; and, time and again “Don’t look down at the board!” A couple of guys who have surfed all over the world told me Youness was the best instructor they have ever had.

Read McOwan’s complete story – and whether he got up while learning to surf.

The occasional spatter of turmoil in some North African countries may discourage you from traveling to this surf spot in Taghazout, Morocco. But don’t let this get to you. While no country is perfect—there’s crime everywhere, including Morocco—most recent travelers to Morocco agree that it is generally safe for foreign visitors, as reported here.

If you want to plan a surf trip to Morocco, I recommend the travel website Expedia. We use Expedia for all of our travel because you can book with confidence thanks to the Best Price Guarantee from Expedia.com  The nearest airport to Taghazout is Agadir international airport (AGA).

Trestles

Unique features: There are three distinct breaks here, called Uppers, Lowers and Middles. Each features a high-performance wave, which also attracts huge crowds almost all year long.

Who surfs here: Everyone takes advantage of one of the finest breaks in the nation.

Ability needed to survive: Intermediate

Oceanside Harbor

Unique features: It’s a beach break with solid surf between two jetties that typically holds form.

Optimal season: Any time

Who surfs here: Shortboarders. Lots of ’em.

Ability needed to survive: Novice

Oceanside Municipal Pier

Unique features: This is a popular contest site because of easy access and the ability to accommodate crowds. Slightly inconsistent, but it can get good when the wind dies down and the swell is right.

Optimal season: Any time

Who surfs here: Pretty much everyone

Ability needed to survive: Not much

D Street

Unique features: Quiet spot that’s rarely crowded, but can produce a fantastic wave. As at most good breaks, the crowds will come when the surf is good.

Optimal season: Summer and winter

Who surfs here: Locals

Ability needed to survive: Intermediate

Swami’s

Unique features: Premier point break that produces a slow-rolling wave. Swami’s is one of the most popular, well-known spots in San Diego, and it can get extremely crowded.

Optimal season: Fall and winter

Who surfs here: Local longboarders regularly and just about everyone when it gets big.

Ability needed to survive: Intermediate to advanced

North County Times shares five more So Cal surf spots. If you’re from SoCal, do you agree with the surf spots that made the list? Do you have another surf spot in Southern California that you’d be willing to share?  If you don’t live in Southern CA but would like to visit, you can save up to $525 when you book your flight and hotel together at Expedia.com!

Our favorite surf spot in Portugal was Sagres.  We stayed at the Algarve Surf Camp where Zara took great care of us. If you want/need your privacy, there’s one double room you can rent. Otherwise there are rooms with 4-or-6 bunk beds. There are four bathrooms with three showers.

There’s no air conditioning, but when we were there it wasn’t uncomfortable.

The camp draws an international crowd. While we were there we met people from Norway, Germany, Italy, Costa Rica and the U.S.

Breakfast and lunch are included in your stay and there’s a fridge where you can put your own food to cook for dinner and a fully functional kitchen. BBQs are frequent and you can pitch in and participate in communal dining or cook for yourself if you prefer.

If you’re looking for more creature comforts than a surf camp offers, check out the Meemo Hotel. They have a surf center right in the hotel where you can rent boards, sign up for surf classes and get transfers from the hotel to the surf spots.  The one down side to Meemo is that the only internet service is in the lobby so no chilling in the room at night and talking with friends back home or checking your Facebook.

Ready to go to this great surf spot in Sagres Portugal? Book your trip now and Book with confidence thanks to the Best Price Guarantee from Expedia.com

“There are a handful of surf spots around Taiwan. The waves are larger during the winter, from roughly November to April. The summer waves are knee to waist high only on good days. Just before and after a typhoon comes close to the island the waves can reach over 12 feet. Typhoon season usually lasts from late May through September.

Many foreigners complain about bad experiences at Honeymoon Bay. There are plenty of stories about locals breaking foreigner’s surfboards, large fights, and bad vibes. Honeymoon Bay is like anywhere else- some agressive locals, crowded during the summer, and lots of friendly people. Respect is the key.”

If you’re still reading — and still thinking about checking out surf spots in Taiwan, here’s what Collardey, has to say about Honeymoon Bay:

“The beach at Honeymoon Bay is rocky with spots of black sand and uncomfortable. The rocks usually cover the shoreline and skimboarding is not an option, although somedays there are large sandy areas along the shore. There is no coral at Honeymoon Bay.  The typhoons during the summer months destroy the sandbars, reducing the area where good waves break. The sandbars build back up over the winter.

