Rest Bay (Porthcawl)
Beach break · Wales · Beginner → Advanced
Rest Bay surf today
Forecast for Friday 16 October
Intermediate : Not great, but surfable — right now. — Best window: 7h10–10h
Today's score by level (at the day's best, out of 100)
- Beginner 20
- Intermediate 50
- Advanced 45
- Waves 2.0 m · 10 s period
- Wind NW 15 km/h (gusts 46 km/h)
- Tides: ▲ 10:00 · ▽ 16:00
About this spot
South Wales' star spot — a consistent, multi-peak beach break that efficiently funnels Atlantic swells rising into the Bristol Channel.
Spot photos
Rest Bay in detail
When to surf here
Autumn and winter give the best swells but water is cold. Summer = smaller waves, max crowd.
Beginner → Advanced
Good level required. You can stand, paddle and read a peak. When it fires, better know what you're doing.
Access & landmarks
Easy beach access, parking usually nearby. Ask locally about seasonal currents.
Safety
Wear an appropriate wetsuit. Scout the currents before you paddle out. Respect the locals and right-of-way. Check weather and tides.
Frequently asked about Rest Bay
What tide is best for surfing Rest Bay?
Rest Bay usually works best around mid-tide. The tide shapes the sandbanks and the depth over the reef, so check the day's tide times before your session.
Is Rest Bay suitable for beginners?
Rest Bay is rather recommended for intermediate surfers. If you're a beginner, prefer a surf school, a small swell and a suitable tide, or look for a more sheltered nearby spot.
What wind is ideal for Rest Bay?
The ideal wind at Rest Bay comes broadly from South: it's offshore, which helps shape and hold the waves. A strong onshore wind generally degrades conditions.
What surf spots are near Rest Bay?
Around Rest Bay, you can also check conditions at Llangennith, Putsborough, Croyde. Compare the scores, wind and swell direction before choosing where to surf.