Gower Surfers Guide Quick links

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Swap the busy tubes of London for the peaceful tubes on Gower, Visit Swansea Bay

Swap the busy tubes of London for the peaceful tubes on Gower, Visit Swansea Bay

MILLIONS of tube travellers in London will soon be encouraged to take a break from the Big Smoke and visit Swansea Bay.
image depicting Tube rider
Swansea Council has arranged for eye-catching posters of Swansea Bay to be put on London Underground tubes from the start of the New Year.
The posters show an image of a surfer off the Gower coast and encourage London Underground users to ride a different kind of tube for a change.
A thousand of the posters will be placed on tube trains throughout January in the build-up to the Arsenal and Chelsea games against the Swans at the Liberty Stadium in the Barclays Premier League.
Promotional shots of Three Cliffs Bay are also being strategically placed at London Paddington's Underground Station as the Swans prepare for home clashes against Queen's Park Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur before the end of December.
All four of the Swans next home games in the Premier League are against London-based opposition. This is why Swansea Council has put together a new infographic that will target supporters and famous fans of clubs like Spurs and the media local to each team.
It's based on the theme of a chocolate selection box that millions of people across the UK will receive as gifts over the Christmas and New Year period. Some of the chocolates represent things people can do in the Swansea Bay area such as walking off the festive excess at one of Gower's award-winning beaches or heading to Mumbles to bag a designer bargain.
Anyone who clicks on the infographic will then be redirected to the official http://www.visitswanseabay.com destination website.
A dedicated fans corner with key information about Swansea Bay has also been made available on the site for Premier League supporters to peruse.
Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "We're working on a number of imaginative marketing campaigns to make the most of the opportunities Premier League status brings.
"The next four home games for the Swans at the Liberty Stadium come against London teams and this is why we're promoting Swansea Bay as a destination in places like the tube trains and the Paddington Underground Station that millions of people use every day.
"London and the South East are important visitor markets for Wales, so it's important to build on the awareness the Swans have created.
"We're also staying on top of social media as a way of promoting Swansea Bay to millions of other people and feedback shows our campaigns are generating a lot of interest in the area. Our Facebook campaigns have led to more 5,000 click-throughs to the destination website since the Premier League season kicked-off in August.
"I'd urge Swansea people to again give a traditionally warm 'Croeso' welcome to fans of the London-based teams who will all be playing at the Liberty Stadium before the end of January."
Have a look at http://www.visitswanseabay.com for more information.

Swansea coastline part of world's best region to visit

Swansea coastline part of world's best region to visit

The Lonely Planet recently put Coastal Wales ahead of parts of Central America, Italy and India in a top ten of places to visit next year.

image depicting Walking in Oxwich Bay, Gower
Walking in Oxwich Bay, Gower
The All Wales Coast Path, which includes a 55-mile stretch around Swansea Bay and Gower, will be the first coast path in the world to run the entire length of a nation and is set to be officially opened in May 2012.
Swansea Council is continuing its work to complete the Coast Path from Mumbles in the South to Crofty in the north via Three Cliffs BayPort EynonRhossili and Llanmadoc.
The Council is working with a wide range of partners to complete the path and is currently working on improvements to the path between Caswell and Limeslade.
Tourism chiefs in the city are confident the creation of the continuous path will encourage even more visitors to Swansea.
Steve Hopkins, Tourism Manager in Swansea Council, said: "Once the new sections of path are open we can showcase our beautiful coastline to both seasoned ramblers who will walk the entire path and walkers out for a Sunday stroll.
"Walking is already one of our most popular activities with visitors and the opening of the All Wales Coast Path will raise the profile of walking in this area even further. It will enhance Swansea Bay's reputation as a walking destination."
Tony McGetrick, Chairman of Tourism Swansea Bay, said: "A lot of the work to develop and create this path has been ongoing for a number of years and when it's finished I think we'll be well-placed to offer a fantastic attraction to people around the world.
"We've got a really diverse offering of attractions in Swansea which makes us quite unique.
"And local businesses such as accommodation providers are now developing and offering packages to visitors that can really make their stay much more worthwhile. By next year I think we will be able to offer something quite superb."
The All Wales Coastal Path is funded by Swansea Council, EU Convergence funding and the Welsh Government.
Partners helping Swansea Council in developing the path in Swansea include the National Trust, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Wildlife Trust, the Gower Society and Swansea Ramblers.
Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Planning, said: "A lot of work has been completed with our Countryside Access Team who have been working with a variety of partners to improve and create sections of path.
"Some of the pathway will travel along private land and this has been achieved with support from private landowners."

