Newgale faces west-south-west and is one of the top locations in Wales for all beach sports. Any good south-west or west swell will generate waves at all states of the tide. When these conditions occur you can have some of the best down-the-line sessions that the UK has to offer. The beach can get busy during the summer holidays but with two miles of white sand there is plenty of space for everyone.
- Beach Faces:
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West-south-west.
- Best Wind Direction:
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South or north is cross-shore. South-west or west is good in moderate seas.
- Best Wind Direction For Waves:
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A west or south-west swell with a south-east wind gives really good starboard tack riding and north-north-east wind for good port tack riding.
- Not Good:
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East wind.
- Tide:
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Low to mid tide is best. At high tide the waves often break hard on the shingle bank making launching and landing quite difficult!
- What’s On The Bottom:
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Sand
- Any Hazards:
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The shingle bank at high tide and the cliffs to either side of the two mile sandy beach.
- Other Water Users:
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Surfers, kitesurfers and plenty of beach goers in the summer.
- Suitability / Levels:
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Mainly advanced. Wave sailors of all levels can find this beach challenging depending on the size of swell and the strength of wind. However, in the summer, with no swell and light winds, the beach is good for complete beginners.
- Wipeout Factor:
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On a big day, it can be quite a feat to just get out back! It is essential to time your run out. Kit breakage can be common on these days especially if you get caught in the reforming dumpers closer to shore.
- Instruction:
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YES for beginner wave sailors and open ocean sailing around St Brides Bay. Check out Big Blue Windsurfing.
- Kit Hire:
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NO
- Friendly Factor:
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It can be crowded at summer weekends with all sorts of water users. However, a busy day during the off-season can mean maybe 4 or 5 sailors in the water.
- No Wind Alternatives:
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It can be crowded at summer weekends with all sorts of water users. However, a busy day during the off-season can mean maybe 4 or 5 sailors in the water.
- Surfable?:
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YES. When the wind has any east in it, the waves clean up beautifully.
Facilities:
| Toilets |
Yes, three public toilet blocks. |
|---|---|
| Shower |
Yes, but for campers & Newsurf shop customers only. |
| Windsurfing Shop |
No, but Big Blue windsurfing school between the surf shop and the pub. |
| Food |
Newsurf, Cafe and the Duke of Edinburgh pub all just off the beach. |
| Parking |
4 car parks all FREE and all next to the beach. Plus car parks behind pub and Newsurf for customers only – that means you! |
| Pub |
Duke of Edinburgh is at the north end of the beach and is a constant hive of activity in the summer. In the winter, think log fires & locals. |
- Accommodation:
- Local Hotshots:
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Kitesurfers Ben Hanbury and Kirtsy Jones make the occassional appearance when either is back in the UK. Local windsurfers Alfie Hart and Oli Tuggey run Big Blue Windsurfing and Big Blue Kitesurfing respectively.
- Local Knowledge / Secrets:
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On a neap high tide with a moderate SE or N/NE wind the waves are very clean and can be ridden directly in-front of the pub.
- Extra:
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Check out Newgale waves at their best on the Fecking Cold DVD recently reviewed in this mag. Go to review.
- How To Get There:
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From Haverfordwest follow the A487 sign posted to St Davids for 8 miles and your there.
- Report By:
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Alfie Hart. For more info on Newgale please email[email protected]
- Photo Credits:
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Big Blue
