South and West Wales

Ogmore, Southerndown and Llantwit Major

There is a rivermouth break south east of Porthcawl called Ogmore at the far end of Newton beach. Access can be from Newton or from Ogmore beach (wading/paddling across the river depending on the tide). It needs a swell above three feet to work and is only really any good on a clean swell at high tide. It is not for beginners and is badly polluted from the sewage outlet on the river. We recently had a swell of around 4' and I must have counted a dozen people get covered up. The waves were peeling on the continually shifting gravel banks - it was a beautiful sight - I only wish I had a camera with me.

Photo's needed.

Southerndown is south east again from here, a large sandy beach which gets similar swells to Rest Bay, but is slightly less crowded on a good swell. I prefer this break as at high tide as there is still a wide area to surf. To the right of the beach are rocky shelves which sometimes produce hollow waves.

Photo's needed.

Further east again along the coast is Llantwit Major which produces excellent waves. To the left of the beach (mainly rocks/pebbles) is a nice right-hander which works well. A popular spot for locals, and there is a good cafe down there open most of the time.