(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“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
Ogmore-by-Sea Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 5 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: 2.0(1: Ogmore-by-Sea is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.5(1: Ogmore-by-Sea is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Wales - South East. 5: the best break in Wales - South East). |
Difficulty Level: 2.5(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 1.7(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Ogmore-by-Sea can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.5(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Ogmore-by-Sea, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.7(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Ogmore-by-Sea are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 1.8(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.6(1: Often too crowded. 5: Ogmore-by-Sea is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Ogmore-by-Sea 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: 3.5(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.8(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.5(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Ogmore-by-Sea for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.8(1: Camping at Ogmore-by-Sea is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.5(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Ogmore-by-Sea 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: 2.5(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Ogmore-by-Sea, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Ogmore-by-Sea where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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