Monday, November 28, 2011

Another great review for Gower Surf School at Caswell Beach, Swansea

Another great review for Gower Surf School at Caswell Beach, Swansea

“We had an amazing time, couldn't have asked for a better surf experience!”
5 of 5 stars 
My husband and I surfed with GSD at Caswell Bay 12.11.11, the day after our wedding, and it was so amazing!! A sunny warm day (even in November!) and warm water. 
We did the Half & Half Surf All Day lesson for £40 each, which was the best price we found for similar lessons with other companies. The instructor was really nice, knowledgeable, and fun. The wetsuits and boards were in great condition and we were provided with everything we needed, all included. He did a great job showing us the ropes and guiding us as we practiced. We were both able to get up and surfing by lunch time! We surfed from 11am-4pm and by the end of the day we felt very comfortable and excited to come back and try it again. Bring something warm to put over your wetsuit if you plan to eat lunch out on the patio (wetsuits are not allowed in the cafe). Overall, an amazing experience and looking forward to taking more lessons!
  • Visited November 2011
Summers day looking like winter again
Book online for surfing or txt last minute 077 395 361 22
Christmas gift ideas

    Wednesday, November 16, 2011

    Why Not Give The LC this Christmas!


    Why Not Give The LC this Christmas!

    Christmas has been coming for weeks already and for those of you who are still struggling to find the perfect gift the LC Swansea has the answer. We have presents for everyone!purple snowflake
    blue snowflakeWhy not treat your loved ones to a day out at the LC. You can mix and match to create the perfect present, from boardrider sessions to climbing experiencesand from family waterpark visits to time in the play area you can decide exactly what you want to give! Not only will they receive a great day out but they will make memories that will last a lifetime.green snowflake
    iZone gift packages are the perfect present for those difficult teens. The package includes 3 month’s membership for the interactive gym for 11-15 year olds plus some LC goodies. Our membership team would be happy to help you purchase this great gift that encourages young people to be active in a truly unique way.
    orange snowflake
    If you are in need of the perfect luxurious gift for someone special the Spa@LC holds the solution. The Spa@LC has a beautiful range of Elemis gifts for men and women. This award winning brand adds a touch of elegance to any gift. Call into the Spa now to see what we have to offer.
    Here at the LC we have made it really easy to buy these gifts, just pop in and speak to our reception team or give us a call pink snow flakeon 01792 466500, we can take a credit or debit payment over the phone and post them out to you ready for Christmas (Elemis gifts available by collection only).

    Saturday, November 5, 2011

    Christmas Gift Ideas for surfers and Learn to Surf Vouchers

    Christmas Gift Ideas for surfers and Learn to Surf Vouchers

    A surf brand not snow related show me to the beach
    Give the gift of surfing to someone special this Christmas, no going to the shops simply click on  surfing gift vouchers link, you will have a several different options to choose from dependant on how much you would like to spend.
    The vouchers last for one year from date of purchase and all surfing equipment is included!
    Christmas gift ideas

    Thursday, November 3, 2011

    Swansea's popular attraction celebrates reaching 1.5M visits just days before its sixth birthday

    The latest news from 'VisitSwanseaBay'

