(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Mewslade Beach is a magnificent place. Two hundred foot high sheer limestone cliffs form an imposing backdrop for a surf session and the rock climbing is pretty good here too.
Surfing here is pretty hit and miss. First, you have to avoid high tide because on everything apart from a low neap the sea covers the sand and there will be no surfable waves.
The rest of the time it is pretty good and for a Welsh beachbreak it can get pretty heavy on account of a steeper than usual beach profile and wide exposure to the prevailing SW swell that means it's generally about the same size here as at Llangennith but Mewslade generally packs a bit more punch, especially on the rising tide. Waves are usually biggest under beneath Thurba Head, the imposing cliff on the East side of the Bay.
Even when the wind is light or offshore, the quality of the surf is very variable because of the changing buildup of sand around the various rocks and headlands. Winter storms can strip away over a metre or more of sand changing it from a big sandy beach to something much rockier. Take care because there are generally rocks to be aware of, especially as the tide comes in.
On a good day, when the banks are right and there is a NW wind blowing down the valley, Mewslade can provide fast and wedgy walls, usually intense short rides. On days when things don't quite come together it's can be a heavy close out and even on good days there are usually close-out sets that are no fun at all. It's always a short-board wave.
Mewslade is a good indicator for the local reefs. In general, the ones to the East will be a bit bigger and similarly wind-affected to here whereas nearby Fall Bay Reef doesn't work until Mewslade Beach is about head high and a much better bet if the wind has any west in it. At low tide the two beaches at Mewslade and Fall become one.
The longish walk from the road means it is rarely crowded, but when it is working you would be very lucky to be the only one there.”
Rob Davies from UNITED KINGDOM - 10 Mar 2010
Mewslade Bay Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 2 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.5(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: 3.0(1: Mewslade Bay is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.0(1: Mewslade Bay is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Wales - Gower. 5: the best break in Wales - Gower). |
Difficulty Level: 3.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 1.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Mewslade Bay can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 4.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Mewslade Bay, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Mewslade Bay are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Mewslade Bay is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.5(1: Getting to Mewslade 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: 5.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Mewslade Bay for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 3.0(1: Camping at Mewslade Bay is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Mewslade Bay is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Mewslade Bay, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Mewslade Bay where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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