Surfing has really taken off in North Wales along with other parts of the UK - hence there are now several shops catering for the sport in Abersoch. However in general, the waters are not crowded apart from during the school holidays and sometimes at weekends. Our peninsula picks up Atlantic swells through a "surf window" between the SW of the UK and Ireland. Conditions are generally smaller than in Devon and Cornwall in westerly or northwesterly Atlantic swells - though we can benefit here when the swell direction is from more to the south. All the photos on this page are of local surfers on local waves - all caught on camera by Martin Turtle.

Click on the links below to access further information.

Beaches:
We are fortunate to have beaches on the peninsula that sometimes offer clean surf in a variety of wind directions. The main "spots" are Porth Neigwl ("Hell's Mouth") and Porth Oer (Whistling Sands) To view a map showing the location of these beaches - click here...

Safety:
All surf beaches have rip currents or rip tides - known to surfers as rips. Rips can be found on any beach where there are waves and they are currents running out to sea that can easily take swimmers or inexperienced body boarders and surfers from shallow water out beyond their depth. For more information on these - click here

Surf Reports:
West Coast Surf Shop runs daily surf reports from Porth Neigwl, that include video clips, still shots and an automatic webcam overlooking the surf. There is also a surfline at West Coast Surf Shop that is normally updated twice daily - the number is 0906 5532208.

Where To Buy/Hire:
West Coast Surf Shop is the only all year round shop in the village - run by Spout - the shop has a full selection of boards and suits for all seasons from beginners to advanced. There are other shops in the village providing water sports equipment.

Surfing Safety:
Always seek expert local advice on beach conditions and possible dangers If the beach has lifeguards or beach patrol follow their instructions and advice. Never surf alone or after a large meal. Never surf under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. Check your equipment before every session e.g. the leash is in good condition with no nicks or tears and is tied on securely. Know your own physical and mental ability and limitations. Just because two other people are out surfing doesn't necessarily mean it's safe for you, they could be the world champion and his mate. If you find yourself being taken out to sea by a rip tide, paddle across the rip until it disappears, then paddle straight in. If you still can't get in or are in any other difficulty always stay with your board and wave your arms in the air. Don't stay in the water too long especially in cold conditions, come in before you are too tired. Always be aware and considerate of other water and beach users. Try to leave the beach cleaner and tidier than you found it!

Rules of the Waves:
When attempting to catch a wave the surfer nearest the peak of the wave has the right of way. Never attempt to catch a wave that is already being ridden. Always look where you are going and make sure that nobody is in the way of your intended path. If there are people in the way pull of the wave. Don't paddle out directly behind someone, they might have to ditch their board to get under a wave or turn around and catch the wave.

Localism:
Not a problem on the Peninsula in general. To avoid unnecessary confrontations, be aware of the general rights of way in the water.