    Swansea's popular attraction celebrates reaching 1.5M visits just days before its sixth birthday

    image depicting National Waterfront Museum
    National Waterfront Museum
    The Museum achieved the milestone figure on Thursday 6 October, with ten days to go before its official birthday this Monday, 17 October.
    As the figures suggest, the Museum is welcoming on average 250,000 visits each year from across Swansea, Wales, Britain and beyond and is most certainly continuing to make its mark on the cultural map.
    Since opening in 2005, it has positioned itself as a catalyst for a new-era of museums with its interactive, hands-on technology and has become renowned for its imaginative events and exhibitions, innovative collections as well as award-winning education programmes.
    It offers visitors to the city the opportunity to explore the exciting human stories about innovation and industry in Wales, now, over the past 300 years and beyond.  There are 100 audio visual exhibits including 36 state of the art interactive displays and some very large and now technologically obsolete objects from across Wales including the world's first steam locomotive, a brick press and one of the very few surviving coal wagons.
    Speaking about the news, Head of Museum Steph Mastoris said: "This is another absolutely fantastic result for us and proves once again that we are meeting the needs and expectations of our visitors.
    "The events, exhibitions and educational activities have clearly had a major impact, attracting new audiences and repeat visits.  It is also encouraging to see so many people, including university students, using the space for final year degree shows and community events.
    "Congratulations must go to the whole team for their exceptional creativity, hard work and determination which has helped us continually move from strength to strength.
    "The quality of the whole visitor experience has brought people back time and time again and we look forward to welcoming millions more to the National Waterfront Museum over the forthcoming years."
    Following this great news is a fun-packed winter season with events to keep the whole family entertained.  Highlights include special guest and World Cup rugby referee Nigel Owens who, on Sunday 6 November, will recount amusing incidents from rugby matches, foreign trips and his off-field career as an entertainer.  Then on Sunday 4 December, popular weatherman Derek Brockway will be popping in to give visitors an insight into the interchangeable Welsh weather and on Sunday 11 December, the Museum will receive a visit from Santa and real-life reindeers. 
    For more details visits www.museumwales.ac.uk

    Sunday, October 2, 2011

    Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers says, "Swansea is one of the most beautiful cities I've been to. It's absolutely incredible."

    "Swansea is one of the most beautiful cities I've been to. It's absolutely incredible."

    Brendan Rodgers, Manager of the Swans, is full of praise for Swansea

    image depicting Brendan Rodgers, Manager of the Swans
    Brendan Rodgers, Manager of the Swans
    In a recent interview, Brendan Rodgers, Manager of the Swans, said:
    "Swansea is one of the most beautiful cities I've been to. It's absolutely incredible.
    That's why I was so pleased for the people of Swansea that we got promoted because it will magnify the beautiful city that they have and let the rest of the world see what a great place it is."
    Chris Holley, Leader of Swansea Council, added:
    "The Swans playing in the Barclays Premier League is a great opportunity to raise the city's profile to new audiences in the UK and overseas.
    Swansea is a beautiful place to visit and we are extending a warm welcome to encourage fans to extend their match stay or return at a later date."
    Are you coming to Swansea for a Barclays Premier League game? Visit Our Fans Corner.

    LC Swansea introduces Tag Rugby!


    LC Swansea introduces Tag Rugby!

    26 Sep 2011
    tag rugbyAs Wales keeps encouraging its strongest men to bring the Rugby World Cup home the LC is launching Tag Rugby courses to encourage the next generation to become stars of the sport.
    Run by qualified LC coaches the sessions will give youngsters their first experience of the sport, learning skills and practices in an enjoyable environment.

    This non contact version of Wales’ national sport is a fantastic way to build up confidence in the sport and learn the basics for both girls and boys at an early age.
    With simple rules and tackles represented by tacking team mate’s tags, it is the perfect way to start building an interest and passion for the sport before moving up to local clubs and school clubs to take part in training and matches when they become 8 or 9.

    Sessions take place on Sunday mornings from the 2nd October 2011. Children aged 3-4 years are invited to join the coaches from 9am-10am while youngster’s aged 5-7 years can enjoy classes from 10am-11am. Courses cost just £15 for 6 weeks.
    Places are limited so call our reception team 01792 466500 now to book your child’s place!

