Enjoy Water Sports in Pembrokeshire

From advanced-level surfing to trying wild swimming for the first time, Pembrokeshire is home to a whole host of qualified companies with years of experience that can offer you the opportunity to learn new skills and have fun in a safe environment.

SURFING

There are plenty of places to learn surfing in Pembrokeshire, but Masterclass Surfing, based mainly at Broad Haven North Beach but also at Newgale Beach, is a well-established surf school offering lessons and courses for individuals, families, and groups from absolute beginners to those with years of experience. Having run training programmes for national teams and world champions (head coach Pete is a former Welsh champion), you’ll receive expert tuition.

STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING

SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) has taken off in a big way in the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. It’s easy to learn, suitable for all ages and abilities and great fun. You get to enjoy stunning scenery, spot some local wildlife and get a good workout.

The instructors at Outer Reef are all fully qualified coaches and beach lifeguards and will run you through the first stages of learning how to paddleboard before taking you on a unique tour to explore hidden caves and crystal-clear waters.

Inland, at Llys-y-frân Lake, the water is clean and deep, and there are no tides to restrict your fun, which makes it a great place to learn to paddleboard. Book a SUP lesson to help you get going, or if you have your own kit and are confident on the water, simply pay and play.

COASTEERING

Coasteering, first introduced to the world in 1986 from Pembrokeshire’s rocky shores, is a combination of cliff jumping, rock hopping, adventure swimming, and cave exploring.

Preseli Venture has been running sessions on the north Pembrokeshire coast for more than 25 years. They welcome everyone, whatever your level of ability, with half-day sessions, full weekends, and more available bookings. They also ensure that every guide is equipped with the skill and judgement needed to ensure you never get out of your depth.

SEA KAYAKING

With high sea cliffs, waterfalls, sea caves, natural rock arches, and abundant wildlife, the Pembrokeshire coastline is a kayaking paradise that can be enjoyed all year round.

The Real Adventure Company offers sea kayaking adventures for all ages and abilities. Depending on your skills and experience, you can book a half-day taster session as part of a multi-activity day, a full day of coastal exploration, or even a sea kayaking venture that will last for a few days.

SAILING

With a rugged coastline, broad sandy beaches and plenty of safe-haven harbours to moor in, there are plenty of places to go sailing in Pembrokeshire, whatever your level of experience.

The Pembrokeshire Powerboating and Sailing Academy (PPSA), located at Neyland Yacht Haven Marina in Milford Haven, is a team of dedicated and professional instructors who can deliver the complete range of courses from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and a range of shore-based training to enhance your practical skills.

KITESURFING

Pembrokeshire is the perfect location for kitesurfing, with long beaches and the all-important westerly winds blowing straight in from the Atlantic. Suitable for all ages and abilities, power kiting involves getting to grips with setting up the equipment, launching, landing, and controlling the power of the kite before you can move on to kite landboarding

The Big Blue Experience offers several courses, from beginners to advanced. On a two-day beginner’s course, you’ll learn all the basics from body dragging to board starts and essential safety. Improver courses build skills and confidence, introducing you to jumps, carving, and transitions before advanced kitesurfers can move on to wave riding.

WILD SWIMMING

Nothing compares to swimming in open water, and nothing beats the backdrop of the Pembrokeshire coastline. Whether you’re a complete newcomer or already a cold-water lover, there are plenty of options for swims at secluded coves and beaches away from the crowds.

Bluetits is a friendly and informal group that gets together to swim and splash about off the coast of Pembrokeshire, making sure everyone enjoys the experience, whatever their age and ability. There’s no membership and no booking, so you can just show up, and if you’re not a particularly strong swimmer, someone will stay with you the whole time you’re in the water.

Remember Always to Stay Safe

Pembrokeshire waters may be beautiful, but they can also be extremely dangerous, so it is important you choose a reputable organisation with fully trained instructors and expert guides who know the area. This is especially important if you or any of your party members are new or inexperienced when it comes to water-based activities. 

Unfortunately, lifeguards and coastguards are called out throughout the year to rescue those who overestimate their abilities and underestimate the power of the sea.

The RNLI has published safety advice if you’re venturing out on your own.

What To Do If You See Someone in Trouble?

• If you see anyone having difficulty in the water, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

• If you are inland and see someone having difficulty on a river or a lake, you should ask for Fire and Rescue when you call for help.