The main reason to go to Honeymoon Bay is for the waves. On good days waves break on the left, the right, or in the middle of the bay. The waves at Honeymoon Bay tend to break more hollow than other spots in Taiwan.”

He continues with a review of Dock Bay.

“This spot is just North of Honeymoon Bay at the North end of the sea-wall. Dock Bay is only surfable during large swells. This left peels perfectly nearly every time across the Bay. There is no beach here. Just in front of where the wave breaks are large boulders shaped like giant tacs. Dock Bay is a dangerous break.”

But maybe Adam Collardey is exercising a bit of localism himself because you couldn’t find a more opposing report on Taiwan Surf Spots than the one shared by freelance adventure travel writer, photographer, and blogger Matt Gibson.

“Taiwan isn’t well-known for surfing, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any. Taiwan has some epic breaks, especially along the rugged Pacific-facing East Coast. Fortunately for visitors to Taipei, there are also several surf spots near the capital.

If you’re an experienced surfer or have a bit of time, then you’ll probably want to head east to nearby Yilan where there are several breaks and good waves.

If you’re a beginner or short of time then you’ll want to head to Taipei’s closest break, Jinshan, which is just 40 minutes by car from the city, and a little over an hour by public transport.”

To be fair, everyone has a different perception of what constitutes a good surf spot. So if you are thinking about checking out a surf spot in Taiwan, be sure you do a little research and know where you’re going and what to expect. Click the links to both Matt and Adam’s posts and check out the reviews on WannaSurf.

Have you surfed Taiwan?  If so, please share your experience below.  For me, if I find myself in Taiwan I might check it out, but based on what I’ve read, I won’t go out of my way to add Taiwan to my list of must surf spots.

“On Saturday August 18, 2012 Waverider Auctions will hold one of the largest main land surf charity auction events in history. Charities benefiting from a percentage of the auction fees will be: The International Surf Museum, The Surfrider’s Foundation, Wounded Warriors Project and CHOC Hospitals, according to Seth Schiller, producer of the event.

“Since Southern California was so critical to the birth and explosive growth of America’s surf industry, it’s no surprise it’s also home to some of the most rare and valuable surfboards in the world,” says Schiller.

Surfing is one of the world’s greatest ocean sports. It spread around the world throughout the late 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. The surf era between the late 1950’s through the late 1970’s represented the fasting growing period in the industry and spawned a number of surf legends that are still well known and respected in the industry today.

Some of these legendary surfboard shapers, surfers, surf shops and private owners are offering their rare, private collections to be auctioned off for this historic surf charity auction event, “The 2012 U.S. Vintage Surf Charity Auction and Ocean Art Sale.”

History will be made on a number of fronts. According to Mr. Schiller they will be auctioning off an original Bob Simmons surfboard. The last Simmons that sold at auction went for $40,000 in 2009. We could get bids in excess of $60,000 for this board, making it one of most expensive and valuable surfboards in the world.

“In order to assure a successful event and raise the most amount of money for charity, we’re inviting every famous, wealthy celebrity and sports figures we know that surfs, including Matthew McConaughey, Adam Sandler, Jeff Bridges, Anthony Keidis, David Beckham, Cheryl Crow, Cameron Diaz, Minnie Driver, Reese Witherspoon, Mine Suvari, Jack Johnson, Ashton Kuthcher, Lindsey Lohan, Helen Hunt, Jennifer Aniston, Lady Gaga, Chris Isaak, Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper, Andrian Greier, Eddie Cibrian and of course Jimmy Buffet and Gerard Butler,” says Schiller.

The live auction will run 5–9 p.m., August 18, 2012. The Ocean Art show, surf rock concert and public viewing of the historic surfboards up for auction will be from Noon to 4 p.m.”  Read the original story here.

Mark your calendar for this grand surf charity event next week in Huntington Beach. If you’ve always wanted to have something that once belonged to your favorite surfer, this auction may just be the place to get it! For further details and questions on the surf charity event, click here.

Wales is home to some of the UK’s best beaches, boasting 41 blue flag beaches, and the coast of Wales provides top surf spots for beginners to world-class pros.

