South and West Wales

South Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire's best known beach is Freshwater West, a consistent break with a central beach break area; It needs a clean swell and winds from the east to work well, and when it does it's excellent (see below).

There is a reef break to the left of the beach which peels both ways, and many secret spots South of the main beach within the Ministry of Defence Firing Range (no-one has been killed to my knowledge to date but venturing inside can be dangerous and does come with a hefty fine if your caught). See map of Area.

Between Tenby and Pembroke is Manorbier. Receiving less swell than Freshwater West (about the same as Llangennith) it works best just after high tide when there is a pretty good right off the reef at the north end of the small bay. Obviously off-shore winds are best but Manorbier keeps it's shape even when it's on-shore. With it's Norman castle and church overlooking the surf, Manorbier is one of those places that despite the crowds and average waves is a fine spot to surf at. Tip: get up with the sun when the tides are right and avoid the crowds.

Broadhaven is a handy beach break that works when the South Westerlys are howling and the west facing breaks are blown out. There are usually barrels to be found at Broadhaven, normal swell combines with rebound off the cliffs to form big wedges that scare the hell out of you when it's big. The top half of the tide is best.

There are many, many more breaks in South Pembrokeshire - when there's a big swell running - there are many top-class breaks tucked away here and there, which are rarely crowded.

The search goes on....