In my second article for Swansea Metropolitan University Student Newspaper: Swansea Eye, I have decided to expore some of the water sport options open to Swansea students this summer.
WARNING! Readers are strongly advised to take all reasonable precautions when in or around coastal waters. It is strongly recommended that professional advice and/or instruction from a recognised water sport activity provider is sought before attempting activities explored in this article.
“ People should be aware of their limits when taking part in water-based activities around the Gower coast. If in doubt, seek advice from a lifeguard or professional surf school. Donʼt surf or go into the water alone; wear the appropriate type of wetsuit for the time of year; and no matter how tempting, donʼt enter the water after consuming alcohol. Have fun, but be safe. ”
Chris Vaughan. RNLI area lifeguard supervisor for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.
With the arrival of British Summer Time, the long, gloomy winter nights are at last behind us for a while. Itʼs during this time of year that Gower really springs to life, attracting thousands of visitors from near and far. Gower is a relatively small place in the big scheme of things, but on the peninsula there is an abundance of natural beauty and places to explore - all easily accessible thanks to a good public transport network.
Gower is home to several Blue Flag *award-winning [2009/10] beaches: Bracelet Bay, Caswell, Langland and Port Eynon. During the summer months [May - Sept] these beaches are patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards creating a safer learning environment. Surf GSD is a BSA (British Surfing Association) Level 4 Approved Surf School based at Caswell. One of Gowerʼs surfing experts Chris ʻGutsʼ Griffiths said: “Caswell is the beach of choice for a number of surf schools who find the mellower waves and crowd ideal for giving people their first taste of the sport of kings!”
“ We have a 'Surfing for Everyone' policy, and have coached several young people to British surfing team standard, with seven surfing students making the Welsh Surfing Team over the past few years.”
Simon Jayham - Surf GSD
Gower's Chris 'Guts' Griffiths has played a big part in Welsh surfing as he charged through the 80s and 90s having won Welsh, British and European surfing titles. Living and working near Caswell Bay, Chris believes that in surfing terms, Caswell Bay has always been overshadowed by its more hardcore neighbour, Langland. Chris explains that whereas Langland has a multitude of real performance breaks throughout the whole range of tides, Caswell only breaks from mid to high water and is considered a ʻsofter optionʼ. “If you arenʼt a die-hard ripper, Caswell does have a few benefits over its premier league cousin,” says Chris. Firstly, Caswell isnʼt full to bursting with surf stars and egos scrabbling for anything that moves, which means the average surfer has a much better chance of getting a decent ride to themselves.
“ If you want to get started in surfing or just donʼt fancy fighting it out with a baying mob of young rippers, then Caswell is probably well worth a look! ”
Secondly, itʼs a much safer beach on which to learn or improve your surfing skills because of the lack of rip currents and underwater reefs. Caswell has helped nurture some talented surfers over the years including Richard Hughes, Andrew Pelosi, Peter Hutchins and Craig Burrows.
Chris' new surf shop: Guts Surfboards and Surfshop opens Easter 2010 and is located at 60 Pyle Road, Bishopston, Gower, Swansea.
With a large council-run pay-and-display car park and a ʻsafe car key schemeʼ operated by Surfside Cafe, Caswell bay is the ideal place on Gower to learn to surf. In the summer, bus services operate direct from Swansea to Caswell Bay during school summer holidays [2C]. At other times, bus services [2, 2A] stop at Caswell Drive - a 1/2 mile walk to the beach at Caswell. For detailed bus service information, call Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 22 33.
For those seeking a more ʻcasual rideʼ on the waves, bodyboarding offers thrill-seekers a dynamic and beneficial exercise that “boosts muscular performance and coordination skills, whilst allowing for a bracing and exciting experience,” says Norman Whomes of Hot Dog Surf Shop, Kittle. “Once you get the hang of how to ride, the buzz you get from riding the waves is unbeatable.”
Gower has a number of respected resident surfers: Peter ʻPJʼ Jones has been surfing for over forty one years! His favourite break is at Crab Island, Langland. “Thereʼs a steep take-off, with a hollow first section, mellowing out in the mid-section, finishing off with a racy inside. A nice long ride,” says PJ who can usually be found at his Llangennith surf shop - when not out surfing the waves around Gower of course.
“ PJʼs is Gower's oldest surf shop, and is unique in that both myself and my son have been Welsh Open Surf Champions. ”
Peter ʻPJʼ Jones
Gower is a wonderful place for surfing: within a short radius there are over a dozen or more beautifully located bays where you can surf. PJʼs is a surf shop owned and run by surfers for surfers, with wetsuit and board hire available throughout the year. “We pride ourselves in providing good advice for beginners and experts alike,” said Peter.
