Porthcawl

Porthcawl, Mid Glamorgan

From Broughton in the west to Llantwit in the east, there are well over 20 breaks to be found between the Gower and Cardiff. Porthcawl is one of the most popular areas, only 45 minutes drive from Cardiff. This little town has everything from a mellow sheltered Coney to Rest beachie and the Esp reef. Plenty of scope to explore east and west and the Gower isn’t far away.

Rest Bay is the main break, at the north of the town. In front of the carpark and lifeguard station it gets very, very crowded but there are peaks all the way down the beach so take a walk. Can be amazing when the banks are good…not often. As the tide comes in everyone gets squashed into the southern end, so watch out. Not great at high tide and westerlies really affect it. Holds up to six feet and barrels on really good days.

In the middle of town there’s the Esp, a short, hollow, powerful lefthand wave not to be taken lightly. Watch how the locals do it before you have a go or you might end up splattered on concrete trying to get into the short fat hollow barrels.

Surf Coney at the south end of the town when Rest is big and blown out, it has amazing shelter from even winter hoolies. It closes out, but it’s a wave. Mind the logs and have a nice Burger King to warm you up when you get out.

Take care of your belongings and don't leave stuff in plain sight or your keys on your car!

If you’re looking to learn to surf, Porthcawl has to be one of the best towns to choose. It’s easy to reach off the M4, has nightlife, surf shops, hire options and surf schools who can teach you to surf safely. Check out the listings on the righthand side for all the information you need. Head to Porthcawl Surf Shop for unique, individual, custom surfboards and all your surfing needs.

South Wales Surfing Trips
South Wales offers a wide choice of accommodation options and city life juxtaposed with rural backwaters and numerous and varied breaks. There are reefs, beachbreaks and pointbreaks to discover.

Disadvantages of South Wales are the cost of getting in — don’t forget your £5.60 every time you cross the Severn from the Bristol side! — and the crowds, but these are very minor in comparison to the surf you will score and the amazing scenery you will see. Surfing’s popularity has gone crazy over the last decade, and the university cities of Cardiff and Swansea mean that the more obvious breaks get crowded out fast. Check out the Surf Directory maps for access to less well-known spots. Wales is the ideal place for a road trip, but be considerate on the narrow lanes and watch where you park.

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Surf Information

Break type: Reefs
Offshore wind direction: Northerly
Swell direction: South westerly
Wave direction: Rights
Ability: Intermediate
Water quality: Good - EU blue flag award
Lifeguard service: During the summer months

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Tips

This is very popular with surfers from Cardiff and surrounding urban areas, so if you don’t like the crowds, explore a bit. Hide your valuables well.

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Hazards

• Pollution sometimes.
• Massive crowds.
• The rips can get fierce.

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Facilities

• Surf shops and hire.
• Pubs.
• Nice cafe above Rest.
• Funfair by Coney.

Local surf forcast for Porthcawl

Webcams viewing Porthcawl

www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southeast

Google map location for Porthcawl

Facilities at "Beach name", "Town", "County"