Surfing in South Wales

Jo and her son Zack gave us a warm welcome to  RHOSSILI BUNKHOUSE when we went surfing in South Wales on the Gower Peninsular . After a quick tour of the hostel and dropping off our things in our room we headed over to Sam’s Surf Shack, a pleasant 15-minute walk from the bunkhouse at the back of the Bay Bistro & Coffee House – a fantastic restaurant/café perfect for a hot drink and cake.  We decided to rent a coupe of boards, wetsuits and boots to explore the Rhossili Surf.
After 5 minutes of squeezing into our wetsuits we strolled down the cobbled path to the beach armed with our surfboards. Having arrived at low tide we were faced with the small task of walking down the vastly exposed beach towards the water. We strapped on our leashes and waded into the water before paddling out to the Rhossili Surf. Since neither of us could be called professionals we spent most of the time with our feet kicking and treading water rather than on the surfboard itself and after 50 minutes in the water we soon came to the agreement that we should have rented gloves and a hood. We later learnt from Sam that the Rhossili surf water temperature had been at it’s lowest all year!

We headed back to the bunkhouse to make the most of the storage and drying room for our surfboards and wetsuits. Since we brought our own food we decided to make the most of the large and well-equipped kitchen to cook a university-inspired supper consisting of pasta and not much else. The kitchen window overlooks a large patio area, ideal for a summer bbq and accessible from the lounge. A glass panel stretching the length of the patio serves a useful windbreak without spoiling the great view.

After washing up our plates and cleaning up after ourselves in the kitchen we strolled over to the Worm’s Head for a pint and chat.  When we entered through the main doors it became apparent why so many people had recommended it as a place to come after a day outdoors. The restaurant and bar takes full advantage of it’s panoramic views of the bay and offers a brilliant atmospheric setting to mingle with the locals and visitors. When looking out of the window at the beach it is easy to see why Rhossili Bay has been voted the best beach in the UK for Rhossili Surf. Stretching for more than three miles the arched bay is part of an area designated as the first Area of Outstanding Beauty in the UK.

The menu caters for just about everyone and given 24 hours notice they will serve Gower Lobster and Crab, something which I will definitely be returning for! After nursing a single pint for nearly an hour, due to the fact we were unable to lift our arms, we headed back for a well-deserved sleep.
The beds at Rhossili bunkhouse are extremely comfortable and the rooms are impeccably clean and modern and are all fitted with electronic keycard locks which makes entering the rooms and building simple and hassle-free. It is an ideal place to stay with friends or family due to it’s location as it’s only a 10-15 minute walk to the bay and attractions. The storage areas and facilities can accommodate larger groups while smaller groups can benefit from their smaller sized rooms. Jo and Zack are very friendly and are more than happy to help you navigate around the area and offer suggestions for day trips and places to eat.

It’s a fantastic Independent Hostel and I thoroughly recommend a visit!