your comments
Derek Smith- Aberavon
Fantastic beach, cleaner than ever with plenty of room for all to enjoy.
Sun Jun 28 18:44:00 2009
Dan Burton, Port Talbot
What do you mean by "Not the cleanest or the most picturesque spot"??? It has the 2009 blue flag award. How can people go surfing in Porthcawl when they have a great big pipe pumping 'You Know What' into the sea!!! People need to get out a bit more and visit one of the best beaches in Wales!!! Aberavon Beach!!!
Thu Jun 25 21:21:58 2009
Mark David-Tooze, Gold Coast, Australia
Learned to surf at wall 32 years ago. Got my first board form Roger and Albert in Skewen. Drifted in and out of the Av. scene during the late seventies and early eighties, before heading overseas for good.
Spent many hours hanging out in the car park when I was younger. Aberavon was a wave paradise back then. I can remember some great sessions on the sewer pipe with Mark and Felin. I am currently over from Oz, and I have just come back from the beach, not a classic day but the memories will last for ever.
Tue May 19 17:00:25 2009
Matt Dunning
I think aberavon beach is a great place to go surfing the waves are great and the food by the beach is great so when ive finished surfing I can eat and eat till I blow up in to tiny pices of fat
Mon Jul 28 12:18:40 2008
Finley from Port Talbot
I think Aberavon is a great surfing spot and the water is very clean,...
Wed Jun 11 13:35:22 2008
Mikey Lewis
Not the cleanest or the most picturesque spot you're ever likely to surf, but it is renowned for its ability to hold big swells, and big logs! I think this needs changing! We are flying blue flags!
Wed Jun 11 13:09:01 2008
George of Aberavon
A quality beach break worth a second look - if you missed it first time round. Can't wait to get back in the water. Looking forward to the big big days, not many outside. Hi to all the old friends lucky enough to still call Aberavon your home break!
Tue May 6 09:38:52 2008
local
In reply to Jon's comment, Aberavon works best at low tide on a one foot swell at the other end of the beach!
Thu Jan 31 12:52:07 2008
Chris H
There is nothing wrong in surfing in Aberavon. I've been surfing there over 10 years and I've enjoyed it.
Mon Jan 21 09:26:51 2008
Ian Owen, Jamestown, RI
I can't believe that growing up on the beach in the late 70's that I only started surfing 4yrs ago after moving away. I've been back to the beach several times since but it has always been flat, but I remember being in the water by the pier as a kid getting absolutely rinsed, and being battered by mullet and schoolies. I know, live, and surf in Rhode Island which is a great place and gets some great waves, just not as often and it's a lot colder than the Av, wish I'd seen it for what it was and got the bug years ago - off to Costa in a month though so can't complain!
Thu Jan 17 11:57:51 2008
Jon of swansea
Just wondering what sort of conditions are best for Aberavon to start working? There isnt really much info about the break, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Mon Jan 14 09:08:10 2008
jon, swansea
Just wondering what sort of conditions are best for Aberavon to start working? There isnt really much info about the break, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Mon Jan 14 09:08:02 2008
Dan, Mumbles
Aberavon is a great place to surf! I have been mainly surfing Langland, Caswell, Llangennith and further west, but ventured to Aberavon with a mate from the area a few weekends ago and it rocked! I did not have any problems with locals myself but I just wonder - what is the criteria of a 'local'? Also, HOW are you supposed to know who is a local when going for a wave? Just a few thought provoking questions! I fully agree that if you are not as competent you should move a little further down the beach away from the breakwater. But I think people should chill sometimes as we all had to learn at one point or another. Surfing should be for everyone, all ages etc etc to enjoy!
Fri Oct 26 13:22:27 2007
Matt from Gower
I surfed Aberavon about five months back. It was six-ten feet. The first thing I noticed was the very high standard of surfing here. One surfer stood out to me was I think a quicksilver rider, had a bright green wetsuit on. He took some of the biggest drops on the biggest set waves and the most powerful turns in the most critical parts of the wave, whoever you are you're a born natural.
Aberavon has a bad localism problems, but I think this is needed, there were so many squidbrain surfers in the water who didnt have a clue. The locals keep them off the peak, they do their job well. A super wave at high tide, the left peels so heavy and fast its super, hopefully I can earn the respect to surf the main peak, one of the best waves in Wales.
Fri Dec 29 15:04:18 2006
S Man Afan Local
Big hello to all the local lads at the af
its winter and its time to get some big non
crowded waves.... dust out that 5mm...
