Move over Newquay, there’s a new contender for the title of the UK’s “surf Ccpital” and they’re bringing hard evidence to the crest of the wave.
A study by GO Outdoors has showered Barmouth with top honours as Britain’s best surfing spot, leaving other west Wales coastal areas riding high in its wake.
Located close by, Borth snagged the prime position for kayaking, while Aberystwyth’s North Beach crashed into third place for surfing supremacy. Rhosneigr on Anglesey also made a splash at number eight.
When it comes to paddleboarding, the Mawddach Estuary took third place with Harlech Beach not far behind in fifth.
The comprehensive GO Outdoors research scored locations on a slew of factors from water quality to wind speeds and even Google searches. The golden sands of Barmouth rate highly as a haven for a wide array of watersports.
The seaside town is also home to a variety of shops, cafes, and eateries reports North Wales Live.
Barmouth’s water quality is sky-high excellent, complemented by perfect waves enabled by a mean wind speed that promises joy for novices and intermediate surfers alike.
GO Outdoors said “This means you can get relatively gentle and consistent waves, making it particularly good for beginners and intermediate surfers. With plenty of available parking, visitors can stay for two hours for as little as £1.10.”
Thurlestone Beach in south Devon has been ranked second for surfing. According to Go Outdoors, the quality of surfing at the Ceredigion town is dependent on the right weather conditions, but its North Beach provides a “good starting point” for beginners.
Aberystwyth garnered more Google searches than Barmouth from June 2023 to May 2024, but significantly less than Perranporth in north Cornwall. Rhosneigr also saw a surge in online interest, reflecting the village’s popularity among enthusiasts.
Just north of Aberystwyth, the coastal town of Borth topped the kayaking charts. Go Outdoors attributes this to the stunning views of Cardigan Bay and the town’s “more relaxed” atmosphere compared to its competitors.
Local conditions are often ideal for kayaking and free parking is available nearby. However, online interest in Borth as a kayaking destination remains low.
Criccieth, ranking fourth, and Aberystwyth’s South Beach, in sixth place, generate more Google searches for kayaking, though far less than the clear leaders, Salcombe in Devon and Looe in Cornwall. Go Outdoors suggests that the Welsh locations offer better value.
The Mawddach Estuary has been named one of the top three paddleboarding locations in the UK, thanks to its excellent-rated bathing waters and stunning natural beauty.
“Few places can match the estuary for tranquil waters set against an iconic mountain backdrop. It is a great location for a relaxing paddle,” said Go Outdoors.
The study also assessed watersports attractions around Britain, using factors such as reviews and social media followers. Adventure Parc Snowdonia in the Conwy Valley was ranked eighth overall this ranking presumably came before it closed the world’s first inland surf lagoon last year.
The park’s indoor facilities have since reopened as a climbing centre run by Zip World.
Scotland’s Nae Limits Adventure was determined to be the UK’s leading watersports attraction, offering activities like canyoning, river tubing and whitewater rafting. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox.