The pretty town of Criccieth in Tremadog Bay rarley gets visited by windsurfers because firstly, most sailors end up at Rhosneigr when visiting North Wales, and secondly it isn’t known as a classic spot. However, when it’s blowing South-west or West and Rhosneigr is too onshore then Criccieth gets some awesome starboard tack jumping. Bascially, it’s like the south coast of England on a good day. Plus it has some of the best chip shops & ice cream parlours in Wales!
- Beach Faces:
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South. Go to the beach with the castle on your right as you look out to sea, not the other one!!!
- Best Wind Direction:
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West is bang cross-shore but the castle on the hill gets in the way so West/South-west is less gusty if not slightly cross-onshore. For some flat water sailing, go in an Easterley.
- Best Wind Direction For Waves:
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Howling West/South-west will bring in the swell.
- Not Good:
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South/South-west is bolt onshore.
- Tide:
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Forget sailing at high tide as the waves bash against the sea wall. The best waves occur at mid-tide. Low tide is fine & sandy!
- What’s On The Bottom:
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Sand and pebbles.
- Any Hazards:
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Longshore Drift: A fairly strong current heading away from the castle along the beach in a W/SW blow which could drag you onto the two groins. There are also a few rocks furthur down the beach which can be seen other than at very high tide.
- Other Water Users:
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Summer time sees plenty of swimmers, inflatables & dinghies.
- Suitability / Levels:
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Criccieth is only really worth visiting when it is howling windy and hence the conditions are quite advanced with a tricky launch and lots of white water. However, go on a summer sea breeze day and anyone can have a go!
- Wipeout Factor:
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As described above it is quite knarly on a windy day and that longshore drift just adds to the excitement!
- Instruction:
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No.
- Kit Hire:
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No.
- Friendly Factor:
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Windsurfers are such a rare occurence that they tend to draw a crowd of onlookers. We would say the local windsurfers are friendly but there aren’t any!!
- No Wind Alternatives:
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Windsurfers are such a rare occurence that they tend to draw a crowd of onlookers. We would say the local windsurfers are friendly but there aren’t any!!
Facilities:
| Toilets |
Yes |
|---|---|
| Shower |
No |
| Windsurfing Shop |
No. The nearest is Funsport at Rhosneigr. |
| Food |
Delicious chippy & Cadwaladers first ice cream shop. |
| Parking |
Right by the beach but you have to pay: £1.50 for 4 hours |
| Pub |
A couple within walking distance of the beach. |
- Accommodation:
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Go to www.criccieth.co.uk for a list of accomodation & campsites.
- Extra:
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The water quality at Criccieth beach is excellent following a £10 million improvement to the town’s sewage system.
- How To Get There:
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Get on the A55 Coastal Highway and get off at the Caernarfon turn off. Go through this town and follow signs to Porthmadog on the A487. Then take the B4411 off this road to Criccieth. Sail at the beach with the castle on your right as you look out to sea.
- Report By:
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Phil & Dave Horrocks
- Photo Credits:
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Boardseeker