Mon Dec 4 10:53:49 2006
Big Steve - Gower
I rarely surf Aberavon as I live near to the Gower. On its day it is superb! Just give the locals plenty of room (they have earned it)and I found them all really cool. Good place, good people, good heavens!
Mon Oct 9 12:34:51 2006
Reef master
Such an awesome wave. Locals are really friendly and let you have lots of waves as long as your attitude is cool. Pier is best at mid tide up.
Mon Sep 4 09:24:32 2006
Andrew Neath
Being an age-ing native sand rabbit I have many happy bodyboarding memories. I've just managed to hi-jack my nephews proper gear and make my long overdue debut. Did not go quite as I planned but surf and sea were great. Regarding the good advice on this page about working your way up to the pier end on your ability, it's in front of the naval club next trip!!! Long live miami beach.
Thu Aug 24 10:36:45 2006
CHOP From the Av
Boys and girls and good friends od the Av, just to let you all know im back, and here to stay, i have been reborn with the surfing drug. As you know i'll be off to Indo soon catching barrels that you can only dream of, big respect to all my teachers of big wave riding, Enos, My Bro Reef, Lewis, Pottz, Bubs, and the godfather RJ. I will use all my training well my teachers, to the edge. Keep ripping boys i'll be back soon.
CHOP, 1982bc.
Thu May 25 13:45:43 2006
Nigel, Aberavon.
Hi all you old seadogs. Great to hear that some of us are still alive and active. Into surf kayaking now - easier on the arms. Would be nice to get in touch with Christos, Albert, Roger or Owl.
Wed May 24 08:54:43 2006
Josh Macdonald
Aberavon really goes off on it's days. Brilliant place to surf. I'm a local and what does my head in is when outsiders come and think they rock and start giving all the lip to us.
Mon Apr 24 09:28:52 2006
Snoopy ex long time local
Regards and respect to the av and its surfers - its been a long time
Fri Jan 20 13:21:57 2006
Si, Port Talbot
Mick Pugh, Sydney, Aust,is that the same Michael Pugh, aka Gupo?
Sun Jan 8 20:00:09 2006
Long time Aberavon local
Good beach on it's day, pretty average most of the time though. Lot's of other spots better and bigger in most swells. Getting really busy lately, especially the last 2 years. Same as everywhere, respect the locals and wait your turn to have an enjoyable session. I travel around quite a bit and by doing this I've never had any problems. There's a couple of things that annoy me at the moment though. Non local surfers giving attitude in the car park e.g. staring. The second is novice surfers paddling straight to the peak and hassling for waves. The good surfers who occasionally visit have the proper etiquette and wait their turn.
Sun Jan 8 11:53:22 2006
Jon Port Talbot
This place is great but if you want a tip go to Sker, a great place to surf and uncrowded.
Mon Dec 5 13:41:03 2005
dai h port talbot
got a great photo of one of the local guys who rode a board with an x on top pulling a big backhand air .standard here is pretty good .
Thu Nov 24 18:55:35 2005
pughster - baglan
the av is a totally awesome wave - most under rated wave in wales.
Sun Nov 20 19:49:31 2005
bob hoskings local
enos doing huge powerfull backhand turns??? are you sure you were"nt watching a wct event by mistake?
Wed Nov 16 18:53:53 2005
Chewy
Oct 27 another large swell hits the Av with well overhead clean sets. The usuals stood out having long wally rides while some usuals got no waves at all. Crowds were a problem as the Av seems to get more annoyingly popular. Surf on.
Sun Oct 30 09:30:54 2005
James Jenkins Swansea
Surfed here Sun 16th Oct. Most classic swell of the year so far. Locals like Enos and Lew were rippin it apart all day with some huge powerful backhand turns. What an awesome wave. Will be back soon.
Sun Oct 23 11:19:59 2005
Chewy
Sat 15 Oct the Av received one of the best swells of the year. There was a big crowd but 2 surfers stood out destroying some of the biggest sets the Av could offer. Respect to dai and barder,the word was enos and reef were in search of smaller waves on the west coast of Wales... nothing changes there then. Apparently they scored 6ft offshore stand up barrels all day to themselves in baggys....whatever!!!
Tue Oct 18 19:22:46 2005
Jase from Swansea Valley
Have to say that after checking Av on Saturday the 15th Oct 05, that I now see the place in a different light. On it's day this place rocks, the best waves I've seen in Wales, ever! 6ft, clean and offshore, pure perfection. Locals I met were all friendly, and the place had a cool vibe and an energy, that you just don't see everywhere, guys in the lineup and people on the breakwater whooping when a big set rolls in. Awesome surfers, awesome waves, cool vibe, definetly a place I will be checking out more often now. (Can anyone get a webcam set up down there, I build websites, just give me a local location to house a camera and I'll even set it up!!!)
