Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Water Sports
For canoeing and sea kayaking, head to Pembrokeshire or Anglesey to explore coves and
sea caves while paddling the flat waters below the towering cliffs. Inland, Llyn Tegid (Bala
Lake) and Llyn Gwynant in North Wales are worth exploring, while slow-moving rivers in-
clude River Teifi, near Cardigan, and North Wales' River Dee. Powerful tidal currents cre-
ate huge standing waves between the Pembrokeshire coast and offshore islands, making the
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (the only coastal park in Britain), one of the UK's
finest sea-kayaking areas. Freshwater and Newgale Sands are favourite kayaking spots.
The
Welsh Canoeing Association
(
www.canoewales.com/paddling-in-wales.aspx
)
lists the waterways that
permit kayaking and canoeing.
An incredible variety of sea life and a seabed littered with shipwrecks make diving in
Wales an exciting prospect. Pembrokeshire, again, is the diving hot spot, and is the access
point for the Smalls, a group of rocks famous for marine life, including a large colony of
seals and pods of dolphins. Visibility here can reach up to 25m, although diving is restric-
ted by the weather and tides. In North Wales, plump for Bardsey Island, the Skerries or the
Menai Strait. Be aware that tidal currents rage dangerously at many of Wales' best dive
sites, so seek advice locally before taking the plunge.
Surrounded by sea on three sides and netting some of the highest tidal ranges in the
world - the Severn Estuary has the second-biggest tidal range anywhere - Wales has no
shortage of surfing opportunities. Popular beaches can become crowded between April and
September but with a little effort, you're sure to find your own space. Sea temperatures are
often warmer than you might imagine thanks to the North Atlantic Drift, but you'll always
need a wetsuit, and possibly boots, a hood and gloves in winter.
The Gower Peninsula is home to the Welsh surfing industry, cramming in a wide choice
of breaks and plenty of post-surf activity. Hot spots include Caswell Bay, the Mumbles,
Langland Bay, Oxwich Bay and Llangennith. The best breaks in Pembrokeshire are to be
found at Tenby South Beach, Manorbier, Freshwater West and West Dale Bay. St Davids'
immense Whitesands Bay is good for beginners, although it's often busy. You'll find surf
schools at most surf beaches. For more information, check the Welsh Surfing Federation
Surf School (
Click here
)
website.
There's great potential for windsurfing all around Wales' coast and on many inland
lakes. Many surf beaches are also suitable for windsurfing and have gear hire and lessons
