Gower Surfers Guide Quick links

Monday, July 1, 2013

Surf the summer away at Caswell Bay, Swansea with Gower surfing school



Surf girls heading out at caswell bay
Do I need to book my son/daughter in?
You will need to book in advance as the junior surf academy is very popular with visitors and Swansea Bay residents.
What age groups does it suit?
All surfers must be able to swim 50 meters. If under the age of 8 then a parent/guardian must stay at the beach. We do get 5 - 7 year olds attending for half a day plus weather dependant. Most surfers are between 8 - 14 years old.
What about food?
There are cafes at the beach for hot and cold snacks, so parents/guardians can provide a pack lunch and perhaps a few pounds for snacks that will keep the young surfers going all day.
When does the JSA run?
We run the academy all school even at Christmas time. The sessions run SEVEN DAYS A WEEK and this summer we are offering working parents the chance to drop off at 08.50 a.m and pick up time of 15.30
How much does it cost?
You can pay for Junior surfing Half day or all day junior surfing option of £30.  We also have a five day rate of £130 which can be used as week course or one day a week for five weeks or any combination that suits your needs.(NB you can pay online via the following link: Junior surf academy)
What do they need to bring with them?
The consent form which is emailed with booking or can be found here and printed off, warm clothing even if the sun is shining, a big bag to ensure their clothes are kept dry whilst surfing. Pack lunch and some snack money for hot drinks etc Any medication such as Asthma pumps which can be kept in the dry bag on the beach. Also SUNBLOCK.
What happens at the JSA?
We run it like a school day but more fun of course! There are three breaks throughout the day, morning, lunch and afternoon. In addition to the learning to surf we aim to build confidence in the ocean with water related games and training, we incorporate dry land games and activities and you will find that after a day on the beach the surfer sleeps well!
What if it is raining?
Even better for us as this means the beach will be empty and we get to have it all to ourselves, we will all be in wetsuits, so rain or shine it does not make any difference.
Storms?
If the red flag is flying then we will not be going in the water and alternative activities will be arranged, this hs only happened twice at Caswell in the last 10 years.
After the summer do you keep on surfing?
Yes we keep surfing until the end of October, and this year we will be moving our surfing squads and sessions indoors at the LC Swansea. Which we are really excited about as this will help keep everyone fit and ready to go for April/May when we hit Caswell again.
Surf coach gower surf gower
 
Are the staff qualified and Is the surf school reputable?
GSD is the only licensed surf school in Swansea bay region (licensed by City & County of Swansea) We have been running surfing lessons here in the UK for 15 years with a high repeat customer visit rate; used by most Local Authorities here in South Wales; a member of 'Visit Wales in Style'; chosen by the LC in Swansea to help with the opening ceremony and to provide surfing lessons year round indoor at the flowrider; plus used by Kent County Council, Birmingham City Council, Millfield, Marlborough College, Clifton College and many more.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Summer surfing in the Swansea Bay region with SurfGSD the only licensed surf school in the area


Summer surfing in Swansea Bay Region

My office
Not long to go and the summer holidays will be upon us, we have our busy Junior Surfing  Academy running at Caswell Bay every day/week of the summer holidays.
Please see our surfing academy information page by clicking here: Summer surfing at Caswell Bay or you can simply book online here: Shop gsd junior surfing
Caswell bay surfing school

Stand Up Paddle boarding in Swansea Bay at the 360 centre


SUP_Knabview
Stand up paddle boarding (or SUP, for short) was born in Hawaii in the 1950′s and has now become the latest craze to sweep our nation’s coastline.  It is the fastest growing water sport worldwide where you use a long single ended paddle to move through the water while standing on a surf style board.  The sport is a fantastic all over body work out, especially for strengthening core and upper body muscles.
360 IS AN ASSOCIATION OF SURF INSTRUCTORS (ASI) SCHOOL
This means all of our instructors are suitable ASI qualified and experienced and we meet all of the ASI’s tough health and safety requirements.  This will ensure you have fun and stay safe on the water.
GIVE IT A GO SESSIONS
Take part in our taster sessions and paddle your way into an exciting new sport.  Come and explore Swansea bay, learn new paddling techniques & boost your knowledge of the sport whilst meeting new people and gaining confidence on the water.  We offer 1 hour kids sessions priced at £9.50 which are suitable for those age 10+ and 1 hour adult sessions priced at £12.50 which are suitable for those age 16+.
Please ensure you read our terms and conditions before booking, if you have any questions or need a hand with your booking then feel free to call us on 01792 655844.
WHILST YOU’RE ON THE WATER
Your friends and family can relax in our Café Bar and watch you take part in your session.  Our Café Bar has fantastic views of the beach & Swansea Bay, so even if they’re not taking part they won’t miss out on any of the action.
THE NEXT LEVEL
If you would like to take your SUP skills to the next level then please drop us an email to info@360swansea.co.uk and we’ll send you more details about our intermediate and advanced courses.
EQUIPMENT
Here at 360 we use excellent quality Fanatic soft top paddle boards with adjustable paddles to suit your height.  These boards are great for beginners, they provide a larger surface area for maximized balance helping you to build up your expertise and gain confidence.  Use of the boards and paddles is included in the session cost.
SAFETY
Safety comes first with us here at 360, as well as being an ASI school, we also hold an Adventure Activities License.  All customers will wear a buoyancy aid whilst on the water and should follow the instructions given by the instructor at all times.  360 will ensure that the weather and tidal conditions are suitable, so you can enjoy your SUP session to the max!
CLOTHING
Please ensure you bring your swimwear to put on underneath the wetsuit we will provide you.  Although footwear is not provided, we do recommend you bring and wear suitable footwear to protect your feet whilst on the beach.   We will provide you with a waterproof top and buoyancy aid for your session.  All clothing we provide is included in the session cost.  Don’t forget to bring a towel as our changing, shower and locker facilities are free for you to use.  Please not our lockers require a padlock with a 6-8mm diameter shackle, bring your own or you can purchase a resettable combination padlock from 360 for £5.

