Famed for it's golden sands, donkey rides and stag parties, Tenby can also hold a decent wave...Although flat most of the year, Tenby South beach has been known to hold a classic wave on big swells during the depths of Winter.
It generally breaks wherever the banks are formed but in front of the cafe or down towards the old Napoleonic fort are normally the best spots. The water clarity here is poor in Winter due to a sewage pipe located out offshore of the beach so your board generally disappears from view as soon as you paddle out!
It's sheltered from howling westerlies and turns into a smoking barrel when the wind swings around to the North. It's best avoided at low tide as the wave breaks in very shallow water so you may well end up snapping your prized stick!
If you don't live locally then your chances of surfing this gem are slim as it's very fickle and is only rideable about twice a year in big swells!
Tell us what else you love about the area in I Love Tenby or visit our special section all about the town.
your comments
Joe Blogs, Carmarthen
Surfed Tenby first time 9th December, was hollow and fast as can be heavy and scary. Too many pros in by the afternoon couldn't get a wave for anything. Don't go alone.
Tue Dec 11 09:59:19 2007
Slater from Tenby
South Beach on a pumping day is the best beach in Pembrokeshire. it a-frame barralls for miles but it is really powerfull and dangerous but if you get a good wave at south it will be good!
l8as
Thu Sep 28 09:07:53 2006
Ails from Australia
Tenby's amazing in the summer and the surf picks up occasionally! Gday to everyone in Wales.
Wed Nov 30 06:56:55 2005
Charlie- Strumble
When it works wich isnt ofton, this place is pretty hollow and the barrels arent bad. Had some really quick rides here! Water is a bit dirty but not a health risk really- ive never been ill or caught anything.
Mon Nov 14 12:04:38 2005
Big Jim
Works best when Fresh West and Manobier are blown out.
Thu Oct 20 18:15:37 2005
Stef from Cardiff
I have a house down there and during the summer holidays, if you wake up early enough on the right day, you get these enormous waves, I run down to the beach when the waves are that big, and get surfing.
Fri Jul 15 17:22:40 2005
Rachel from Cardiff
I love Tenby and surfing! It's the best in Tenby!!!
Thu Feb 3 20:09:24 2005
Dai the bus from Swansea
I woke up on the beach after a stag night, sadly, I didn't have my board with me... come to think of it, I didn't have my clothes either!
Tue Jan 18 15:31:48 2005
Sarah Neale Pembroke Dock
Went out for a surf about a week ago
couldn't believe it was slammin.
Lush went out on the jet ski for a while after awsum aws loving it!
Thu Jan 13 15:07:06 2005
Adam Jenks, Tenby
Went surfing there on Saturday 8th jan 05 it was amazing one of the best days I've had ever!!!!!!!!
Sun Jan 9 17:58:36 2005
RS from Pembs
Wicked on its day,
but these are few and far between.
Fri Nov 12 15:45:18 2004
Matt from Tenby
Every now and then the waves on Tenby's south beach pick up and when they do it spectacular you should grap your board and run to the beach!
Thu Aug 12 19:59:50 2004
Silverback surfer from Carmarthen.
When I was 18 and still in school, I remember on a free afternoon, putting the board in my Fiat 126 and driving around the coast on a September's day. The wind was howling south west, and every beach was totally blown out, but huge! Drove into Tenby, and couldn't believe my eyes.
Perfect 4 feet offshore waves peeling into the north beach. I'm 39 now and have never seen it work like that since !
Mon Aug 2 08:55:10 2004
Gareth from Swansea
I play on this beach for hours with my bucket and spade! Then my wife tells me it time to go! Gareth kembery aged 45
Wed Jul 7 13:35:37 2004
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