Caswell Bay

## The spot Caswell Bay is a sheltered cove on the Gower Peninsula in south Wales, tucked between limestone headlands. The bay faces south and picks up whatever swell manages to push up the Bristol Channel. It is predominantly a soft, forgiving wave that works well for beginners and improvers. The beach is golden sand with rock pools at either end. A pleasant, scenic spot that rarely offers serious surf but delivers fun small waves. ## When it works Requires a large south-westerly groundswell to wrap into the bay. A north-easterly offshore wind cleans things up. The headlands filter out most of the raw power, so you need a big swell running to get waist-to-chest-high waves in here. Best between October and March. On big storm days when Llangennith is maxing out, Caswell offers a sheltered alternative. ## Where to sit The middle of the bay has the gentlest slope and softest waves, ideal for beginners. The sections closer to either headland can produce slightly steeper peaks when the swell is bigger. On rare good days, a right-hander forms off the rocks on the east side. ## Hazards Very safe overall. The sandy bottom is forgiving, the waves lack real power, and the bay is sheltered from wind. Rock pools at the edges can be slippery. On the rare occasion it gets above head high, currents form along the cliff edges. Swimmers and families share the beach in warmer months. ## Parking and access Pay car park at the top of the hill with a short walk down a steep path to the beach. Gets full in summer with beachgoers. Toilets and a small shop at the car park level. ## The crowd Surf schools use Caswell as a sheltered teaching spot, so expect foam boards on any swell. Rarely crowded with actual surfers because the wave quality is limited. On the rare solid days, a few Gower locals will appear but it never gets competitive. ## Local tips Caswell is a genuine fallback spot, not a destination. If the swell is big enough to work here, Langland (five minutes east) will probably be better with more defined reef peaks. However, if you are learning or want a gentle session without the crowd, this is the place. The ice cream van in the car park is a Gower institution.