The Point or (Little Furzenip) is a consistently good spot and found to the left of the main beach. A strong rip operates here and can be a problem at all stages of the tide. It has great dredging left hand barrels though and is excellent at low tide when the wind is light or offshore. If you go right be aware of the shallow reef as the tide drops.
Further left is Middle Bay (Great Furzenip). This can be good at all stages of the tide depending on the amount of sand that has been washed into the bay but generally best on the push.
At high tide on a big swell it's particularly good as there's a relatively easy paddle out amongst the rocks at the base of the cliff and deep channels.
The reef tends to magnify the wave size to maximise conditions. It's not really a beginners wave as the waves becomes pretty fast and steep here as the tide changes various parts of the reef are exposed. Getting back in can be tricky as the rip drags you back out to sea and sideways.
You need to time your exit carefully as waves will wash in through to the inside and try to knock you onto the rocks. It's a bit of a juggling act really but when you spot a lull paddle like mad! The inside section can provide a nice hollow barrel in the right conditions which breaks close to the rocks so you need to know what you're doing.
Locals often kick out at the last minute in front of previously submerged boulders. The rips in the bay will normally drag you down towards the M.O.D firing zone. If the unexploded shells don't get you, the heavy fines + possible jail sentence will - Enjoy!
Other spots can be found in vaccinity but require some exploration. The infamous 'Y Bocs', which has been well documented in many of the top European surf mags. This can be accessed by boat or a long paddle if you know where to look.
Take heed though, this is for pros or kamikazzees only and is a seriously shallow reef break with gaping tubes on the right day. If you snap a leash out there, you're on your own...
your comments
Ivor: Gloucester
Surf and Kitesurf this beach often...it rocks, swallows and spits you out...wouldn't have it any other way, it is beautiful and raw nature
Tue May 19 17:19:45 2009
Pete Pembroke
Anyone who surfs at Freshwater West must be suicidal. Have seen too many near misses
Mon Feb 11 08:56:19 2008
Bear (Dave P) Gold Coast Oz
Still very fond memories of surfing "Tanks" in the 70sGreat to see Ceri Hurton's name on here!
Wed Nov 14 11:44:41 2007
Malc Thompson
Surfed Fresh late seventies to early eighties with Dennis Cooper Andy Roberts Mick Robbins, Reg Goddard and rest of Surf Club. They allowed us over the firing range to reef in those day. Still surfing and powerkiting now. Be Back soon. Hope those guys still surfing. Fresh, fast wave the bottom sucks out and you're continually paddling against rip. Regards Malc
Wed Oct 17 12:11:18 2007
pro surth
Waves are awsome here but have to say I think I prefer 'NOOSA AUSTRAILA' if u can get over to Australia. Got caught in the bigget rip of ma life. Be very careful of the shallow reef. DO NOT ATTEMPT IF UR A BEGINNER.
Tue Jul 17 08:20:04 2007
Gareth: Milford Haven
I surf Kayak and Fresh West is one hell of a ride. When its big it's a thrillseekers paradise and it sorts the men out from the boys. From clean to messy I surf it all. Be careful ya all and have fun.
Fri Jun 1 16:16:56 2007
Fred Tenby
I surf here mostly everyday u ave got a different variety of waves man!!! Left and right handers barrels etc... its pumpin today u shud check it out but be careful man go wit some dudes l8ers
Wed Dec 13 13:01:50 2006
John from Pembrokeshire
Its the only beach I've ever surfed in the 2 years I've been learning,,,you've got to be so careful,,,,most the pro's i've seen down there think i'm totaly mad....lol...maybe 1 day I'll have a lesson.
Mon Sep 4 08:53:08 2006
tom newport
What an ace beach to surf. Never surf on your own.
Mon Aug 14 09:35:36 2006
Guy Freeman Frome
Hey looking for sum nw places to check out round the gower and freshwater areas. How dificult is Freshwater Reef and Freshwater West to board. Is it suitable for bodyboarding?
Tue Aug 8 16:48:57 2006
harry cromwell
This place is really really cool man , i like to surf there with all my mates, i call them dudes. i caught 6 waves here once all in one session ... coool man
Wed Jan 11 17:10:39 2006
Dickie, South Pembs
Jack, have you surfed anywhere else in the UK? Yeah, Fresh is good on it's day, but there is better out there!
Tue Nov 1 22:07:41 2005
Zander, Swansea
Fresh was my learning beach but I made an mistake. Fresh is a beach for imtermediate,pro beach because of the rips and the power of the swell.
Thu Oct 27 14:18:12 2005
Jack, Berkshire
I travel hours, but so worth it!!!!
Its my fave spot in the U.K, with the rite swell, winds, the waves are killer, and unlike anything else found on this island!!!
Thu Oct 20 11:55:15 2005
Tim Leary - Hundleton
Just wish we lived closer!
Sat Sep 24 09:09:47 2005
John, Letterston
Fresh West is a dangerous beach. I've been surfing 30 years all over the world and Fresh still scares me sometimes. You need to be fit and switched on, ideally intermediate surfer on big days it is not the place to learn, head to Newgale or Whitesands in the north beacuse this beach claims lives. On smaller days you may be ok, but never surf alone and keep your eye on the conditions beacuse when they change they change fast!!!
Mon Jul 4 17:12:19 2005
Tickla
Wot u on about "Gunner Carmarthen" Fresh West is poor close outs, rips and dirty. Whitesands Stairlift is where da party is at.
Thu Jun 9 18:46:45 2005
kelly slater
i was so stoked the waves ar4e so clean like a mini version of pipe
Wed May 25 10:39:08 2005
Quentin Philip Island Oz
Last visit was after the oil spill well depressing, hope nature has done it's thing. Spent lots of time there in the late 70s early 80s, hope the old boys are still surfing Pete Green and crew as I am!
Keep on charging!!
Tue May 17 10:37:55 2005
Gunner - Carmarthen
Fresh West is where its at, Stoney Cross baby.
Wed Mar 2 11:57:02 2005
Marc - Broad Haven
Broad Haven has good days and is a nice all round beach break it only works on big swells, but is a very nice shaped wave.
Tue Mar 1 09:00:31 2005
George from Llanddewibrefi
Wicked beach in last years high winds the waves were sick. 16 foot! Well awesome!
Sat Feb 12 15:35:45 2005
John Hatch - Milford
Tidy.
Mon Jan 24 12:46:03 2005
Ceri Hurton - Mandurah, Western Australia
First surfed Frainslake and the pole in '69. Best break in Wales though is the right hander at Middle Bay 2-1 hours before high tide. Surf (yeah still surfing!) Margaret River / Yallingup and Avalon point (WA) now. Enjoy, and keep the waves clean. CEZZA
Sat Jan 8 00:59:43 2005
Davydd from Llanelli
The waves here are so good I have already planned a surfing trip for next year. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sun Oct 24 18:09:32 2004
pippa swansea
the waves at fresh west were the best ive seen since doing a surf course at Newquay in Cornwall. My feet suffered from the reef but that wont stop me going again!I absolutely love it.
Sun Aug 15 11:38:39 2004
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