    Wednesday, September 21, 2011

    Emma and Piers Welsh Odyssey - The Full Story


     Emma and Piers Welsh Odyssey - The Full Story

    One man stuck on a sunlounger. One woman trying to drag him off it. One (smallish) country ready to step in and help. Follow Piers and Emma's Proper Holiday in Wales!

    image depicting Wales wants Piers Bramhall!
    Wales wants Piers Bramhall!
    Episode 1: Piers and Emma make it over the Severn in style
    180 miles west. A pint with Gareth Thomas. And a plane ride from Cardiff to Anglesey. So ends the first day of Piers and Emma's proper holiday. They're excited, we're excited - even the sun was excited. It made an appearance especially for them. Have a look at their first instalment of holiday here.
    Episode 2: The good, the bad and the windy
    After a cosy night at Ye Olde Bull's Head, Piers and Emma were set to go sailing on Plas Menai, but with the weather forecast predicting strong winds, we took them out on a ribride instead. They were accompanied by Olympic sailing hopeful Chris Grube, who looked happy to sit back and let the engine do the work. After getting soaked on the water, they dried off and relaxed at the five-star Plas Coch holiday village.
    Episode 3: Campfires, casks and caves
    Today Piers and Emma are in the Pederyn whisky distillery, sampling the best tipples in Wales. They've learnt the history of the distillery, how to smell the whisky with each nostril in turn and how to give the glass a "cuddle" before tasting. Bring on the cuddles.
    image depicting Piers and Emma go surfing on Gower
    Piers and Emma go surfing on Gower
    Episode 4: Extreme sightseeing
    It wouldn't be right to bring Piers and Emma here without letting them get stuck into our countryside. Doing activities are some of the best ways to see Wales. So we took them mountain biking in Afan Argoed, followed by surfing on the Gower Peninsula.
    Piers and Emma swapped their casual clothes for wetsuits as we took them down to Caswell Bay. The skies may have been grey but the surf was perfect. Under the capable tutelage of Tom from Surf GSD, our novice surfers had a few wobbles and wipeouts but did remarkably well. They were natural, surfing like they'd been doing it for years. 
    Look past the cutting rain, punishing mountains, brutal surf and grimacing faces. In their eyes you will see the glint of activity-sport triumph. And maybe a touch of exhaustion.
    Episode 5: VIP treatment Welsh-style
    VIPs are given luxuries and privileges that other mortals can only dream of... limos, entourages, handbags full of tiny, hairless dogs. Here in Wales we like to keep it real. So we gave Piers and Emma a bench looking out over Dunraven Bay, Southerndown. And we took them to a celebrity pub quiz at the Pelican in Ogmore-By-Sea.
    Episode 6: The one where Piers and Emma went to Celtic Manor
    It would have been wrong to deny Piers & Emma the chance to don some spikes and visors at the world-famous Celtic Manor. Piers was given the Lee Westwood locker, where he soaked up the awesome golf-pro power. We won't tell you who won, but it might just have worked.
    Episode 7: Croeso I Caerdydd (Welcome to Cardiff)
    Cardiff "fort on the Taff". As host to Piers and Emma for the weekend, Wales' capital gave them privileged access to some of its many highlights. Like getting to grips with singing lessons at The Wales Millenium Centre with The Welsh National Opera and mixing their own cocktails at Ffresh. And eating their own bodyweight in cheese at St. Fagan's food festival.
    Episode 8: Pierstock
    After The Isle of Wight Festival and Glastonbury comes the big one; Pierstock. As part of Piers & Emma's send-off weekend in Cardiff, Gwdihw held a micro-festival. Live music came from Johnny Cage & The Voodoo groove, T.R.O.M.B, Them Lovely Boys and Ukulele Nights. Food wasn't the usual festival fare -- there were no mystery meat burgers at Pierstock. There were oysters. Watch Emma tackle her first one here.
    Episode 9: The end of the Welsh Odyssey
    So this is it. It's been exciting, it's been emotional. At times, it's been surreal. Sunday afternoon managed all three. The trip ended with a feast at Cardiff Castle joined by Matt Tebbutt, Paul Potts & Colin Jackson. Everyone tucked into a meal by the Welsh Culinary Team. Speeches were made, Welsh cakes were eaten and then, they went home.
    Diolch Piers & Emma, it's been epic.
    What they thought of their Proper Holiday in Wales:
    Piers: 'What a journey and an utterly humbling experience. We have quite honestly had the best experience anyone could ask for and we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone for showing us really how much Wales has to offer. After seeing all the fantastic pledge videos, I appreciate despite all that we've seen and done in the past 7 days, we really have only scratched the surface of such a truly amazing country. We can't wait to come back if you'll have us. Diolch yn fawr!'
    Emma: 'I can't believe it's actually over. What an amazing end to what I can only call the best week ever. Thank you again to everyone involved and everyone who followed the campaign, you have made this really special and shown us what Wales is really about.'
    Have a look at the Visit Wales Facebook page for a detailed account of their holiday, comments and - best of all - the videos!

