Caswell Bay Reviews and Ratings
(Wales – Gower, UK)
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Visitor reviews of Caswell Bay surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Caswell Bay is a pretty ordinary surf break. Even so it is very popular with locals and Swansea Uni students because it is so close to the Swansea west suburbs and also because Caswell is a wave that works at mid to high tide whereas nearby Langland Bay, which is much better and just around the corner, works between low and mid. It's a reasonably scenic spot and in summer the beach gets wildly overcrowded with sun-seekers and best avoided.
It is sufficiently open to the swell to be pretty consistent. As such, it is not a bad indicator beach for Llangennith and the West Gower Reefs which are usually about twice the size.
Low tide at Caswell is a totally useless dumping wave. It is not unusual too see each wave break across the entire width of the beach simultaneously. Stranger still, more often than not there is at least one optimist out there trying to surf it but achieving nothing more than to provide some scale because it generally picks up quite a bit towards high tide.
The reefs at either end of the beach, towards Brandy Cove and Whiteshell Point, can provide surfable waves around low water but since there are much better low-tide options at nearby Langland, these are rarely surfed.
At about mid-tide the waves at Caswell start to take on a bit of shape and size, usually offering a soft wave for learners so it is no surprise that a surf-school operates here in summer. The best of the surf is always found on the Redcliff (west) side and it can actually get quite good if the wind is offshore or light. Very rarely, it can even become a bit hollow.
More often than not, the surf is accompanied by onshore west or southwest winds. The Redcliff provides quite a bit of shelter from this so don't be too worried if the view from the main beach access shows only messy waves; they will always have much better shape around the corner and out of sight.
A long time ago you used to be able to park in front of the Redcliff apartments overlooking the best of the high tide surf. This was very useful for deciding if it was worth going in or not. A security gate means that this is no longer possible and surfers have to park in the main beach car park and either walk up the road and down the steps or else paddle around from the main beach. This can be hard work if the waves have any size.
The cafe at Caswell is open all year and is not a bad option for a hot drink and a bite to eat after a surf. It's nothing like the quality of say the Cafe at Watergate Bay in Cornwall, but it is a big improvement over the previous chips and candy floss establishment.
Your not supposed to park overnight in Caswell car park, but some do. Likewise, you are not supposed to pitch a tent in Bishop's wood Nature reserve beyond the top of the car park, but some do that too.
Apart from these, the nearest official places to stay are various B and B's in Bishopston. Mumbles is a better option because it offers a range of eating and drinking options too but for legal camping with proper facilities, head down The Gower.”
webmaster from UNITED KINGDOM - 07 Mar 2010
Caswell Bay Ratings
Overall: 3.2. Based on 6 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.0(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.2(1: Caswell Bay is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.4(1: Caswell Bay is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Wales - Gower. 5: the best break in Wales - Gower). |
Difficulty Level: 1.5(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.8(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Caswell Bay can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 4.2(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Caswell Bay, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.6(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Caswell Bay are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.7(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.2(1: Often too crowded. 5: Caswell Bay is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Caswell Bay requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 3.8(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.6(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Caswell Bay for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.2(1: Camping at Caswell Bay is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.6(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Caswell Bay is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.2(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.4(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Caswell Bay, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.6(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Caswell Bay where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
