Here’s a question: which country’s national surfing federation is celebrating its 50th year in 2023? No, it’s not one of the internationally famous surfing countries like the USA or Australia, it’s not even one of Southern Europe's legendary surfing destinations like Portugal. The answer, in fact, is Wales. It’s about time that the almost 1,500 miles of Welsh coastline got the recognition it deserves as surfer’s paradise. One of the most accessible places to ride the waves, which is great for learners and holds some surprises for surf veterans, is the coast of the county of Bridgend.

Bridgend is located in South Wales, which gives it a number of advantages when it comes to Surfing. First of all, it borders the Bristol Channel to the south. This channel which separates Wales from southwest England is essentially a large inlet of the Atlantic ocean, so swells which are formed in the depths of this huge body of water spend themselves as waves on the Welsh coast. Secondly, there are a number of southwest facing beaches in the area, perfect for catching the breakers. And finally, its location between Wales’ two biggest cities, Cardiff and Swansea, makes for an easy journey and the chance to get into the surf with no hassle. And did we mention that it’s one of the sunniest places in the country? If that’s not enough to get you planning your surfing holiday to Bridgend, just remember that you’ll save the money you would have spent on a trip to California or the Gold Coast, so you’ll have more funds for lessons, equipment and fun!

Where are the best surfing beaches in Bridgend?

• Rest Bay: The most popular surfing spot in the area is Rest Bay, in the seaside town of Porthcawl. If you stand on the beach here looking out to sea, there’s nothing except the curvature of the Earth to block your line of sight before the east coast of the USA. And looking to your left and right, you’ll see a two mile expanse of golden sands that’s waiting to receive the best waves the Atlantic can muster. With so many people catching their first waves or honing their skills here, it’s lucky that it’s big. In general, the waves are bigger towards the south end of the bay, and conditions are best between low and three-quarter tide, but you’ll be rewarded with some great waves whenever you decide to come here.

• Coney Beach: Rest Bay benefits from an easterly wind, but when it blows too strongly, or the Atlantic swells come in too choppy, you can make the short journey around the southern headland to Coney Beach. This cove is sheltered from the incoming wind by a sea wall, and the low, gentle waves that break here are ideal for beginners. Both Rest Bay and Coney beach have a lifeguard service, making Porthcawl a safe bet for surfing experiences.

• Porthcawl Point: Only for experienced surfers! The rocky headland, known locally as The Point, between Porthcawl’s two beaches is the site of a lighthouse and the biggest waves in the area. If you’re comfortable hanging out in the water and can catch waves offshore, this might be the most rewarding spot in the Bridgend area.

• Port Talbot: Porthcawl isn’t the only town in the area where you enjoy surfing. Aberavon at Port Talbot is a 3 mile long sandy beach which has a pretty consistent stream of waves coming in. It’s a bit flat in the summer months, but at other times of year, particularly the spring, you can get some good breaks here. Like the beaches in Porthcawl, there are lifeguards on this beach.

What are the options for organising an experience?

They wouldn’t call it the Gold Coast of Wales if there weren’t surf schools along the coast of Bridgend. These schools put on lessons throughout the year and courses in the summer and other school holidays. For first timers, a lesson is a must. Apart from the equipment, a board and a wetsuit, you’ll be given guidance by an experienced instructor, who’ll take you through the key techniques for riding a wave on the sand, before you get into the water to put what you’ve learnt into practice. With their help, you should be catching waves and getting the hang of standing up on the board by the end of the lesson, which usually lasts around 2 hours. There are also lessons available for surfers with some experience who want to improve their technique.

Of course, if you want to really make progress, you should sign up for a course on one of the beaches around Bridgend. You’ll have tuition spread over several days, consecutively in the summer, or maybe once a week at other times of year. These are perfect for beginners, improvers, or anyone looking to refresh their skills after a period of not surfing.

But if you want to get onto the waves on your own terms, you can’t go wrong by hiring the equipment. There are numerous rental services in the Bridgend area that can kit you out with boards, wetsuits, and anything else you might need to go in search of the perfect wave.

Requirements to do this activity

As we said above, surf lessons in Bridgend cater to people of all abilities, and they’re also available to people of all ages. There are schools in the area that run classes and courses for kids as young as 6 or 7 years old. This age group is usually kept separate from older learners, so if you’re an adult novice, don’t worry about having to compete for the instructor’s attention with a bunch of kids.

You can join open group classes as an individual, which is the cheapest option and could be an opportunity to make new friends, or organise sessions on a private basis. Whether you want a one on one lesson with the full attention of an instructor, an activity with your friends, or even a surfing party session for your child and their friends, you can make it happen in Bridgend.

This could be your chance for a radical ride like no other, bring the fun to this county with us!