Porthcawl Point

Porthcawl · Wales · United Kingdom

Today’s forecast: the current surf forecast for Porthcawl Point (wave height, swell, wind, tide and a 0–10 rating for every hour of the next 16 days) are only shown on SurfCams. They change every hour, so this text doesn’t contain them. To check today’s surf, open https://surf-cams.com/spot/porthcawl-point.

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Porthcawl Point is a right that breaks over rock reef off the headland at the end of the town's seafront, next to the harbour. It is not a fast wave, so longboarders like it, but a bad take-off can put you on the rocks. It needs a solid swell to wake up.

Level
Advanced
Break
Point break, reef
Waves
Rights
Crowd
Busy
Season
autumn, winter
Boards
A longboard or a mid-length for normal days, a shortboard when it is big.

When it works

✓ A 1.8–3.5 m south-west swell around mid to high tide with a northerly wind.

When it doesn't

✕ Small swells do not reach it, and low tide leaves too much rock exposed.

Watch out for

  • rocks
  • rips
  • localism
  • pollution

Best months

October, November, December, January, February, March

Local tips

Watch a few sets before paddling out and learn where the rocks are. There is a strong pull near the harbour side. Show respect: it is a small take-off zone with a regular local crew.

Getting there

Park on the seafront near the harbour in Porthcawl and walk to the point.

Travel notes

How often it works
It only works when a decent swell comes up the channel, mostly in autumn and winter. It is a good choice when Rest Bay is too big.
Crowd and vibe
A local spot with a tight take-off. Most days are calm, but expect the regulars to get the best waves.
Camping and vans
Trecco Bay Holiday Park is about 1.5 km east. Danygraig Holiday Park is about 3.5 km away. Nearest campsite about 1.5 km away.
Facilities
Everything in Porthcawl town: parking, cafés, pubs and toilets on the seafront.
Water quality
The nearest designated sites, Sandy Bay and Trecco Bay in Porthcawl, are rated excellent in the 2025 Welsh classification. Guides mention pollution after rain near the harbour.

Ideal conditions

Swell
SW–W best, SSW–W works
Size
1.8–3.5 m offshore swell; starts at 1.2 m, holds to 5 m
Period
10 s minimum, best from 13 s
Wind
Offshore NNW–NE; handles onshore up to 12 km/h
Tide
mid best, avoid low
Faces
S (180°)

Live cam

No cam at this spot yet: the forecast and the guide are on the map.

Nearby spots

All spots in Wales · All spots

Sources