Dale
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Dale is a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay in Pembrokeshire that’s consistently described as delivering flat to choppy water with clean conditions. The beach is mainly pebble/shingle (with sand visible at lower tide), and the water depth generally becomes shallow toward the shoreline and deeper toward the center—helpful for waterstart and progression-style sessions. Wind at Dale is typically associated with frontal weather systems moving in from the west. Reported gust levels are moderate, and conditions can vary depending on the prevailing low-pressure setup. Easterly wind directions are specifically noted as blowing into the bay, while south-westerlies are described as offshore and can become gusty close to shore; this matters for both equipment control and safe distance from hazards. Safety considerations are significant in summer: the bay can be crowded with hundreds of moored boats and yachts, so riders need strong upwind ability and careful line choices to avoid moorings and rocks at the bay extremities. Tidal currents are also reported, particularly near the mouth of the bay and toward the Gann estuary to the north. Seasonal dog restrictions apply to the northern end of the beach between May 1 and September 30, and you should follow local signage around swimming and racing zones. For kitesurfing, Dale Bay’s flat water is favored for freeride and freestyle (and wave riding depending on conditions). For windsurfing, it’s described as a prominent learning environment as well as a sheltered practice venue for advanced techniques like slalom/foil. Wingfoiling is reported as especially well-suited due to deep central water and limited swell, with a stated foil-friendly environment and helpful shelter for progression.
- Sheltered wide bay with flat-to-choppy water
- Clean water conditions
- Moderate gusting reported with frontal wind patterns
- Flat water makes it suitable for learning and training
- Sheltered wide bay with flat-to-choppy conditions that suit learning and progression
- Clean water reported
- Frontal wind patterns can provide reliable sessions across seasons
- Hundreds of moored boats in summer require careful navigation
- Tidal currents can be felt, especially near the bay mouth/north end
- Offshore south-westerlies can be gusty near shore
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, NE, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal winds associated with low-pressure systems tracking in from the west.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on low-pressure systems and works best in less common easterly winds.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June, July, August
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Pebble — Mainly pebble/shingle with some sand.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Bay itself generally flat; conditions described as flat or flat-to-choppy depending on wind.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat with chop mentioned across sources.
- Launch
- Medium — ~400 m long beach; launch primarily shingle/pebble at high tide transitioning to sand as tide goes out.
Through the year
Busy during summer holidays and weekends; very quiet in winter.
Rain and storms most frequent from October through February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Dale Bay is known for very flat water that supports freestyle and speed/looser freeride progression, with wave-riding also possible depending on conditions. It is often used as a calmer option when more exposed Atlantic-facing areas are too rough.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
A sheltered, wide-bay environment with flat water that’s described as a premier place for beginners to learn and a safe training ground. Also suited to faster disciplines (slalom/foil) when conditions align.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–7.5 m²
Reported as excellent for wingfoiling due to deep water in the center of the bay, lack of swell, and strong shelter—helpful for progression.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly reported as yes.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Dale in the full forecast view.
Dale wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–32 ktsGusts 50 kts
- Direction
- SW228°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2432 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–4.5 m8s period
- Temperature
- 12–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Dale 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 1.1–4.5 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Ships
- Bridge
- Rocks
- Moored boats and yachts
- Pontoon
- Tidal currents
- Large shipping vessels in the nearby Milford Haven waterway
- Slippery slipway
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited (RNLI with nearby stations at Angle and Little Haven).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest A&E hospital: Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest. Emergency contact: 999 or 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism reported as none.
Rules of the spot
Follow local signage, respect seasonal restrictions, and avoid designated swimming zones and commercial boat moorings. Navigate carefully among moored boats and yachts; stay clear of rocks at the bay extremities.
- Dog restrictions apply to the northern end of the beach between May 1 and September 30.
- Respect local yacht club racing lines.
- Avoid designated swimming zones.
- Hundreds of boats are moored in the bay during summer months—be confident staying upwind and navigating around moorings.
- Easterly winds blow right into the bay; south-westerlies are offshore and can be gusty near shore—only ride if you have reliable self-rescue skills or boat support.
- Dog restrictions apply to the northern end of the beach between May 1 and September 30.
- The Gann estuary at the north end can be ultra-flat at high tide but is very shallow and tidal.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Haverfordwest
- Nearest Town
- Dale
- Parking
- Pay and display parking is available at the seafront and in a larger car park at the entrance to the village.
- Access
- A40 to Haverford West, then follow signs SW to Dale.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Nearby accommodation includes local inns, holiday cottages, and nearby campsites.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink options are reported right on the waterfront (including a waterfront pub/restaurant).
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through local sailing/village centers for windsurfing and SUP; also reported as available via local equipment centers in the village.
- Gear Storage
- Limited seasonal storage available through the yacht club or sailing center.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized kite/wing repair on-site; nearest services in Haverfordwest. Local centers may handle minor sail/board repairs.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A traditional Welsh coastal village within a National Park setting, combining wind and water sports with nature and coastal hiking.
World-renowned wildlife reserve famous for puffin colonies and Manx shearwaters, accessible via boat from nearby Martin’s Haven.
Historic cathedral in the UK’s smallest city, reached by a scenic drive to the north.
Long-distance cliff-top walking trails passing through/around the region.
Coastal activities and sailing in Milford Haven.
Local pub known for fresh seafood and waterfront views.
Expansive beach with rock formations and geological interest.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Dale?
The best overall months at Dale are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are March, April, May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Dale?
Dale works with E, ESE, NE, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Dale?
Recommended equipment sizes at Dale: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Dale suitable for?
Dale suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Expert · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner.