Rest Bay (Porthcawl)
Rest Bay at Porthcawl is South Wales's most accessible surf spot, with a car park right behind the beach and consistent waves year-round. Faces south-west and works best at mid tide. The European Surf Championships have been held here. The reef at the south end produces quality waves at low tide for experienced surfers. Sheltered from northerly winds.
Conditions look mixed today with moderate onshore wind and a dropping swell period through the afternoon. Best bet is the early morning push before the wind picks up. Tomorrow looks cleaner with a slight shift in direction.
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Everything you need to know before paddling out at Rest Bay (Porthcawl), Wales.
Hazards & Safety
Rocks at the south end at low tide. Rips on bigger days.
Local Tips
Best at mid tide on the sand. The reef at the south end (The Point) works at low tide — quality right-hander. Sheltered from northerly winds. European Surf Championships have been held here. Coney Beach to the east catches bigger swells.
Getting There
Car park directly behind the beach. 1 minute walk.
Parking: Pay & display right behind beach.
Facilities: Toilets, cafe, surf hire, Porthcawl town nearby.
Crowds
Busy on good days — South Wales's most accessible spot.
Water Temperature by Month
Water temperatures and recommended wetsuit thickness by month
Tide data from Porthcawl
Average daily wave height and wind speed from past forecast data. Updates as more data is collected.
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Rest Bay at Porthcawl is South Wales's most accessible surf spot, with a car park right behind the beach and consistent waves year-round. Faces south-west and works best at mid tide. The European Surf Championships have been held here. The reef at the south end produces quality waves at low tide for experienced surfers. Sheltered from northerly winds.
Conditions look mixed today with moderate onshore wind and a dropping swell period through the afternoon. Best bet is the early morning push before the wind picks up.
Tide data from Porthcawl
Water temp & wetsuit by month
Average daily wave height and wind speed from past forecast data
Rocks at the south end at low tide. Rips on bigger days.
Best at mid tide on the sand. The reef at the south end (The Point) works at low tide — quality right-hander. Sheltered from northerly winds. European Surf Championships have been held here. Coney Beach to the east catches bigger swells.
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