Splash-tastic Watersports to Try on the South Wales Coast

Thanks to its secluded bays, picturesque coastlines and sandy beaches, the South Wales coast provides a wealth of jam-packed activities for watersports enthusiasts. From flyboarding and stand-up paddleboarding to sea kayaking and windsurfing, there’s bound to be an exciting adventure nearby that’s suitable for the whole family.

If you’re searching for splash-tastic inspiration, keep reading. In this post, we’ll reveal some of the best watersports in Wales to add to your holiday itinerary. Not only will you have bucket loads of fun, but you’ll get to see the region’s outstanding natural beauty in a whole new light.

5 watersports in Wales you won’t want to miss

1. Stand-up paddleboarding

If you want to test your balance while drinking in stunning scenery, why not try stand-up paddleboarding in South Wales? Out at sea, you could spot dolphins, seals and basking sharks circling beneath the waves. For a smoother ride, you might prefer to glide over a peaceful lake. Or you could travel up the River Ely, which is sheltered by ancient willow trees.

Total beginners will benefit from a few hours of expert tuition at this stand-up paddleboarding experience for two. Here, you’ll head to the Big Crazy in Chepstow and pick up tips and tricks from a professional. As well as mastering a brand-new skill, you’ll leave feeling relaxed after spending two hours on the crystal-clear lagoon.

2. Windsurfing

Windsurfing in South Wales combines sailing and surfing, making it the perfect activity for adrenaline junkies. It’s become one of the most popular watersports in Wales because it allows people to explore hidden sea caves and remote inlets. Whether you head to a coastal surf school or a nearby activity centre, you’re shore to adore feeling weightless and at one with the waves.

There’s no greater thrill than zooming across the water. Step outside your comfort zone at this windsurfing for two session with a loved one. Together, you’ll conquer balancing on the rig, sailing across a freshwater lagoon and building up phenomenal speed.

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3. Flyboarding

Created by French inventor Franky Zapata in 2011, flyboarding in Wales is a relatively new addition to the watersports world. Instead of gliding on the water’s surface, you hover using a clever hydro flight device reminiscent of your favourite sci-fi movies.

This one-hour flyboarding experience in Chepstow is perfect for daredevils who want to push the boundaries of what’s possible. After some dry land tuition and a thorough safety briefing, you’ll take to the lake and jet off like an aquatic Evel Knievel!

4. Lagoon and sea kayaking

After something a little more leisurely? Lagoon and sea kayaking in South Wales swaps hair-raising hovers for a relaxing excursion through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes.

Journey along the 220-mile Pembrokeshire coastline and say hello to resident seals and porpoises that breed on the undisturbed beaches. Or sail the winding River Usk, which starts in the Brecon Beacons National Park and flows towards the Usk Mouth in Newport.

Best of all, kayaking offers fun for the whole family. If you have kids who are crazy about outdoor activities, how about spoiling them with a kayaking adventure for two adults and two children? It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time together in the fresh air.

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5. Surfing

Watersports in Wales don’t get much better than surfing. The South Wales coast, in particular, is a bustling hub for visitors who want to refine their cutbacks, foam climbs and tube rides.

Some of the best locations to surf include Manorbier in Pembrokeshire, Llantwit Major in Glamorgan and Llangennith in Gower. Each beach has a mixture of advanced reefs and mellow peaks to cater to every experience level.

If you’re new to the sport or want to try something different, you could opt for electric surfing instead. This electric surfing lesson for one ditches traditional techniques for lithium-ion batteries that make it easier to achieve breathtaking speeds. As you zip through Oxwich Bay, you’ll see awe-inspiring dunes, salt marshes and woodland in the distance.

Discover more adventures in South Wales

There’s a treasure chest of watersports to try on the South Wales coast to please every personality. However, if you prefer to stay on dry land, you’re only a stone’s throw away from extraordinary restaurants, scenic walks and historical attractions.

If you want even more holiday ideas in South Wales, browse our blog today. There are hundreds more activities just waiting to be explored.