Not too far from PJʼs is a famous expanse of privately-owned bay which spans from Llangennith to Rhossili and attracts water-sport enthusiasts from near and far; itʼs not unusual to see all sorts of watercraft from surfboards to kayaks here. Several surf schools operate in the area, including: Samʼs Surf Shack, Surf GSD and the Welsh Surfing Federation. The two beaches of Rhossili and Llangennith, due to them being privately owned, do not have lifeguard cover. It is therefore advisable to follow beach safety advice which can be found on the RNLI website: www.rnli.org.uk
Being one of the closest universities to the sea, Swansea Metropolitan has a thriving surf club which recently competed in the student National, coming an impressive third in the womenʼs individual and team category. Meeting regularly on Saturdays to explore the quality waves and hot chocolates that Gower has to offer, SMUʼs surf club has a range of members from experienced surfers to complete beginners.
“ The water may have been cold this year, but the waves have been worth it! ”
Claire Smail - SMU Surf Club
Discovering Gowerʼs Hidden Secrets
Exploring the coastal waters surrounding the peninsula, home to many hidden surprises.
If the thought of surfing waves on Gower isnʼt your idea of fun, then donʼt despair! Gower is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, much of which can be found in and around the waters of the peninsulaʼs coastline.
The South Gower Coast reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The reserve, owned and protected by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, consists of several features around the area of Port Eynon and Overton. Some of the species that can be spotted in these areas include: Green Woodpecker, Feral Rock Dove, Grey Seal, Rock Pipit, Linnet and Hornet Robberfly. Those wishing to visit the reserve should consider taking a bus from Swansea to Port Eynon. From here, coastal footpaths provide access to the whole reserve. A short walk from Port Eynon Point is an intriguing cave-like structure: Culver Hole. This medieval dovecote, set into the cliffs halfway between Port Eynon Point and Overtone Mere, was once used to house pigeons and doves.
“ ʻCulverʼ derives from the old word ʻKulverdʼ meaning ʻPigeonʼ. ”
In January 2009 a steeplejack was appointed by The National Trust to re-point and consolidate the stonework of the structure with lime. A steel prop was also fitted to support the remains of the arch at the very top. Be sure to check local tide times before visiting the area as much of the coastal region surrounding the reserve gets flooded by the tide.
To experience a totally different perspective of the Gower coastline, why not experience the peninsulaʼs southerly coast from a boat! Guided by a qualified crew, passengers should be in with a chance of encountering a wealth of local marine wildlife. During the trip learn about Gowerʼs prehistoric bone caves and hear tales of smugglers, whilst enjoying an exhilarating ride as the boat skims across the open water. Gower Coast Adventures use a 10 metre R.H.I.B (Rigid Hulled Inflatable boat) powered by a 315hp inboard diesel engine with water jet propulsion. “Our powerful craft is certified to the stringent Code of Practice by the M.C.A (Maritime and Coastguard Agency). We also carry full safety equipment including up to date electronic navigational aids, flares and a life-raft,” said David Tonge of Gower Coast Adventures.
“ With some of the greatest tidal ranges in the world, great surf potential and some flat and calm locations, Gower has much to offer the water sport enthusiast. ”
Karl - Bay Divers
Ever seen a Sunfish, a shy creature that is sometimes mistaken for a shark? What about Lobster, Dogfish or even Triggerfish in their natural habitat? For a fantastic alternative to some of the more popular water-based activities on Gower, ʻBay Diversʼ are a Swansea based scuba diving facility who, according to Karl one of Bay Diverʼs Instructors, offers “first-rate dive training in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.”
“ See strange creatures, wonderful scenery and shipwrecks galore. ”
Norman Whomes - Hot Dog Surf Shop
The dive centre train at two pool locations in Swansea, providing two different pool training sessions a week where students can learn to dive. “From May until the end of September we offer try dive experiences in the beautiful Gower bays. Our favourite dive sites include Langland Bay, Limeslade, Oxwich & Port Eynon, but we do have some hidden jewels along the coastline!,” said Karl of Bay Divers. Bay Divers conduct PADI Open Water courses all year round enabling individuals wishing to gain their ʻlicence to diveʼ the world over gain an internationally recognised dive qualification. “We also offer a full suite of PADI scuba diving courses from Open Water level right through to and including Instructor level,” said Karl. For qualified divers seeking specialised courses Bay Divers offer courses such as deep diving, wreck diving, nitrox courses, boat diving, underwater navigation training, search & recovery courses and even drift diving.
If a water-based activity doesnʼt float your boat, then with a free and endless source of energy, power kiting could be a good option.
“ Being tethered to the wind is an exhilarating addicting experience to say the least! ”
Matt Smith - Gower Kiteriders
Gower's has so much more to offer than just surfing! If time and energy had permitted, it would have been great to cover some other water sports such as kayaking! I'll save that for another time. I look forward to the next feature for the newspaper which will include details of the forthcoming Gower Walking Festival.
Useful Web Links:
For further information about the activities contained in this article, please visit these websites:
* News of Blue Flag awards for 2010/11 are due to be announced in May 2010. Details can be found here: http://www.keepwalestidy.org/our-projects/coastal-awards/blue-flag
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