If you’re curious about a trip to this U.K. country, here are recommended surf spots from The Guardian grouped according to skill level and the reviews are courtesy of SurfWales.com:

Beginner Surf Spots

Llangennith, Gower Peninsula
Exposed west facing bay, picks up any swell. If there are going to be waves anywhere on the Gower Peninsula, they’re going to be here. Because of this its very popular and there;s usually a crowd here all year around. That said, it’s big enough to handle it most of the time. There are several peaks with lefts and rights scattered along the beach, breaking over sand. A good wave for all levels of surfer, and can barrel in the right conditions. Easterly winds are offshore and there’s usually a peak at any stage of tide. If the swell isn’t clean the waves can be a choppy mush of whitewater. If the swell is too big its a soul destroying paddle out, one of the worst, and its not uncommon on such days to see broken people crawling home.

Borth, mid Wales coast
Large west facing beach works throughout the tide. A great beach for beginners, there’s not much to worry about. It breaks over sand and shingle and the locals are really friendly. Access is easy, just head for Borth! Lots of parking along the whole waterfront.

Whitesands, Pembrokeshire coast
Popular beach break in a great location. A very popular beach, especially in summer when it can be almost impossible to park here. This west facing beach picks up most swell. At low tide your best bet is off the Ram’s Nose at the north of the beach where you can find a decent right hander. There are good A-frames the length of the beach, especially in front of the car park area. These start to work really well mid to high tide although in any decent swell you can surf here on any tide. There is an outward rip at the north end (the elevator) that’s a great help for paddling out when the waves are big.

Intermediate Surf Spots

Hell’s Mouth, Porth Neigwl, Llŷn Peninsula
Large exposed beach can pick up any swell. Firstly, this beach without doubt wins the award for the best named beach in Wales. Luckily, it’s also a really good surf break. Facing south west it can pick up any swell around and is the most consistent spot in North West Wales. Its a massive stretch of sand with peaks along its entire length, which generally work best around mid tide. If you’re lost about where to surf when you get here, the Northern end is known to produce some heavy wedges and can be great in North Easterly offshore conditions. It is an exposed beach though, and in larger swells with onshore conditions it can be a nightmare. Thankfully, the headland offers some protection from southerly winds so the Southern end of the beach is a good bet on big swell days. There are two particular breaks at the Southern end of the beach, a left and a right hander.

Langland Bay, Gower Peninsula
Crowded but good quality of surf and surfing.This is the first surf beach along the South Gower coastline as you head out of Swansea. The bay is made up of sand and reef areas. It needs a fair sized swell to work well. At low tide the sandbar quite far out into the bay serves up a good peak. As the tide starts to come in a right hander works well on the right side of the bay off the rocks through mid tide. There’s also a peak towards the left of the bay which also works from low to mid tide. There’s also another reef break near here that works at low tide, but its for advanced surfers only so you’ll have to discover it for yourself. As the tide comes in the reef in the middle of the bay starts to pick up. At high tide, there’s a bit of a shore dumping wave. Off-shore winds are North-westerly.

Marloes, Pembrokeshire coast
Long, remote beach with hidden rocks.A beautiful Southwest facing beach that picks up a good amount of swell. It has peaks along the length of the beach. Also, thanks to the long walk to the beach, it is almost always quiet. Unfortunately, this walk down a lane and then down a steep path to the beach is a nightmare on the way back after a session in the winter. The main dangers here are the rocks. At low tide the beach is exposed and you can see the spurs of rock extending outwards from the cliffs into the sea. As the tide comes in a lot of this become covered, and you need to be careful.

Expert Surf Spots

Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire coast
One of the best surf spots in Wales. The long stretch of sand extends right from the car park up to the far cliffs at the north end of the beach. This beach is a real swell magnet and if there’s going to be a swell anywhere in Pembrokeshire (and pretty much Wales), put your money on this place. Unfortunately, because it is so exposed, if the conditions aren’t near perfect it is easily blown out, North Easterlies are offshore. There are several peaks along the length of the beach breaking over sand. Doesn’t work so well at high tide, when the waves lose their form.

Severn Bore, River Severn
No review of this spot on SurfWales.com

If you’re a beginner considering a trip to a surf spot in Wales, note that surf lessons run from Easter through October. For all surf levels, if you want to surf in warmer waters, plan your trip in summer/early fall.