If you're looking for a new place to paddleboard, you will be spoilt for choice with so many spots in Wales to visit. We've listed some stunning areas you can go to, including rivers, beaches and reservoirs.
NEWTON BEACH
Newton Beach is situated just East of Porthcawl. It is a sand and rock bottom beach backed by the stunning Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes.
It faces South East so is protected from Westerly winds and swell so is often calm or with tiny ankle-slapper waves. Access via a slipway with a Pay and Display car park above the beach. It is also dog-friendly all year round.
Hazards: It is a licensed beach for watercraft and is often used by jetskiers and sometimes small powerboats that get taken down to the water’s edge via tractors.
Rocks: be cautious of submerged rocks.
It is NOT lifeguarded at any time.
Parking Wardens ;) Pay your car parking fee as you will be fined.
Facilities include a pub nearby. There are no toilets at the beach.
MUMBLES - SWANSEA Image source: https://enjoygower.com/mumbles-overview
Mumbles in Swansea is another sheltered area and is considered great for paddleboarding. There are several slipways for access/exit points.
It has many facilities along the bay, pubs, cafes, toilets and the infamous Mumbles Pier.
A popular route for paddleboarders is to go around the pier and the lighthouse island but be aware of rips & currents.
As you paddle around the island you will see Bracelet Bay with a restaurant above the Bay. There is a big Pay & Display car park above the Bay.
There are more Pay & Display car parks along Mumbles with plenty of spaces.
LLIW RESERVOIR
Image source: https://swanseaadventures.com/
GOWER - THREE CLIFFS
The Gower Peninsular is home to some of the most stunning beaches and views and a prime location for paddleboarding is Three Cliffs. You will see the most spectacular sunsets here during the Summer months. On a big high tide, you can start on Three Cliffs River at Gower Heritage Centre and make your way down to the river mouth entrance to the sea. You can also paddle through the rocks on a high tide. If it's low tide, you'll have to start further down from the Heritage Centre by walking along the woodland path that takes you to the beach and along the river. Plenty of banks to launch from.
Facilities include a cafe and public toilets at the Heritage Centre. You can also park here and there is a paid parking field as you enter Parkmill.
RIVER WYE
The River Wye is the UK's fourth longest river and forms part of the border between England and Wales. It has over 100 miles of paddling territory including the stretch from Hay-on-Wye to Symonds Yat. You will experience stunning Limestone cliffs, woodland and castles can also be spotted as you paddle down the river. Paddling around the Symonds Yat area, you'll meet some challenging rapids that thrill even the most confident and experienced paddlers.
You can launch your SUP at numerous points down the river and there are plenty of places to kit you out and offer lessons or guides.
More info on what's on offer here from Visit Herefordshire
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We have some fantastic offers on paddleboards at the moment and we're also offering a FREE Palm Glide PFD with every paddleboard purchase. Terms & Conditions apply
Happy paddling!