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Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth

A popular student and seaside town, Aberystwyth has been attracting surfers for decades all keen to experience the delights of the Harbour Trap on a big swell.

The main problem with this beach is consistency as Aberystwyth lies quite far north in Cardigan Bay, so relies heavily on large south westerly swells pushing up the bay during winter time.

There's a mixture of sandy bays and reefs here so something for everyone but the reefs tend to be the best option when the surf is firing.

The Harbour Trap or Trap as it's known is probably the best break but becomes crowded quickly due to the short length of ride and growing student population/ surf club.

Perfect A-frame peaks

Waves at the Harbour Trap by Rob
Image by Rob

The locals here are understandably protective of this wave so don't paddle out if you're an inexperienced surfer.

In big swells, it breaks in a perfect 'A-frame' shape with lefts and rights reeling off from an area to the right of the harbour wall.

Most surfers use the harbour itself as their entry point but be careful as a strong rip runs along here.

Apart from the Harbour Trap - Aberystwyth has another few surfing spots further up the bay towards the top end of North Beach, just under Constitution Hill.

A boat has a lucky escape at the Harbour Trap

Image by Adam Costello
Photo by Adam Costello

The area around Queen's Rocks can also be good. There are two or three breaks along here and all break onto pebbly beach or reef.

The breaks are easily found by walking along the promenade, past the hotels and student halls on the seafront.

It takes a good sized swell to get these spots working but they can be a useful alternative if the Harbour Trap becomes too crowded.

Bath Rocks is situated opposite the old bath house hence the name and lies to the south of the pier. It's a serious wave on big swells and works right through high tide.

It's a fast, hollow wave breaking over shallow reef so is for experienced surfers only and does not hold a crowd.

Article written by Martin Aaron


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