It's summer are you fit?


Summer is here let's get fit!

4 Jun 2013
Summer is on its way, and there’s no better time to get that beach body you’ve always dreamed of!Fit for Summer
With over 100 fitness classes every week and a friendly fitness team on hand to help you shape up, lose weight and feel great – you’ll be proud to be seen in your swimwear this summer!
Memberships start from just £26 a month. So what are you waiting for, call us on 01792 466500 and start working on your beach body now!

Dylan Thomas favourite park set for Under Milk Wood, info from Visit Swansea Bay


Under Milk Wood set for Dylan's favourite park

Under Milk Wood's 60th birthday will be celebrated at a Swansea park that inspired some of Dylan Thomas' works

image depicting Cwmdonkin Park, Swansea
Cwmdonkin Park, Swansea
Children from the city's Dylan Thomas Community School will perform the play at Cwmdonkin Park on Wednesday July 3 and Thursday July 4.
The free performances are among several events taking place at the park in the build-up to its grand opening in September to mark the completion of a major refurbishment project.
The park's refurbishment is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Government's Sustainable Tourism Project backed by the European Regional Development Fund, Swansea Council and the Friends of Cwmdonkin Park.
Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "Cwmdonkin Park is located within a stone's throw of Dylan Thomas' childhood home on Cwmdonkin Drive and helped inspire some of his work.
"This is why it's hugely fitting that Under Milk Wood's 60th birthday should be marked with a series of performances at the park that will help open up Dylan's works to yet another generation of young people.
"It's also especially apt that the park's refurbishment will be complete in time for celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of Dylan Thomas' birth next year."
DT100 is a high-profile festival to mark the centenary of Dylan Thomas' birth in 2014. The Welsh Government is leading the co-ordination of activity in Wales along with its partners - the Arts Council of Wales; the British Council; Carmarthenshire Council; Ceredigionshire Council, Swansea Council and Cadw. The aim of all partners is to ensure the festival delivers educational, cultural and tourism benefits before, during and after 2014.
Other aspects of the park's refurbishment include the upgrade of the Dylan Thomasshelter, the restoration of the Dylan Thomas drinking fountain and the refurbishment of paths, railings and benches. A nostalgic tearoom recapturing the creative spirit of 1930s Swansea has also now opened in the park's refurbished bowls pavilion.
Other events upcoming at the park include a bat and moth night on Friday June 14 and a series of Dylan Thomas photography workshops.
Have a look at www.cwmdonkinpark.co.uk to see a brochure that outlines details of all the park's forthcoming events and activities. The brochure is also available from the Swansea Tourist Information Centre on Plymouth Street.
Visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/cwmdonkin to reserve tickets for Under Milk Wood

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

All you need to know if visiting Swansea Bay or Gower with your Dog courtesy of Visitswanseabay