Mon Oct 17 10:54:31 2005
Matthew Bristol
A great place to longboard and shortboard, nice waves for all surfing abilites and easy access being right next to the M4.
Fri Oct 14 15:10:32 2005
Grunt Port Talbot
This place has excellent uncrowded waves. And picks up loads of swell.
Thu Oct 13 13:15:55 2005
Mick Pugh - Sydney, Aust
Surfed here regularly in the mid - late eighties and still breathing. Water cant be that bad !!
Wed Sep 28 04:02:56 2005
South West Surfer
Surfed here the other week on the main peak by the pier. I dropped in on a guy and made him fall off the wave he went nuts on me. Its a very stressful place to surf. You cant enjoy it as you get constant abuse from the locals. It's not that good either like the local surfers!
Sun Sep 11 20:55:40 2005
chris, Rhoose
I did a lifeguard competion at the av a while back. Awesome beach was flat calm on that day tho so couldnt get out on the boards. The locals gave us no grief and there were about 200 cars all about.
Sun Sep 11 01:58:56 2005
Gower shower
Aberavon, mmm I don't think ill be going back there any time soon. Not only did i recieve verbal grief from several locals in the water but when i got out my windscreen had been waxed with a 'locals only' sign and my car keys had been removed from their normally safe hiding place and were never to be seen again.
Thu Sep 8 18:53:28 2005
Aberavon Boys.
Aberavon goes off. Thats all it needs to sum it up. It's a super wave. Some cool rippers down here. I surfed on the peak one day and it was 4 foot clean. There were 2 rippers there, two boys Aubey and Chop they were really nice guys and 1st class surfers. They were going off smashing the lip to big massive snaps. They are the future of aberavon surfing. Keep it up boys and hope to see you out there again.
Tom .c.c
Sat Sep 3 17:50:02 2005
Local guy
Surfed here for years had some good day's surf here! Now I think the secret is out because I've not seen the break so busy!!
Mon Aug 29 19:26:12 2005
Dave from Gower
This is one hell of a beach! The surf here is classic! Cant wait till I surf it again. I still think Llangenith is better though.
Wed Aug 17 21:57:31 2005
John, Tondu
As an old sponger the Av has given me some wicked days boarding. The water is fine, the locals are surfing and thats what they do, have to say some of them are amazing. The beach is big enough on a good swell to accomodate everyone with bags of room to spare...
Mon Aug 15 17:52:34 2005
Eggy Skewen
First leant to surf here a few years ago when the water "was" bad but to slate the water quality now seems a bit daft. It`s a thousand times better than it used to be. It might be murkey but it's a ripping beach break for god`s sake. Keep it real and always rip hard...
Thu Aug 11 16:11:30 2005
PT resident
Don't understand the comment about keeping your mouth closed. The Aberavon Beach is in the Good Beach Guide and the water quality has reached the Marine Conservation Society's "Recommended" standard. Can't say better than that.
Thu Aug 4 23:28:08 2005
Paul Swansea (soon to Aberavon)
What a fab place for surfing, great beach and great people. Can't wait to live close to sea.
Mon Jul 25 19:02:47 2005
Old dog , AV
Some really good quality surfers at the Av, from RJ's awsome re-entry's, throwing fountains of spray off the back to Enos's aggressive and fluid consistent style. Not to mention Aubry, Dan,Lee + Chop and Lew's graceful turns. Keep it up Guys legend's in your own right.
Thu Jul 14 15:56:52 2005
Martin Roberts Aberavon
I have recently moved here and have started learning surfing. I think its great and only occasionally extremely dirty. Used to look forward to the sun, now want wind and rain so I can try to surf!
Mon Jul 11 10:45:51 2005
James, Port Talbot
I have always surfed av.
It's been flat lately but things are starting to pick up.
Sun Jun 26 16:26:38 2005
Captain Bill
Great left just wish the rights were as good. If the council built a small reef/pier from the prom out to the mid tide point opposite or past the Afan Lido, that could create a good right & left hander that would really pull in the surf crowds and generate some much needed tourism...
Sat Jun 25 04:49:59 2005
Purchase Coata del portatblo
The av is the place to be. Awesome surfing crew, and wicked lifeguards. Hot ladies welcome all year round!!!
Tue Jun 21 13:36:24 2005
Simon E, Aber local
The quality of the waves, beach and surfers here is awesome, so back off anyone who says this place sucks. The surf commmunity here rocks with a lot of nice guys and girls, so show some respect.
