Coastal Activities
As Pembrokeshire has the UK's only coastal national park, there is an abundance of coastal activities available. Here is a selection of the more popular.
Surfing
This is now a major activity and is centred on Newgale and Whitesands beaches where there are surf shops, board hire and surf schools.
Surfing is also carried out at other west facing beaches such as Broad Haven and surf enthusiasts will switch beaches if the wind conditions change. The best surfing beach is Freshwater West where championships have taken place in the past. However it is not for the inexperienced as there is a strong rip tide.
Surf reports are available on the BBC website.
Body Boarding
This is now a very popular activity which is easy to pick up. There are plenty of beaches such as Manorbier, Marloes, West Dale, Broad Haven and Caerfai with sufficient waves to make this a fun activity.
Kite surfing
Great to watch and fun to do. All you need is board, a parasail and harness and a wet suit. And of course, wind. Usually seen on the main surfing west coast beaches. Instruction is available from www.bigbluekitesurfing.com
Coasteering
Another activity gaining in popularity. A great way to get close up and personal with the coast line. Organisers will provide the kit you need which is a wet suit, lifejacket and helmet. You provide the old trainers. The activity involves clambering over the base of cliffs and rocks and when you meet an impasse, jumping into the water to swim round the obstruction.It sometimes involves using the new style kayak’s which you sit on rather than sit in. Great fun for the adventurous and fit.
Rock Climbing
Pembrokeshire has some of the best cliff rock climbing in the country. The limestone cliffs from Freshwater West to Stackpole Head are renowned for superb sea cliff climbing. They are of international importance for cliff nesting birds and to protect the nesting and feeding sites, restrictions are in place between 1st March and 1st August, when climbing on certain parts of the cliffs is forbidden. A similar restriction applies on parts of the north coast between the same dates. Full details from British Mountaineering Council. 0870 010 4878
www.thebmc.co.uk
Saundersfoot marina.
Sailing
There are Yacht Clubs are available in Tenby, Saundersfoot, Neyland, Dale, Fishguard and Newport.
Milford Haven and Neyland both have large marinas.
Windsurfing
The best place for windsurfing is Dale bay on the Milford Haven. Windsurfing school and club.
West Wales Wind, Surf and sailing. 01646 636642 www.surfdale.co.uk
