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- Explore the beautiful Gower Peninsula – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
- Surf uncrowded waves
- Includes photo + video analysis package to take home
- Perfect for all riding abilities
Keen to surf uncrowded waves at one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches? Backed by rolling sand dunes and rising green hills, Llangennith is ideal for everyone from beginners to advanced surfers.
QUICK FACTS
- Water temperature: 7°C to 18°C
- Local currency: Pound sterling
- Language: English
- Local Beer: Gower Gold
- Mixed climate
- Surf 2ft – 6ft
- Consistent swell
- Beach and A-frame surf spots
- Perfect for beginners/intermediate/advanced riders
- Camping, campervan or nearby accommodation options
- A stunning stretch of coastline
- Expert tuition and video feedback
In a nutshell, our Welsh surfing weekend is a chance to enjoy a super-chilled couple of days catching waves, improving your technique and meeting a bunch of like-minded female surfers in a beautiful part of the world.
If you’ve never surfed before and want to pick up a new sport in a safe environment, this weekend provides the ideal introduction. At the same time, if you’re looking to improve your skills, or are an advanced rider looking to nail more difficult moves, our coaching will help you progress.
Lessons are tailored to your individual experience, so you won’t be pushed along too quickly or held back by others. You’ll be riding waves with women who are at the same level as you. So, whether you want to nail that pop-up, learn how to do cutbacks or improve your style, our expert female instructors will guide you every step of the way.
We’re all about having fun whilst developing your skills and getting excellent results – but this certainly isn’t a boot camp! It’s a relaxed, friendly environment and there’s no pressure.
You need to organise your own accommodation for our Wales surf coaching weekend.
The majority of our guests camp at Hillend Camp Site. It’s perfectly positioned for easy access to the beach.
If camping’s not your vibe, there’s bed and breakfast accommodation at the nearby Kings Head pub. There is also a good selection of Airbnb options in the area. Whichever option you choose, we recommend booking your accommodation early as it can get busy.
See the ‘Prices’ tab for accommodation costs.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, we’ve got you covered.
Our highly-qualified coaching team offers tailored tuition suited to your ability. All our female instructors are also qualified lifeguards and fully-insured, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands.
We also run in-house training to make sure you get the best tuition and experience.
WEEKEND PLAN
SATURDAY
You’ll have two surf sessions, both two hours long. We surf longer when conditions are at their best and shorter when they aren’t so good – but you’ll always get four hours of surfing in. We’ll focus on the aspects you’d like to cover and help you set goals for the weekend.
Between sessions, we’ll go through the photo and video analysis to help practise what you’ve learnt ready for the afternoon session. We have an optional barbecue in the evening.
SUNDAY
You’ll have your final in-water coaching session today, building on all the skills you developed during day one. There will also be a final video analysis session, including demonstrations and in-depth breakdowns to help improve your technique.
During the weekend, we’ll also cover surf theory, with lots of handy tips on safety, board types and surf forecasting. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions on whatever aspect of surfing you’d like to know more about.
There’s no such thing as a daft question. Our theory sessions are friendly and relaxed – we want you to pick up as much surf knowledge as possible.
The weekend will end after lunch on Sunday.
PHOTO AND VIDEO ANALYSIS
Our professional surf photographers and videographers will capture you in action throughout the weekend. We’ll look at the footage and images during the photo and video analysis sessions. It’s a fantastic way to improve your surfing.
At the end of the weekend, we’ll give you a memory stick to take your video footage home and upload the photos to an online gallery and email you the link. It’s perfect for sharing your snaps on social media or creating prints of your best highlights. Our photography team works hard to ensure that everyone receives an excellent selection of imagery.
We include photo and video analysis, plus all your images and footage, in the cost of the weekend.
WALES SURF COACHING WEEKEND £199 per person
What’s included:
- Three surfing lessons (two hours each) covering all aspects of surfing you wish to focus on.