Thu Jun 16 11:18:09 2005
Olaf
Yo all the guys at the av whos out there - Doug, Rob,Lewis any you guys still surfin or you all done an eggy and quit!!!
Wed Jun 15 21:26:54 2005
Stacey, Aberavon
I have lived and surfed in Av for years. The beach and water is much better theses days. The sea is actually blue now. The locals will be fine with you, if your fine with them. Aberavon is the best !!!
Thu Jun 9 10:23:01 2005
Rachel, Port Talbot
There's nothign wrong with the water here, I have lived here all my life and it is cleaner now than ever. You can see fish swimming in it does that sound dity, no it don't. Me and bro had some gd surfs here lk!
Sun May 29 18:17:50 2005
Paul Kang
Beautiful!
Sat Apr 30 02:01:43 2005
Dai
I forgot about Lewis, he is still a novice when it comes to Albert and Duggan. Can Enos stand up yet?!!
Wed Apr 20 09:07:06 2005
Swansea mush
Drink coke after surfing or doin' watever here in the sea - it kills all the germs and whatever else you've swallowed in the water.
Thu Apr 14 11:38:15 2005
Bill from Penzance
Wow, Mark Gob sounds like my hero
Thu Apr 7 12:57:39 2005
Mark Gabb from Mumbles
This place rocks my world, surfed there 2days ago 7ft+ I ripped it to shreds ,I was the only one who would go in, big up to me. This is how we do it Swansea style.
Tue Apr 5 14:25:31 2005
Local
Dai don't you know Lewis??
Fri Apr 1 14:46:16 2005
Nick from Neath
Aberavon's a great beach and from the numbers of fish and seals in the water it's very clean. Jetskis are the only menace.
Fri Mar 25 14:04:15 2005
Dai
Quality break with top people even though Albert is the tightest guy I know next to Duggan that is!!!
Fri Mar 25 05:03:42 2005
Christos
Where is Bob Scphorne? pj is askin about him is he still in the water? PS good surf yesterday 22nd march.
Wed Mar 23 13:28:34 2005
Dai John, Rest Bay
There is nothing quite like a good competition down Aberavon. All though its not my local beach for local people as such, I still try and get down once a month. The only time I have any complaints is when people dump their rubbish on the beach in summer. Waters fine though! Long live Aberavon.
Fri Mar 11 12:06:18 2005
Jon _Tai Bach
Who needs Gower when Aberavon is working?
Thu Mar 3 13:55:19 2005
Plug
Locals only surfboards were made by Roger Cooper in the 80s. The Av is a great place 2 surf with lots of history and great surfers. Respect 2 all the locals! Alby, Cooper, RJ, Spencer, Enos, Bub, Reef Master, Pork Chop, Driftwood and Robo some of wich scored world class waves in Fuerte Jan 2004.
Tue Feb 1 20:07:40 2005
Matt
I've been kiting here all the time for the last 4 years. Never been ill once.
Wed Jan 26 20:27:44 2005
Splinter , Avan local
After surfing the Av for over 10 years and not once being ill from the water quality, its pretty fair to say that there has been a lot of hype about the standard of the water. Some of the best surfers/bodyboarders in the UK come from Aberavon. On its day it can be one of the best waves in the country. If you respect the locals and don't hassle on the peak then you will get some waves for yourself hassle free!
Thu Jan 20 21:38:35 2005
TE
There is a local kite club that use the beach every week and they give lessons on all types of kiting etc, you can contact them at www.celtickites.co.uk.
Sat Jan 15 13:28:05 2005
Gaz, Port Talbot
I want to start kite land boarding. I've seen a few people on Aberavon beach doin it. Just wondered if any1 does it and could teach me the basics.
Wed Dec 22 15:42:03 2004
RJ
Christos... Next time your off to the Afon, give me a shout at the Zone!
Sun Dec 19 11:15:57 2004
Bones from Sunny Skewen
Have surfed Genith for the last 10 years and must admit I am finding the distance less appealing when Aberavon seems to be getting more quality waves than Llangenith these days (obviously due to the exploited sandbars). The water in Aberavon is cleaner than everyone thinks and once it gets the blue flag I think it will become a crowded alternative to LLangenith, it will be a disapointment to the locals me thinks. Long live the Longboard!
Fri Dec 17 14:03:35 2004
Christos
To Mark Esperane, yes thay are both still around Albert is now making boards I am riding one they are called o.d.d.
