Consistent Atlantic swell, quiet lineups and some of the best beaches in the UK. Learn to surf, or get better at it, on the Welsh coast.
Pembrokeshire is home to some of the best and least crowded surf breaks in Wales. The county's west-facing coastline picks up Atlantic swells consistently from spring through autumn, so there are reliable waves across a good spread of beaches for different abilities and conditions. There are gentle whitewater beaches for your first go and punchier breaks for when you're duck-diving clean overhead sets.
Freshwater West is Pembrokeshire's best-known surf beach: a big, exposed bay that picks up swell from just about every direction and produces powerful beach breaks, better suited to experienced surfers. For learners and intermediates, Broadhaven, Newgale and Manorbier are more forgiving, with sandy bottoms, manageable currents and plenty of whitewater for practising pop-ups and turns. They're all pretty good places to spend a day anyway, with cliffs, dunes and big Atlantic views.
Surf lessons are the best way to get started. Qualified instructors will kit you out with a wetsuit and board, teach you beach safety and how to read the waves, and have you standing up in your first session. Group lessons keep costs down and are good fun, while private tuition gets you progressing faster. If you already surf and just need the gear, board and wetsuit hire is available.
The practical stuff worth knowing before you get in the water.
Lessons are typically 2 hours of water time, plus a beach warm-up and safety briefing.
Group lessons have a maximum of 8 per instructor. Private lessons available for faster progression.
Moderate fitness helps, as you'll be paddling, popping up and occasionally swimming. That said, anyone can give it a go.
Wetsuit, surfboard and rash vest all included with lessons. Bring a towel and warm clothes for afterwards.
Year-round, but spring through autumn offers the best combination of swell and water temperature.
Children from age 8 can take part in beginner lessons. Family sessions available during school holidays.
Surf lessons and hire at Pembrokeshire's best beaches.
Qualified instructors and decent kit at two of Pembrokeshire's best surf beaches.
Yes, beginner lessons are designed for people with zero experience. Your instructor will cover everything from carrying the board to standing up on a wave, and most people stand up in their first session.
Just a swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit, a towel and warm clothes for afterwards. All the surf kit (board, wetsuit and rash vest) is provided. Sun cream is a good idea even on cloudy days. Leave valuables in the car.
Both locations work well for beginners. Your instructor will pick the beach on the day, based on conditions, to find the best waves for learning. Both have sandy bottoms, so you get soft landings when you fall off (and you will, everyone does).
Yes, board and wetsuit hire is available for experienced surfers. You'll need to show you can handle yourself or confirm your experience level. Hire is available at both Freshwater West and Broadhaven.
Flat days are rare in Pembrokeshire thanks to the exposed west-facing coastline, but they do happen. Your provider will contact you in advance if conditions aren't suitable and offer rescheduling or a full refund.
Children from age 8 can take part in beginner lessons. They'll be in the shallows on soft-top boards with close instructor supervision. Family sessions are available during school holidays and are a brilliant way to spend a morning at the beach.
Articles we've written to help you plan your session.
The most beginner-friendly surf beaches, what to wear, what to hire, and when to go.
Read the guide →2, 3 and 5-day activity itineraries covering the whole county, ready to steal.
Read the guide →A full activity guide to the south coast: what to do, where, and who with.
Read the guide →No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. View our privacy policy.