Ogmore-by-Sea Reviews and Ratings

“There are several breaks at Ogmore each with their own character and work at different stages of the tide. The river mouth is definitely best at high tide and can produce long walls. Hollow waves can sometimes be found on spring tides when the waves break over a cobble bank that is sculpted by the river channel. Don't get too exited about this spot though because it doesn't work that often. It needs a big swell to get going and is always smaller than nearby Rest Bay. However, when the more exposed beaches are maxing out this place comes alive and it is always possible to paddle out in the river channel.

Words of warning, the Ogmore river is sometimes polluted by the sewage plant upstream. The water company of course claim that all the waste is treated but when it rains heavily their system can overload and untreated or partially treated gloop may be released. When it has been raining a lot, the trick is to catch the surf on an incoming high tide when the sea drives water upstream keeping the line-up turd free.

The waves can get crowded when word gets out of a good swell and it is best to leave the fast left in front of the car park to the locals when it is firing. At low tide, forget the river mouth (the beach profile is too gentle) and head to the far left beyond the car park where a long stretch of sand is exposed and sectioning lefts and rights can be found.

There is a great cafe in the village next to the post office and really good pub called the Pelican next to a small castle and the river.”

Q, VoG from UNITED KINGDOM - 06 Mar 2010