Where to Surf in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire may not be on the list when it comes to world class surf spots, but that certainly isn't to say it doesn't have its days if you know where to look! 

Pembrokeshire boasts a diverse and often rugged coastline, offering up opportunities to catch a wave or two in a range of conditions. Something I aim to allude to in this blog is where to look and when, to maximise your chances of a good time!

It goes without saying that Broad Haven has massive appeal to us, and was an easy location choice when it came to setting up Rwts. The Sea is a mere stones throw from our doorstep, making pre breakfast dips or sunsets surfs and everything in between an easy choice when visiting us.

Alas, the wave gods don't pass through all that often. So if you find yourself in Broad Haven and it doesn't look right for you that doesn't mean you should be writing off your dose of Vitamin Sea for the day. 

Broad Haven is a great central location in Pembrokeshire when it comes to finding waves. 

We have Newgale and Whitesands to the North within 30 mins of Broad Haven both offering up different waves in different conditions. 

Similarly, Freshwater West and Manobier within 45 mins to the South.

BROAD HAVEN: 

• Type of wave - Beach Break 
  
• Surfing Level - Beginner and up
  
• Best Tide state - Mid-High 
  
• Swell size range - 5ft-10ft  over 9 secs Broad Haven needs the bigger swell to get into the bay
  
• Swell Direction - W/SW 
  
• Wind Direction - S-E (Shelter from Southerlies, Easterlies = off shore)
  
• Extra Info - Broad Haven is one of the more sheltered beaches in the area, so it needs bigger swell to produce a surfable wave on the beach compared to some of the other local beaches listed below. When it works though it is a lovely and fairly gentle wave, not too steep so great for beginners and big boards.
  

NEWGALE:

• Type of wave - Beach Break
  
• Surfing Level - Beginner and up
  
• Best Tide state - Mid-High
  
• Swell size range - 2ft-8ft
  
• Swell Direction - W/SW
  
• Wind Direction - SE-NE (Again Easterlies providing off shore delights) 
  
• Extra Info - Especially on the smaller swells, Newgale is a super friendly beginner or long board wave. Long, open and fairly gentle waves resembling those cruisy California vibes if you get it right! Newgale also provides some big rips and big paddles on the bigger days. Much better suited to a more experienced surfer looking for a challenge. Pay attention to the Lifeguard flags in the summer season. 

WHITESANDS:

• Type of wave - Beach Break
  
• Surfing Level - Beginner and up 
  
• Best Tide state - Mid-High 
  
• Swell size range - 2ft-8ft 
  
• Swell Direction - W/SW
  
• Wind Direction - SE-NE 
  
• Extra info - Steeper wave, more High Performance potential than Newgale or Broad Haven. Peaks all along the beach. Be aware of rips and rocks on the right hand side of the beach, often red flagged. 
  

FRESHWATER WEST:

• Type of wave - Beach Break, also a couple reefs 
  
• Surfing Level - Intermediate and up
  
• Best Tide state - Works through out all states of tide. Fatter, more user friendly wave at High, steeper and faster at low. 
  
• Swell size range - Works in pretty much anything
  
• Swell Direction - SW
  
• Wind Direction - E is off shore 
  
• Extra Info - Fresh picks up the tiniest of swells so even if Newgale is flat there will likely  be a small surfable wave at Fresh suited to beginners or big boards. On the flipside, when the bigger swells do come through, Fresh can handle it better than most beaches in Pembs. So if you are up to the heavier wave there is still fun to be had. Be aware of rips and rocks!

MANOBIER:

• Type of wave - Beach Break and Right Hand Reef Break 
  
• Surfing Level - Intermediate on the beach, advanced on the reef
  
• Best Tide state - Mid-High (Works throughout the tide, Reef break at High)
  
• Swell size range - 2ft-8ft longer period swells are better
  
• Swell Direction - S/SW
  
• Wind Direction - N/NE
  
• Extra Info - When the Reef is working it has a small zone for take offs and can get busy with locals quickly. Remember your manners and always start on the shoulder! Peaks on the beach throughout the tide.
  

Make sure to pay attention to the Lifeguards flags and advice before entering the water. 

Understand your limits and the forecast on the day, if in doubt ask an RNLI Lifeguard. 

Check out Surfline.com for up to date and accurate forecasting and web cams to pick the best spot on the day for you. You can check out our webcam here.

Always bring a smile, It’s more important than your towel! Be kind, have a good time!

All info in this blog is based upon my own personal knowledge and experience at these spots. 

It is aimed to give you an idea of what is going on. Always make your own judgement! 

AUTHOR

Sam
General Manager