- Analysis of two in-water sessions – demonstrations and move-by-move breakdowns to help you progress.
- Professional photos and footage of your surfing. Seeing yourself surf is a fantastic way to improve, and you’ll get copies of everything at the end of the weekend so you can show your friends and family.
- Individual goal setting – breaking down progression barriers and taking your surfing to the next level.
- 3 x Surf specific stretch sessions incorporating Yoga techniques.
- Q+A and performance-enhancing surf discussions covering forecasting, fear, surfboards and more.
- Encouragement and feedback on every ride paddle out and wipeout!
- Good times with like-minded women.
- Barbecue/evening meal – ideal for socialising! (Optional)
- Opportunity to try on and buy Women + Waves merchandise.
Suitable For All Surfing Levels (see below for surfing ability descriptions)
What else do I need to budget for?
Budget £7 for lunch and a drink at our favourite beach cafe on Sunday. On Saturday evening we have a barbeque at the campsite. Please bring your own food and drink to this. If the weather isn’t great for a barbecue we will head to the nearby Kings Head Pub. Budget £14 for a meal and a drink at the pub.
EQUIPMENT HIRE
- Foam surfboard – £10 per day
- Wetsuit – £8 per day
- Foam surfboard + wetsuit – £15 per day
We have limited hardboards/progressor boards available. Contact us for more details.
Accommodation Options:
Please see prices below for Hillend Campsite. Please get in touch with them directly if you wish to book. Please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab for more information and options.
| Price per night - May to September | Friday & Saturday |
| Family tent - 2 adults and up to 3 children under 16 | £26.00 |
| Tent with up to 3 adults | £26.00 |
| Motor home - 2 adults & up to 3 children under 16 | £26.00 |
| Motor home - up to 3 adults | £26.00 |
| 1 - 2 berth tent with single occupancy | £16.00 |
| Additional adults | £5.00 |
| Additional children under 16 | £2.00 |
HOW DO I BOOK?
- If you’d like to join our event please click our ‘Book Now’ button and complete our quick and easy online payment system or please give us a call +44 (0) 1637 226017
- Select the equipment you will need at the time of booking if you need any.
- Enter your credit or debit card details into our secure system to make payment. Or we can take your payment over the phone.
- Once paid you’ll be sent an email confirmation and an online enrolment form to complete.
- Three days before the weekend, we’ll send you your pre-trip information pack.
We have developed an event status to reflect travel advice with reference to Covid-19.
EVENT STATUS: GREEN
This trip is planned to go ahead, all systems go for you to book with us. At the time of booking we will advise you when to book your travel (and when relevant – accommodation) for the trip or weekend. Book your place by paying a deposit or the full amount.
Further information about Green status in our Covid Terms and Conditions
NEW SURFER
You’re ready to begin your surfing journey and want to learn the right way from the start. We’ll supply you with all the correct kit, knowledge and skills that you need to know. You’ll progress quickly in a fun, no-pressure environment with other like-minded girls.
We’ll get you up and surfing in no time!
PROGRESSOR SURFER
You’ve surfed before and are keen to take your skills and stoke up a level. You’ve successfully caught white water waves, stood up and cruised to the shore. Perhaps you’ve had a taste of surfing out the back?
You want to surf regularly ‘out back’ and learn to catch unbroken waves. We can take you there!
GREEN WAVE RIDER
Paddling out, catching unbroken waves and successfully enjoying the buzz of taking the drop in fun conditions has captured you in its addiction. Now you’re looking to refine your skills, improve your style and work on the huge array of moves that will see you love surfing even more.
MORE INFO
AREA
The Gower became the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1956 and it’s easy to see why. Expect gold sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, wild moors, sheltered woodland and gorgeous views all around.
While many people bypass South Wales for the allure of the South West, the Gower has a surprising amount of waves. There are beaches and reef breaks that face different directions, so you can usually find a sheltered spot even when it’s stormy.
