Abereiddy (St Davids)

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Abereiddy (St Davids) is a fairly exposed beach-break surf spot known for fairly consistent surf in the cooler months, while summer tends to be mostly flat. It works with West to West Southwest swell and can produce both left and right waves. Reported surf quality is average, with moderate wave power and mixed wave shape. Offshore winds typically come from the southeast, improving the look of the wave faces when conditions align (East or South East flow offshore). The spot is best at mid-tide: at low tide the shorebreak is often dumpier, and waves can become sectiony or even close out at very low or very high tides. As swell ramps up, the lineup can get heavier, with messy behavior and shorebreak that’s more pronounced. Safety-wise, hazards center on rocks at both ends of the beach and some submerged rocks. Rip currents are possible, especially near the rocks and when the swell is up, so it’s important to watch for current indicators and avoid overcommitting in crowded or chaotic surf. Cold water is a consistent factor, and winter sessions are typically done with a full winter wetsuit setup (including hood, gloves, and boots). Crowd levels are generally low, though tourism can increase in summer even when surf is often flat. Access is via a fee-paying parking area in peak season (April–October), with a larger National Trust car park nearby. The area is also associated with the nearby Blue Lagoon, though the Blue Lagoon itself is for swimming and coasteering rather than surfing.

  • Best surf conditions commonly occur around mid-tide.
  • West to West Southwest swell with East/South East offshore winds improves wave faces.
  • Rocks and rip current risk require extra caution, especially on bigger swell.
  • Winter surf is consistent; summer is often flat.
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Fairly exposed beach break with fairly consistent surf through autumn and winter.
  • Offshore winds from the southeast (East/South East) help groom the wave faces.
  • Works for both left- and right-hand waves with a West to West Southwest swell.
Heads up
  • Rocks at the ends and some submerged rocks make this a hazardous beach, especially at higher tides.
  • Rip currents can form, particularly near rocks and during larger swells.
  • Low tide often creates a dumpier shorebreak and more sectiony/closing waves.
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
ESE, SE
Offshore directions
SE, SSE
Wind Type
Gradient — Gradient-driven conditions with offshore flow from the southeast on many surf days.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Sources describe moderate gustiness.
Best Months
February
Shadow Zones
High cliffs can create wind shadows or turbulence depending on direction.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand with mixed sand/shingle character; includes pebble/dark sand notes.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Small to medium surf reported across sources; surf is often flatter in summer.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach with some shingle; flanked by high cliffs.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Launch/access described as easy; sandy beach with parking nearby.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
8–18 °C
Water Temperature
5–19 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Mar: 6/5/4mm or 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodAug: 4/3mm or 3/2mm + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Can get busy in the summer months with tourists, though surf is often flat then.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see the most frequent storms and low-pressure systems.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Fairly exposed beach break with consistent surf through winter; summer is often mostly flat. Works with West-to-West Southwest swell and can produce both left and right waves.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
W, WSW
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Best conditions are typically at mid-tide; low tide often results in a dumpier shorebreak and more problematic wave behavior.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed beach break; shelter is limited.
Wind Effect
East or South East winds are offshore and groom wave faces; offshore from the southeast improves quality.
Bigger Swell
Can become messy and heavy with a significant shorebreak on larger swells.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mixed
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Waves can offer decent rides, though they can become sectiony or close out at very low or very high tides.
Ride Length Details
Decent ride length overall, with sectioniness or closeouts depending on tide.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Abereiddy (St Davids) in the full forecast view.

Abereiddy (St Davids) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
9–32 ktsGusts 50 kts
Direction
SW226°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2432 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–4.3 m8s period
Temperature
11–16 °C

Over the next 7 days, Abereiddy (St Davids) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–32 kts, peaking around 32 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 50 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.8–4.3 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rocks at both ends of the beach
  • submerged rocks
  • rip currents can form (especially near rocks and during larger swells)
  • cold water
  • dumpy shorebreak at low tide
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vest

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Spot-level sources report no rescue availability at the beach, while regional coverage via RNLI is described for the wider St Davids area.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital is in Haverfordwest. In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Localism / Vibe
None — Localism level reported as none to mild in different sources.

Rules of the spot

Go with caution around rocks and at the beach ends; expect tidal effects on shorebreak and wave behavior. Prioritize checking conditions at mid-tide and for rip current risk when swell is up.

Restrictions
  • No motorized craft in designated swimming areas
Local Tips
  • Best surfed at mid-tide; low tide is often a dumpy shorebreak.
  • Rips can form when the swell is up.
  • Offshore winds generally come from the southeast.
  • The spot is known for mostly flat surf in summer even when it’s windy.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
St Davids
Nearest Town
St Davids
Parking
Fee in peak season; open April–October. A large car park is available near the beach, managed by the National Trust.
Access
Located behind a fee-paying parking area in peak season (April–October). Accessible by road via narrow lanes leading to the coast.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English, Welsh
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping and cottages available in the surrounding Pembrokeshire area; accommodation also exists in and around St Davids.
Food & Drink
Seasonal ice cream van; nearest cafes and pubs are in St Davids.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Abereiddy (St Davids)?

The best overall months at Abereiddy (St Davids) are February.

Which wind directions work at Abereiddy (St Davids)?

Abereiddy (St Davids) works with ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are SE, SSE.

What skill level is Abereiddy (St Davids) suitable for?

Abereiddy (St Davids) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.