Surfing Gower: A Guide to the Best Surf Spots
Surfing on Gower is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike.
Gower is a peninsula located in South Wales, UK, and is known for its stunning beaches and picturesque landscapes.
With its consistent waves and variety of breaks - from reefs, points and beachies, Gower is a prime destination in the UK for surfers of all levels.
One of the most popular surf spots in Gower is Rhossili Bay located just down the road from the village of Rhosilli (at one end) and Llangennith (which is more in the centre of the bay).
This beach is famous for its consistent swell and stunning views of Worm's Head, a rocky outcrop that juts out into the sea - if you go there you'll see what we mean.
The beach here is suitable for all levels of surfers, with peaks up and down this 3-mile stretch of sand.
With its picturesque location and laid-back atmosphere, it's no wonder that surfing Gower has become a favourite pastime for tonnes of people over the years.
Surf Spots on Gower
Gower, located on the south coast of Wales, is a renowned destination for surfers, walkers, campers and lovers of the outdoors.
Just down the road from Wales' second city of Swansea - there are a load of surf shops to rent or buy all sorts of surf gear.
The peninsula boasts many beaches and bays that offer excellent surfing opportunities for both beginners and advanced surfers. Here are some of the top surfing spots in Gower:
Llangennith Beach
Llangennith Beach or simpley 'Gennith, is one of the most popular surf spots on Gower.
This three-mile-long sandy beach offers consistent waves all year round, making it ideal for surfers of all levels. Probably the main indicator spot for most of the South Wales coastline, the beach home to the WSF Surf School who provide lessons and equipment rental for those who are new to the sport.
Rhossili
The vilage of Rhossili is at the Southern end of the bay (the same bay as Llangennith) and is another popular surfing spot in Gower. This stunning bay is known for its breathtaking views and consistent waves.
The setup here can provide a little shelter from the wind if it is howling from the South - so in the depths of Winter it can be worth checking. Be mindful of the locals if you are parking in the village - please show respect.
Caswell Bay
Caswell Bay is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach located on the eastern edge of Gower. The beach is sheltered from the prevailing SW winds and can dish up some decent waves in Winter - making it an ideal spot for beginners and intermediate surfers.
The beach is also home to a surf school that provides lessons and equipment rental and the car park is a good size but does get busy when the waves are on.
Langland
Just down the road from Mumbles, the beach of Langland has a load of nooks and crannies to surf. I won't go into too many details here, but when the wind is howling form the South West, Langland can be the best spot in the area to check out.
There are probably 8 or 9 different zones to surf at various stages of the tide. But be mindful of the locals and park with respect.
On it's day Langland has top class surf and has spawned a handful of the UK's best surfers over the years.
South Gower Reefs
I'm not going to go into too much detail here, but all I'll say is the reefs on Gower can be World Class on their day. Most need light wind and at least a knee-high swell to start working.
Put in some time and effort and you will be rewarded!
Surfing Equipment Hire
Board Rentals
For those who don't have their own surfboard, Gower offers a variety of options for board rentals.
There are several surf shops and rental services that offer a range of boards suitable for all levels of experience.
Prices vary depending on the type of board and the duration of the rental. Most rental shops offer daily and weekly rental options.
It is important to choose the right board for your skill level and the conditions of the waves. Beginners should opt for a longboard or a foam board, while more experienced surfers may prefer a shortboard or a fish board.
Some rental shops also offer soft-top boards, which are great for beginners as they are more forgiving and less likely to cause injury.
Wetsuit Hire
Wetsuits are a must-have for surfing in Gower, as the water can be quite cold even in the summer months.
Most rental shops offer wetsuits for hire, which come in a range of sizes and thicknesses. Prices vary depending on the type of wetsuit and the duration of the rental.
It is important to choose the right wetsuit for the water temperature and your own body. A thicker wetsuit is required for colder water, while a thinner wetsuit is suitable for warmer water.
It is also important to ensure that the wetsuit fits properly, as a poorly fitting wetsuit can cause discomfort and affect your surfing performance.
Overall, renting surfing equipment in Gower is a convenient and affordable option for those who don't have their own gear. With a range of board and wetsuit options available, surfers of all levels can enjoy the waves in comfort and style.
Surfing Lessons and Schools
Beginner Courses
Gower has a range of surfing schools that offer beginner courses for those who are new to surfing. These courses usually last for a few days and cover the basics of surfing, including paddling, standing up, and riding waves. The instructors are experienced surfers who provide hands-on guidance and feedback to help beginners learn quickly and safely.
Most beginner courses include all the necessary equipment, such as wetsuits and surfboards, so learners don't need to worry about buying or renting their own gear. Additionally, many of the schools offer group discounts, making it an affordable way to learn to surf.
Advanced Training
For surfers who already have some experience, Gower also offers advanced training courses. These courses are designed to help surfers improve their skills and take their surfing to the next level. The courses cover a range of topics, including wave selection, manoeuvres, and competition strategies.
Advanced training courses are often taught by professional surfers who have competed at the highest level. They provide expert advice and feedback to help surfers refine their technique and reach their full potential.
Overall, Gower's surfing schools offer a great opportunity for beginners to learn to surf and for experienced surfers to improve their skills. With its stunning coastline and consistent waves, Gower is the perfect place to learn to surf or take your surfing to the next level.
Safety and Regulations
Local Surfing Guidelines
Surfing Gower can be a thrilling experience, but it's important to follow local guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable time. The Gower Peninsula is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and as such, there are regulations in place to protect the environment and wildlife.
Firstly, surfers should be aware of the designated surfing areas, which are signposted along the coast. These areas are monitored by lifeguards during peak season, and surfers are advised to stay within these zones for their own safety.
Additionally, surfers should be mindful of other beach users, such as swimmers and bodyboarders, and keep a safe distance from them. It's also important to be aware of the tides and currents, which can change quickly and catch inexperienced surfers off guard.
Finally, surfers should respect the local community and their way of life. This means avoiding loud music and excessive noise, keeping the beach clean, and parking in designated areas.
Emergency Services Information
In case of an emergency, surfers should know how to contact the relevant services. The Gower Peninsula is covered by the South Wales Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service, both of which can be contacted by dialling 999.
There are also several lifeguard stations along the coast, which are staffed during peak season. These lifeguards are trained to deal with water-based emergencies and can provide first aid if necessary.
It's important to note that the Gower Peninsula is a rural area, and emergency services may take longer to arrive than in urban areas. Therefore, surfers should take extra precautions to avoid accidents and be prepared for emergencies. This includes carrying a first aid kit, a mobile phone, and informing someone of their whereabouts before entering the water.
By following these guidelines and being prepared for emergencies, surfers can enjoy the waves at Gower with confidence and peace of mind.
Gower Surfing Q and A
Is the Gower good for surfing?
Gower has some great surf spots - the main indicator and three mile long beach of Llangennith has surfable waves all year round. More sheltered bays on South Gower such as Fall Bay, Langland and Caswell are all great intermediate surf spots.
Where is Mumbles?
The Mumbles is a coastal village located near Swansea in Wales. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and the Mumbles Pier.
Can you surf at Swansea?
While Swansea itself rarely gets waves to surf, the surrounding beaches of Caswell, Langland and Llangennith are great surf spots to check out.