The Gower is often overlooked, but it’s a great little nugget – and it’s the heartland of the Welsh surf scene. So if you’re looking for quieter waves with plenty of space to surf yourself silly, this is the spot for you.
WAVES
Stretching for 19 miles, the Gower Peninsula has a huge variety of surf breaks along its coastline, ranging from A-frame peaks to peeling cruisers.
LLANGENNITH
Located on the west coast at Rhossili Bay, Llangennith is constantly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Britain.
Fun waves roll in all along this three-mile stretch of gold sand beach, making it popular with all types of surfers from complete beginners to pros.
The waves at the south end of the beach are a little smaller than at the north end. It’s also sheltered from any southerly winds.
THREE PEAKS
At the north end of Llangennith, the waves at Three Peaks usually have more power and size. They offer long peeling walls – perfect for practising takeoffs, bottom turns and cutbacks.
Llangennith offers something for everybody, and the best thing is there’s always room in the water!
CLIMATE
The Gower is a short distance from Devon’s north coast, so it benefits from similar good annual sea temperatures, warm summers, mild winters and excellent swell exposure.
Whatever the season, Llangennith is hugely reliable. It’s a perfect beach to learn to surf, progress your surfing and build your skills and confidence.
As for the weather…it’s Wales! We recommend packing both sunscreen and a warm, lightweight, waterproof jacket to cover all bases.
If you have your own kit, great! You’re more than welcome to bring it with you. If you need to hire anything, we’ll make sure it’s ready for you when you arrive.
See our equipment hire costs under the ‘Prices’ tab for details.
SURFBOARD
If you’ve never surfed before, we suggest learning to surf on a foam board or “foamie”.
An essential board in every experienced surfer’s quiver, they’re great fun, super floaty and make it much easier to catch waves.
You’ll progress faster than if you were on a hardboard or riding a board that’s too small for you.
WETSUIT
Although Wales benefits from a similar climate to Devon, we’d still recommend a decent wetsuit.
Between January and March you’ll need a 5/3mm wetsuit.
From April to May, we suggest a 4/3mm.
From June to October, a 3/2mm is ideal for those sunny summers and early autumn sessions. During hot summer days, you may want to wear a shortie wetsuit.
Between November and December, generally a 4/3mm will be fine but if it’s a little cooler than usual, it won’t be too early to wear a 5/4mm winter suit.
LEASH
These are essential for attaching your surfboard to your ankle. We would never recommend surfing without one – they’re literally lifesavers and prevent a long swim back to the beach if you wipeout.
When you hire a board, you’ll get a leash, too.
Board bag (optional)
A decent board bag will protect your kit and store bulky things like your wetsuit, boots and a towel. They range from £50 to more than £100 – the more you pay, the better the storage and protection you get.
BOARD SOCK (OPTIONAL)
A cheaper option than a board bag, it’ll protect your board from the sun and double up as a board towel. They don’t offer as much protection as a bag.
WETSUIT BOOTS
Keep your toes toasty between November and April with some well fitting neoprene boots.
GLOVES
Keep your digits warm when the water gets chilly from mid January to the end of March .
HOOD
Only required in the depths of winter, especially if you regularly duck dive or fancy some extra warmth.
SUN PROTECTION
This is essential in the summer and even on colder days. The sun’s rays still penetrate through the clouds and reflect off the water’s surface.
Make sure you wear waterproof sunscreen. Zinc-based sticks are a good option and won’t run into your eyes.
CLOTHING
Bring warm clothing suitable for all weathers. Layers are the best option and a woolly hat is ideal for warming up after a cold surf.
WOMEN + WAVES SHOP
Support our female surf society and buy a unique piece of Women + Waves merchandise! During the weekend you can browse our shop items in person and try things on for size.
We hand pick and create our products with you in mind. We’ve got high quality items from our favourite local designers with the coolest surf prints. From T-shirts and hoodies to hats, bags and changing robes, treat yourself and represent us in style!
