SUP Mag UK April 2024 issue 40 free | Page 14

PEMBROKESHIRE FAMILY PADDLE BOARDING
14

THE MINI guide …

PEMBROKESHIRE FAMILY PADDLE BOARDING

Words & photos : Tez Plavenieks Spring in the UK is a great time to be involved with watersports . After ( sometimes ) enduring the winter , it ’ s comforting to know days will be longer , the weather warmer , and there will be more incentive to get wet . Whilst I ’ m in the water right through the seasons , I look forward to spring and getting the rest of my family amongst it . With only a smattering of days gone by applicable to kiddy water time , more opportunity comes with the arrival of spring .
Time to get gone Traditionally , the start of spring - more specifically , Easter – is when my family and I aim to get away . For the last few years , having wanted somewhere different to our usual haunts , Pembrokeshire in Wales has been the choice .
Now , we ’ ll all be aware of how damp the Welsh weather can often be . Travelling anywhere in the UK can be a gamble concerning the
https :// maps . app . goo . gl / K3xrfmP8gGrYtm3J9
Our favourite Pembrokeshire beaches
During the last few visits to Pembrokeshire , we ’ ve had the opportunity to explore many different beaches – some of which we ’ ve made frequent sojourns to . These are some of our favourites from all those we ’ ve experienced . There are plenty , however , we haven ’ t even discovered yet !
Saundersfoot is a family-friendly beach with a large expanse of sand at low tide . It ’ s right next to a harbour , so be wary of that . It also gets busy . Great for flat water SUP , wing foiling if breezy and general beach shenanigans .
Amroth is quieter than Saundersfoot . Amroth is just along the coast and , at low tide , has lots of sand to play on . Some tidal pools form for splashing about in as well . Offering mainly flat water SUP , it can sometimes serve up a friendly wave .
Tenby South – golden sands , stunning views and a riviera feel give Tenby South a distinct personality . The beach does shelve fairly steeply , but on calmer days , it can be fun for paddling and swimming . It ’ s also suitable for waves if there ’ s a solid swell pulsing .
Newgale – our favourite Pembrokeshire beach for surfing is best at lower tide as the water recedes from the large stones . Newgale is very exposed but can be pretty mellow nonetheless .
Freshwater West is one of the premier surfing beaches in the area . If there are waves , ensure you ’ re up to the challenge , as it can be testing . Especially for wee ones . Worth a look , though .
Marloes Sands is a picturesque and outof-the-way Pembrokeshire beach that ’ s great when you fancy respite from the crowds . It does get surf , but being isolated , you need to make sure your skills are up to it . It ’ s best at low tide .
Depending on what you ’ re after as a family , plenty of other beaches and SUP / watersports locations exist .