Wed Dec 15 09:11:23 2004
Gavin Neath
Surfed the Avon for a few years now and it goes off. Big hi to "j", blain, beef, clit and all the locals. Keep it clean !!!!
Wed Dec 1 17:38:52 2004
James, Swansea
I love surfing here, a much better swell catcher than LLangennith and better shape when offshore.
Wed Dec 1 11:47:44 2004
Alan, Neath
I have kayak surfed Aberavon for the past 12 years, and got on well will local surfers. But the main problem which I find and I think the local surfers agree with me, is the issue of the jet skies! They have no respect for the safety of the others users of the surf. No matter how polite you are to them, I have contacted the lifeguards who are powerless to do anything. I wonder if someone has to die before something is done!
Sat Nov 27 11:16:17 2004
Meg
I guess for all you Porthcawl locals out there, this will be become your local once the Scarweather Sands Windmills cause the sand banks to build blocking the surf at Rest Bay.
Wed Nov 24 16:01:12 2004
Mark from Swansea
Had my first surf at Aberavon yesterday, and found it much better than Llangennith (having surfed Gennith the previous day). The water didn't look any different to the rest of the coast. Thanks to the locals on this page for their helpful tips.
Mon Nov 22 14:43:54 2004
Markieboy, from Jackland
Thanks for the advice, Afan local an Aberavon Beach Bum. I've wanted to surf the Av for years, but been put off by the water quality. Never been bothered by stories about the locals, that always seemed to be just Mumbles rich kids being scared of the working class. See you outside.
Mon Nov 15 13:28:04 2004
Mark. Esperance W. Australia
Surfed here about 25 years ago and it was about head hight and going off. Since then I have surfed all over the globe but that day still has special memories for me.
Christos do I know you if Albert is still about? I used to surf Fresh a lot and lived in Aberporth W.Wales then. Also is Roger Cooper still shaping boards, used to love those Zippysticks.
Thu Nov 11 13:07:53 2004
Christos
I am one of the original surfers at Aberavon with Martian, Mark, Tommey, Linder. I would like to say hello to everyone from 1969 to today and not to forget the waves are for everyone. No one owns them it is all for us that keeps surfing alive. Think of all the people that just don't get it. PS. I surfed it the other day it still does it for me.
Thu Oct 28 08:47:30 2004
Steve from Mumbles
Had some lovely surfs after work with EL DEANO, SEAN , RILEY and ANT.
AB can hold a big swell and locals are quite friendly. Beware the rocks at hightide!
Wed Sep 29 10:00:07 2004
Afan Local
Aberavon is the most slated beach in Wales with a reputation for all sorts of rubbish. With all the s@!t we have to put up with about the local industry, the quality of waves, water etc. no wonder we are protective over Aberavon. Stay off the peak if your ability is poor there are too many learners paddling out and causing accidents, have respect for the locals is all that's required, it's a big beach with enough waves for all, move down the beach and progress up towards the pier as you ability increases is my best advice.
Fri Sep 24 15:44:48 2004
Aberavon Beach Bum
Last time I looked the neighbouring beaches of Rest Bay, Porthcawl and the Gower occupied more or less the same patch of the Bristol Channel - I don't see a mention about keeping your mouth shut on their pages!
Regular water quality reports are almost always "GOOD" and I have it on good authority that a Blue Flag is missing only becaiuse of one or two isuues completely unrelated to the quality of the bathing water.
Stop the bashing of Aberavon - it's one of the best beaches in Wales.
Mon Sep 13 21:34:03 2004
Jessica Lawson Swansea
Aberavon is such a lovely beach. Waves are
brilliant.I go down with my family and cousins uncle and auntie, we have such a lovely time + chips from Francos.
Sun Sep 5 10:07:34 2004
JT
Aberavon is best from mid to high tide and near the breakwater. It's tricky getting out when the tides are big. Some of the locals actually walk up the breakwater at high tide and jump in from it! Timing is critical!
Mon Aug 9 14:20:05 2004
Paul Harvey. Porth.
I caught my first ' proper wave' out back at Aberavon about eight years ago and I haven't looked back! I loved the way everyone used to holler when a big set was coming. I haven't been there since the building work on the jetty, what's it like these days?
Fri Aug 6 19:28:31 2004
Joe Powell, Cardiff.
The 'Av is great - Seems to have a good wave when it fancy's chucking them out... What with their 'locals only' sign and all that, the place has a reputation for nasty locals - I personally found this to be to the contrary as the guy I met made me a cup of tea and gave me a scone whilst chatting after.
Thu Jul 29 17:31:20 2004
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