Kick off the weekend with casual drinks and dinner at the King’s Head Inn on Friday night. This is entirely optional, but it’s a great chance to meet your instructors and the rest of the group. The King’s Head is a cosy pub near our campsite, with a menu that includes everything from fresh salads and pizzas to classic fish and chips.
In the mornings, jump out of your campervan or tent and grab yourself a coffee from the onsite cafe. Then sip it while watching the sun rise and the waves roll in with your fellow surf girls. Backed by rolling sand dunes, our campsite is just the spot to check the day’s conditions as you fuel up on breakfast together.
At lunch, we head to Eddy’s, a great little beachside cafe with sea views and a sun terrace. The menu is varied, with plenty of local dishes that cater to different dietary requirements. Check out local art and photography displayed on the walls, or simply chill out and chat after a great morning’s surf. This is also where we do our photo and video analysis session. Please bring a reusable water bottle and mug.
Our Saturday night barbecue is a highlight of the weekend. We’ll cook whatever food you fancy (please bring your own) and you can relax with a beer or glass of wine as it sizzles away. Watch the sun set over the sand dunes as you tuck into a tasty feast, chatting after an action-packed day of surfing. If the weather doesn’t play ball, we’ll head to the King’s Head Inn instead.
We wrap up after lunch on Sunday. Feel free to hit the road straight away, or join us for an optional Sunday roast at the King’s Head.
The Gower is super accessible from the Midlands, the north and east of the UK. It’s popular with landlocked surfers from cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Leicester as it’s closer than Devon and Cornwall.
BY ROAD
The M4 motorway takes you to Swansea, the gateway to the Gower.
BY RAIL
Trains run regularly to Swansea from many UK cities. From the railway station you can get an Uber to Llangennith for around £25-£40. Alternatively you can get a bus.
BY AIR
Cardiff International Airport is only 1.5 hours away. In the UK, you can fly to Cardiff from Newcastle, Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Direct flights are available from many European cities
HOW DO I BOOK AND PAY?
- If you’d like to join our event please click our ‘Book Now’ button and complete our quick and easy online payment system or please give us a call +44 (0) 1637 226017
- Select the equipment you will need at the time of booking if you need any.
- Enter your credit or debit card details into our secure system to make payment. Or we can take your payment over the phone.
- Once paid you’ll be sent an email confirmation and an online enrolment form to complete.
- Three days before the weekend, we’ll send you your pre-trip information pack.
Can I reserve a spot to think about it for a few days?
Due to this weekend being in high demand, we have very limited availability. However, we can hold your space for 24 hours without payment.
Can I attend on my own?
Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with friends for life.
Do I get a discount if I book more than one person on?
If you book in a group of 5, the fifth person will be free.
I’d like to join the event while my family enjoy Wales for the weekend, is that possible?
Yes! This is a scenario that we are very familiar with. Why not make a family break of the weekend? You can join the surf weekend with us while the rest of your family enjoy Wales. Please contact us if you need a hand organising accommodation. Book early to avoid disappointment and get the best prices.
What time do I need to arrive?
You will be sent your pre-arrival information on the Wednesday before the weekend. We will send you the Saturday morning meeting time and location in your pre-weekend information pack.
On Sunday if I need to check out of my accommodation is there somewhere that I can store my bag?
Yes, we can store your bag and other belongings in our van but please let us know in advance.
Do you have showers at the centre?
There are showers at the Hillend campsite.
What do we do about food?
Please refer to our ‘Food’ tab for all updates regarding breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
Can my male partner come to the evening meal?
Yes, partners are welcome to join the evening meal, just let us know at the welcome meeting and we will add them to our booking.
I’d like to come on the trip but I can’t attend for the full duration?
If you can’t make the full weekend, you can join us for Saturday only for £120.
What time does the weekend finish?
