Swansea Bay

A variety of beaches along the long sweep of coast betwen mumbles Head and the City of Swansea.

Submitted by:
justal
Updated:
24th Apr 2004

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Swansea Bay has four different sailing locations facing S, SE, E and NE, so can offer good windsurfing or kitesurfing conditions in a variety of wind directions.

In westerly winds head to the south facing beach near the County Hall. There is a large car park next to the beach. Sailing is possible at all states of the tide, but at low tide getting to the waters edge can involve a trek through mud up to your knees! Westerly winds produce good flat water blasting, or when a SW swell is present, good wave sailing conditions. When there are waves, a nasty shorebreak can develop. The other thing of note is the large post in the centre of the bay....it marks the outlet of Swansea Sewer....Nice!

In NE or the more common SW winds, head to the SE facing beach near Sketty lane, where there is a pay and display car park. Unfortunately due to the huge tidal range and shallowly shelving beach here, it is only possible to sail here two hours either side of high tide. However, the water then remains shallow for about 500m so it is ideal for intermediates to practise waterstarts and gybes in relative safety.

A similar SE-E facing beach is found at West Cross by following the Mumbles road and parking in the car park of the West Cross Inn. Sailing is only possible here an hour either side of high tide, with Northerly or Southerly winds producing good cross-shore, flat water blasting for intermediates.

Finally, in NW or SE winds, head to the beach near Mumbles where there is a car park opposite the Mumbles Yatch Club. Windsurfing is possible here at all states of the tide, except possibly low spring tides when mud may hinder access to the water. Tidal currents can be strong here and there are numerous obstacles in the water, so beware.
All the usual seaside town amenities are available in Swansea, as are clubs, pubs and acommodation.

Surf Conditions at Swansea Bay are Not Good

Buggying Conditions at Swansea Bay are Not Good

Windsurfing Conditions at Swansea Bay can be Good

Kitesurfing Conditions at Swansea Bay can be Good

Windsurfing at Swansea Bay

Kitesurfing at Swansea Bay

NW	N	NE

W		E

SW	S	SE

NW	N	NE

W		E

SW	S	SE

Comments on Swansea Bay

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Posted By: justal
Administrator

Member#: 1
Location:
Registered: 21-07-2002
Last Visit: 17-04-2024

Mood: Just Chillin Dude

Please note that wind surfing through Mumbles Moorings is now strictly forbidden and thus all launching ramps along the Mumbles promenade including the Village Lane, the 'Y' slip, the Knab Rock and the long slipway near the R.N.L.I. Inshore boathouse are not open to wind surfers. These restrictions are policed by City & Council of swansea employees who have been instructed to report the car registration plates of offenders so that the owners can be informed by letter that their cars may not be parked in council car parks for the remainder of that season without incurring a parking fine. It is very difficult attempting to park in Mumbles (or wansea) without the authorisation to use a municipal car park.

Posted By: Dj
Member

Member#: 975
Location: Swansea
Registered: 17-09-2004
Last Visit: 05-10-2004

Sewer outlet is old news!

Just read the comments about Swansea Bay and want to say that the sewer outlet by the large post was made inactive 8 years ago or so!! The new outlet has been taken further out plus it is highly treated by a 90 million pound treatment plant. It is forecasted that the bay will achieve the highly demanding blue flag status within the next 3 years!