If you are planning a kite trip in the UK this summer then you should check out this guide to kitesurfing in South Wales. Not only is it one of the best places in Britain for kitesurfing, but it’s also the perfect destination for kitesurf camping.
Like the perfect celebrity marriage, kitesurfing merges successful elements to create something greater than the sum of their parts. It combines surfing, paragliding, wakeboarding, gymnastics and acrobatics into a beautiful sport. And in the right destination it’s a marriage that won’t go the way of most celebs relationships.
With its gusty southwest and west winds, and ideal wave riding swells, South Wales is one of the top destinations for kitesurfing in the UK. Some spots, like 20 kilometre-long Gower, have been traditionally associated with plain old surfing. While others, such as Swansea Bay, weren’t previously known for their water sports pedigree.
As kitesurfing is weather dependent many hardcore enthusiasts choose to go kitesurf camping. Staying at the same spots for many days, and often weeks, means they are always on hand to make the most of the conditions when they are firing. Plus of course camping is cheaper and builds a great community vibe.
Oxwich Bay curves like a boomerang out of the southern end of the Gower Peninsula, officially (and rightly) deemed an Area of Outstanding Beauty. Rock hazard-free, the smooth beach is a popular launching-off point for kitesurfers as well as jet-skiers and speedboats, so watch out for collisions.
Due to the bay’s sheltering, only the biggest swells and the strongest south, southeast and east winds make it through.
If you aren’t put off by the long, muddy approach when the tide’s low, Swansea Bay is a rad place to fly. Its small swells make for flat conditions that’ll suit kiteboarders down to a tea.
The wind speed on the bay averages 11 knots, so bow kiters should bring along a quiver of 7 and 12 square metre models.
South Wales’ own Bondi Beach, Gower’s panoply of beaches receives winds from almost every direction, meaning you’ll rarely Hindenburg. While the water may appear a tad murky, this is nothing to do with pollution and everything to do with the Severn’s estuary flow.
With beautiful green hills as its backdrop, Gower’s Llangenith Beach thrives. Expect to see crazy freestylers pulling melons and indies like it’s their last day on Earth.
There are numerous camping options on and around the Gower Peninsula. But these are our favourites.
Hillend ranges across picture postcard sand dunes and anyone who parks their caravan or VW camper van here will wake up each morning to amazing vistas of Rhossili and Carmarthen Bays. This is an amazing place for kitesurf camping
Family-friendly and dog-free, the campsite sits pretty in acres of gorgeous Welsh meadowland. It’s no wonder that people stay here for a long time.
Three Cliffs Holiday Park deserves every bit of its accolade from The Independent in 2006: ‘Number one view from a campsite in the world’. If you’re not careful you might do so much gazing out across the golden sand and swerving headlands of the Three Cliffs Bay that you’ll never get on the water for any kitesurfing!
With useful extra services as Calor Gas canister exchange and mobile phone recharging, Three Cliffs have thought of everything.
We hope you found this guide to kitesurfing in South Wales useful. If planning a holiday be sure to check out our kitesurfing holiday discounts as you could save a packet.