We finish after lunch on Sunday afternoon. We often have lunch together. You can expect to leave by 3pm. If you need to leave earlier then please let us know at time of booking and we can make sure that your group sessions are timed so that you finish in time to get away.
Do I get a discount for bringing my own surfboard or/and wetsuit?
Equipment hire is not included. Kit hire is an additional cost. We do not offer a discount for bringing your own equipment.
If I bring my own surfboard and I find that I don’t get on with it are there other options?
Yes, we have a full range of hire equipment that we can present to you and recommend the most suitable board for you to progress on.
My friends are different surf levels to me, will this be ok?
You’ll be asked to fill in an enrolment form as part of the booking process. You’ll signify which level of surfer you are. You may be in different groups suited to your ability. However, there will be plenty of time to see each other back at camp and during our social evening meals.
What happens if the surf conditions aren’t good enough?
We choose the time of year and location for our events based on local knowledge and historical swell data. In the event of flat waves or stormy conditions, we will offer alternative activities to help you get the most out of the ocean conditions. This may include stand up paddleboarding, coasteering, kayaking or other coastal activities.
We may adjust the format of the weekend. For example, choosing to run all of the sessions on Sunday if that’s when the waves are at their best.
Please view our T&Cs for more information.
What are the surf conditions likely to be during my stay?
With decades of experience and knowledge within our team, we pick the best dates that the surf conditions are most consistent and will be most suitable for the group. We’ll send you a brief predicted forecast in the pre-weekend pack on the Wednesday before the weekend. We choose Wales during the spring and autumn due to the good available variety of beaches. The beautiful long sandy beaches offer peaks for all abilities, the skill is to know which is best on the tide and wind conditions that are on offer. That’s where our local guides are worth their weight in gold. We pride ourselves in having you in the right place for the best waves for your ability each weekend.
Can I switch my surfing level during the weekend?
Before booking please take a look at our surfing levels. If during the weekend you would benefit from changing ability groups, your instructor will organise for you to move groups, no problem! Please be aware, we pride ourselves on coaching everybody as an individual, so you will always receive individual feedback throughout each session.
ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS?
If you are under 18 we will need to chat to you on the phone and you will need to be accompanied on the trip by a parent or guardian throughout the weekend (they don’t have to participate). If you are 65 or over we’d love to chat to you about the weekend before you book. Please email us to arrange a time and we’ll contact you. Or you can call us on +44 (0) 1637 226017
Will an all female team coach me?
We do our best to include as many female instructors and team members as possible and are always recruiting the best female coaches in the industry. However we do occasionally call upon our male experts such as 3 x British Champion Alan Stokes to explain how he over come his fears and built his surfing confidence. All our Women + Waves staff are not only suitably qualified by the relevant governing body but all undergo extensive in-house training.
Are the weekends predominantly young girls?
No, we have a great mix of all ages. Surfing shows no age boundaries. We welcome whippersnappers to silver surfers and everything in between.
How will we travel to the surf?
After meeting on Saturday morning, we’ll split each group according to ability levels. After getting changed, we’ll take a short walk through the sand dunes to the beach.
Where do I park?
There is a pay and display car park a short walk from our meeting point. We will supply further details and costs in the pre weekend information pack.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Several women bring their dogs on our Wales coaching weekends. Some leave their dog in their van whilst they surf.
CAN I MAKE CONTACT FROM ABROAD?
If you’re based outside the UK and want to chat through the weekend details, you can contact us through WhatsApp, Facetime or Skype.
Just let us know by email and we can arrange this with you.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY BOOKING?
If you can’t join the weekend, please let us know as soon as possible via email. Your cancellation notice will start from the date we receive it.
Cancellation charges are payable as follows:
- Over 12 weeks – deposit only (one third of the total weekend price)
- 36 days to 12 weeks – 50% of total cost
- 21-35 days – 75% of total cost
- Under 20 days – 100% of total cost
Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.
Find out more under our terms and conditions.