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Langland

Image by Alun Morris Jones @ gowerscapes.com

From classic reef to beach break, this highly competitive, sheltered city beach has it all.

Langland beach is one of the nearest surfing spots to Swansea and just 5 minutes drive from Mumbles. As a result it can get busy here when the surf is good and standard of surfing is pretty high.

One of the main things in Langland's favour is its sheltered aspect from strong, onshore westerly winds, as locally there aren't too many other options.

The beach is made up of sand with a few scattered rocks and reefs to the east of the bay. On large swells the outer point to the west of the bay begins to work.

The beach can be surfed at high tide but tends to close out so rides are generally short. As the tide recedes, the beach begins to offer more options.

Around mid tide, the reef in the middle of the bay begins to work. It's a fairly slow wave but can be good fun as it offers both right and left hand waves.

Langland peaks

Waves at Langland beach by Alun Morris Jones

Image by Alun Morris Jones @ gowerscapes.com

To the west, lies another reef known as Saga Point which is a slow, mellow wave for longboarding with a relaxed atmosphere.

As the tide drops back further, the reef becomes shallower and a wave on the east side of the bay called Lefts (Rotherslade) begins to break. This wave breaks further out, offering long rides and nice hollow sections.

Further out again is a spot called Sandbar which is for experienced surfers only. The wave here is very steep with big drops and occasionally links up with Lefts offering a nice lengthy ride.

'Sandbar' can also be surfed at low tide but be careful as strong rips will drag the unwary towards the reef known as Crab Island.

Langland at low tide showing the reefs

Image by Martin Aaron

Crab Island is an excellent low tide, right hand reef break that suffers from over crowding when good. The wave is fast with a steep drop and long ride and works best in light north westerly winds.

provide a daily surf report and web cam for the beach so perfect if you're unsure of the surfing conditions.

You can park right next to the beach at the easterly end of the beach using the pay & display car parks. Along the sea front you'll find the famous old fashioned beach huts, a couple of places to eat and toilet facilities.

The beach here also a good spot to find the seaweed used to make the local Welsh delicacy known as lava bread (Porphyra Umilicalis).

Car crime has been an issue here in the past, so don't leave any valuables in your vehicle and always crook lock your steering wheel.

Article written by Martin Aaron with additional information supplied by Mike Maunders.