Surfing

Pembrokeshire is well known for its wonderful beaches that are popular tourist destinations in summer but provide excellent surfing conditions during the rest of the year.

The coastline from Poppit in the north to Amroth in the south has a variety of beach and reef breaks facing all directions of the compass usually meaning the chance of a rideable wave somewhere.

Choose from gnarly big wave winter venues of Broad Haven South, the consistency of Freshwater West or somewhere more suited to getting started like Newgale.

Pembrokeshire can offer uncrowded breaks, stunning back drops, clean and clear water, an abundance of wildlife and friendly locals to boot.

Surfing is a sport for the mind, body and soul. It is as much about endurance as it is about agility, strength and power. It’s a great stress buster, and the immense thrill of catching your first wave has been known to be truly addictive!

Health benefits of surfing

Surfing is an awesome workout for practically every muscle in your body as you work your arms to paddle out, your whole body to spring up on your feet, and leg and core muscles as you ride the waves!

Great for aerobic fitness, flexibility and strength. Practising at home will continue to improve our fitness and strength and will enhance your enjoyment when you hit the beach for your next surf.

Mental Health

  • Beat anxiety and depression with the challenge of the surf and the calm of the sea.
  • Concentrating on the varied challenges of surfing can focus, refresh and clear the mind from daily distractions.
  • Boosts confidence and self-esteem as you meet the challenges of conquering the challenges of the surf.
  • Surfing is a true teacher of patience, as you can never predict when the next great surf will come.

Rehab and Recovery

  • Always discuss any rehab or recovery plan with your health care provider.
  • Even if you are not hugely fit you can build up your surfing fitness through other sports including swimming, walking and other muscle training.
  • Surfing can be very strenuous on the body and so be kind to yourself by wearing a wetsuit and having something hot in a flask to warm you up after.

Social

  • The best way to learn to surf is through a surf school, they can also help you with equipment such as wetsuits and boards.
  • You can enjoy surfing alone or in a group.
  • Surfing has a great social scene and part of being a surfer is hanging out and waiting for the waves.

Weight Management

  • Wave goodbye to those unwanted pounds and keep them off as you surf.
  • Surfing for around one hour can burn around 300 calories.
  • An afternoon’s surfing can easily burn up to 800 calories.

Always surf at a lifeguarded beach - seasonal cover is provided at:

  • Amroth
  • Coppet Hall
  • Saundersfoot
  • Tenby (North, Castle, South)
  • Freshwater West
  • Broad Haven
  • Nolton Haven
  • Newgale
  • Whitesands
  • Newport Sands
  • Poppit Sands