Whitmore Bay Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

WSW, W

Wind

NW, N

Surf Height

thigh/head-high

Tide

Mid and high-tide only.

Whitmore Bay Surf Guide

Whitmore Bay is sandy beach on Barry Island, yes Gavin and Stacy famed but this has long been a sea-side destination for the masses and the beach can be packed in the summer months. Not really known for a surfing beach but when there’s a solid swell running in the Channel there can be fun waves here from mid-to-high-tide - a good spot for novices as there is easy access and good facilities close-by. The surf will generally be biggest on the incoming tide but don’t discount an out-going, neap tide as the surf heights won’t ease too much. Some decent shelter from strong, W winds here although the better peaks, at the eastern end, need less wind to really show their form. Unusually for the area the surf will break through high-tide.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

Mostly for beginners and intermediates. Advanced surfers during big, winter storms.

Local Vibe

Welcoming

WelcomingIntimidating

Relaxed spot unless its properly on then you will need to share nicely

Crowd Factor

Mellow

MellowHeavy

Busy tourist beach in the summer. The surfing crowd is usually thin unless the swell is proper large in the Channel.

Spot Rating

Poor

PoorPerfect

Peaks towards the eastern end of the beach can be fun, wedgey lefts the mainstay. The remainder of the beach, especially tucked in behind Friar's Point is as mellow as it comes - beginners waves at best.

Shoulder Burn

Light

LightExhausting

Easy paddle out for the majority of the time. Only the biggest swells will put sizey surf in the bay.

Water Quality

Fair

CleanDirty

Fair, watch for sewage overflow during heavy rains

Hazards

Tourists

Bring Your

Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, Bodyboard

Access

Parking overlook the beach, disabled parking and easy access via ramps to the sand.

Bottom

All sand

Best Season

Spring, autumn, winter

Do you have local knowledge about Whitmore Bay?

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