Llantwit Major
Rock slabs below layered cliffs, with long waves when a south-west swell arrives.
Llantwit Major has a coast of layered cliffs and rock shelves in the Bristol Channel. With a big south-west swell and a northerly wind it gives long waves over slabs.
The tides are huge: each spot only works in a specific window.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | SW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NE, NW |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 0.8–2 m |
| Best season | Autumn to spring |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or longboard. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Llantwit Major
The water is around 9 °C in winter and 16 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A regular local crew. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Slab waves.
Hazards
Rocks and very big tides.
Map
Shapers near Llantwit Major
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Porthcawl
The closest surf beach to Cardiff and Bristol, in Porthcawl.
Mumbles (Swansea)
Swansea's surf bay, with reefs and a beach minutes from the city.
Gower (Swansea)
The Gower peninsula's big beach, one of the most beautiful in the UK.
Pembrokeshire
A cove below a Norman castle, with a reef giving rights and lefts.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.