(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Sker is at the end of a 20minute long hack on foot across Kenfig bird reserve or an equally long walk along the coastal path from Rest Bay (heading west). The waves can make it worthwhile as it packs a little more punch than Rest Bay on account of its hollower shape and distinct sections, caused by the more irregular beach contours. I have been here frequently and seen wave shapes varying from short lived makeable barrels to fat characterless lines. A classic surf is not guaranteed particularly given Sker's significant exposure to winds, but it can be a class act on occasion. The backdrop comprises low lying dunes so chose your visits carefully because its a long walk if the winds are wrong.
At higher tides the break is sheltered from southerly chop by a long low rocky point, but alas not from the wind itself so the peak can still get blown out easily. Rising tides are always best and aim for mid to high ideally. Crowds are relatively light due to the long walk but don't expect empty peaks unless it is deep winter and/or the middle of a work day. Having said that there is a huge stretch of beach heading west of the point so as long as you don't mind walking away from the best peaks and towards an ugly steel works you can surf alone.
The local Prince of Wales pub found on the Kenfig route is an old haunt of the famous dude Howard Marks. The Rest Bay coastal route offers more options for food and drink and much less chance of a car break in.”
Q, VoG from UNITED KINGDOM - 08 Mar 2010
Sker Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 8 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.4(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: Sker is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.2(1: Sker is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Wales - South East. 5: the best break in Wales - South East). |
Difficulty Level: 2.3(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.3(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Sker can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.5(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Sker, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.3(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Sker are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.8(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.9(1: Often too crowded. 5: Sker is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 2.8(1: Getting to Sker 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: 2.4(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.7(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 1.6(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Sker for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.1(1: Camping at Sker 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: Sker is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.4(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 1.7(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Sker, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.3(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Sker where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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