    Monday, September 19, 2011

    A weekend of events in and around Swansea Bay including the Admiral 10K

    Admiral Swansea Bay 10K

    25 September 2011, Swansea Bay

    image depicting Katherine Jenkins running the 10k in 2010
    Katherine Jenkins running the 10k in 2010
    Description
    The event is set to take place on Sunday September 25 on a flat and scenic course with stunning views of Swansea Bay.
    It's recognized as one of the UK's premier races of its kind and is ideal for runners of all abilities aged 15 and over 
    There will also be a 10K wheelchair race along with four other junior age group races covering 5K, 3K and 1K for runners aged 20 and under.
    Date
    25 September 2011
    Category
    Sport
    Website
    Venue Details / Address
    Swansea Bay

    Friday, September 9, 2011

    Gower Surfing Development had some VIP guests thanks to Visit Wales and 'We Want Piers' campaign

    If you have been following the awesome tour that #VisitWales have been running @WeWantPiers

    Well you then know that Piers and Emma plus the Visit Wales crew came surfing with us at Caswell Bay, Swansea. Here are some pictures plus an amazing video created by the guys at Visit Wales. My fave picture is of Emma making 'the claim' all surfers know how to make one of them! Thanks guys welcome to the surfing world... 4 pics below then the video, the last pic is my fave, sorry Piers!
    Surfing lessons
    1 to 2 surfing lesson
    Up and riding at caswell bay
    The claim in surfing yeehaa

    Tuesday, August 23, 2011

    Take advantage of Visit Swansea Bays range of free publications, for helping you plan your trip to Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower

    Download Guides & Maps

    Take advantage of Visit Swansea Bays range of free publications, for helping you plan your trip to Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower

    image depicting 2011 Swansea Bay Holiday Guide
    2011 Swansea Bay Holiday Guide
    Each year, we publish a range of guides, maps and other information, all of which are free of charge.
    To download these resources, select from the list below. Alternatively, you can order hard copies of selected guides through our guide ordering page.
    Note: Swansea TIC  also has a range of publications for sale, including maps, walking guides, tide timetables and more.  You can buy these by visiting the Centre, or by mail order through our Publications for sale page.

    Thursday, August 18, 2011

    August Bank Holiday weekend fun it's the Jimmy Cracker Sevens in Mumbles Village


    The best day out in Mumbles is fast approaching come and support our sevens team@ the Jimmy Crackers

    Surfgsd cracker sevens
    Above Dai Littlehales brother of our team manager James sporting our new kit for the forthcoming 'Jimmy Cracker Sevens' organised by Mumbles RFC and held at Underhill Park, Mumbles.
    We rec'd heaps of complaints about the kit we had last year, our surf school rash vests which to be honest looked pretty awful on some of us! Anyway, let's hope this kit gives us an edge this year. (Pic below of our kit from last year!)
    The first game kicks off at 11 a.m and games run all day, currently the weather is looking good. After the match the team will be dressing in an Hawaiian theme and heading out for a celebration of the end of summer season.
    Anyway, come and support us, if you want any info on surfing please feel free to come and talk to us and if you know any thing about rugby, advice is very welcome!
    See you on the touchline this coming August Bank Holiday weekend.
    Live Surf and play Rugby....
    p.s a big thank you to James Littlehales and Dan for sorting out the kit from us all
    Team gsd cracker sevens