Dog-Friendly 

Beach information for dog-owners

image depicting Dog-friendly beaches on the Gower Peninsula
Dog-friendly beaches on the Gower Peninsula
The Gower Peninsula is a very popular destination for dog-owners, with many of its beaches allowing year-round access for dogs.  These include Rhossili, voted the UK's No. 1 dog-friendly beach by The Times.
The full list of Swansea Bay and Gower beaches which allow year-round access for dogs is as follows:
  1. Swansea Bay from the slip (opposite Victoria Park) to the beach access at Sketty Lane Car Park (opposite the Wales National Pool/Singleton Boating Lake)
  2. Mumbles (as far as the lighthouse)
  3. Pwll Du
  4. Pobbles
  5. Three Cliffs Bay
  6. Tor Bay
  7. Crawley
  8. Oxwich Bay
  9. Horton (from the Lifeguard Station east towards Oxwich)
  10. Port Eynon (from the main steps west to the Salt House)
  11. Mewslade Bay
  12. Rhossili Bay
  13. Llangennith
  14. Broughton Bay, North Gower
  15. Whiteford Sands, North Gower
Seasonal dog ban
There is an annual, five-month access restriction for dogs on some beaches, which means that a small number are off-limits to dogs from May 1st to September 30th each year.  During this period, visitors with dogs are asked to keep to the beaches listed above, which allow year-round access.
Between May 1st and September 30th each year, dogs are not allowed on the following beaches:
  1. Swansea Bay from the River Tawe to the slip (opposite Victoria Park)
  2. Swansea Bay from the beach access at Sketty Lane Car Park (opposite the Wales National Pool/Singleton Boating Lake) to the Northern edge of the slip (opposite the West Cross Inn)
  3. Bracelet Bay, near Mumbles
  4. Limeslade Bay, near Mumbles
  5. Rotherslade Bay, Langland
  6. Langland Bay
  7. Caswell Bay
  8. Port Eynon beach (from the eastern edge of the steps to the eastern edge of Horton beach access)
Please keep your dog on a lead at:
  1. The entire promenade around Swansea Bay (from the River Tawe to the Knab Rock Car Park in Mumbles)
  2. The promenade at Langland Bay and Rotherslade
  3. The promenade at Caswell Bay (including the cliff path)
Any Council officer or Police Officer may require you to remove your dog from the beach. Any offenders may be liable for a fine of up to £500. 
Collars and tags
Dogs in public places must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner attached. If you are holidaying in Swansea, you may find it useful to have a temporary collar for your dog, with your holiday address on it.
Microchipping is not a legal requirement, but it helps the Local Authority contact you if your dog is impounded. If you have lost your dog, please contact City & County of Swansea as soon as possible on 01792 635 600.
Dog fouling
The City & County of Swansea has installed over 400 dog waste disposal bins and, in some areas, poop scoop dispensers. Dog owners who allow their animals to foul, without cleaning up, risk a fixed penalty notice of £75. Please help keep Swansea Bay clean and use the bins provided for your dog.

If you have any queries, contact the City & County of Swansea Environment Department on 01792 635 600, or email evh@swansea.gov.uk.

LOOK great offer from the National Pool Wales, in Swansea.. It’s our birthday but we are doing the giving!




Sign up for a membership and go back in time to 2003!

It’s our birthday but we are doing the giving! This offer is the icing on our birthday cake with members able to access all of our public swimming sessions including splash and play and members only sessions free of charge and if that’s not enough we offer members 10% off our range of swimwear and accessories and 10% off our aqua school sessions!
Find out more here > National Pool Wales

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Don't forget the stag do or hen do will not run itself, if you are in charge of the weekend break better start planning



Dress the stag up















You all know the saying from your training courses, 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.." and believe me when you have 15 plus guys or girls all put together for a weekend of celebration and drinking then if not organised things can end up spoiling the weekend.
The main thing is it is all about him or her, what would they like to do on their last weekend of freedom?
Or in the case of some groups it is a case of just picking the stag up taking his bag of clothes off him and turning him into the groups gimp for the weekend. (This generally happens to stags as a pay back for past actions on similar weekends.)
On the whole though, there should be plenty of emails bouncing around suggesting locations, activities and places to stay. After much debate then the shortlist can be sent to all those that are going to vote and give thoughts on each.
 Hopefully then this will arm the organiser to start planning, booking and getting the monies in and deposits paid.
After everything above has been sorted then, the group leader should produce an itineray for the weekend so everyone knows what is going on and when they are expected to meet etc.
The best plans can fail if, the group have not been consulted fully and individuals needs taken into account, for example one of the group does not like heights or another can not swim. The main thing for the planners to keep at the forefront of the planning is "TEAM" weekend focusing on fun for all and in particular the stag or hen.
Good luck with your planning!
Stag or hen fun

Swansea's beaches are top class says the Good Beach Guide 2013


The Good Beach Guide 2013 grants top award for water quality for 90% of beaches in Swansea.

image depicting Gower beaches
Gower beaches
People across the planet must be running out of superlatives for Swansea's beautiful beaches.
For hot on the heels of Rhossili Bay being named one of the world's best beaches comes news thatSwansea's beaches as a whole are among the UK's finest.
The Good Beach Guide 2013, produced by the Marine Conservation Society, gave 90% of Swansea's beaches their top award for water quality – second only to Lincolnshire and beating other coastal holiday hotspots like Pembrokeshire, Kent and Jersey.
It backs up a Swansea Council survey undertaken last year where 96.5% of people questioned said Swansea Bay's key strength is the quality of Gower's landscape.
Cllr Nick Bradley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "This is yet more terrific news for Swansea Bay as a top place for people to visit. It will further raise the profile of our beaches within weeks of TripAdvisor naming Rhossili Bay as the tenth best beach in the world. We know that the TripAdvisor accolade meant interest in Rhossili soared in the week after their announcement and we hope the results of the Good Beach Guide will have a similar impact.
"We realise how lucky we are in Swansea to have such stunning scenery on our doorstep and that's why we often use images of our beauty spots to market the city as a visitor destination.
"The recent introduction of the All-Wales Coast Path and its important and stunning Gowersection is yet another great opportunity for raising awareness of our beautiful coastline."
Swansea Council's tourism service has just produced a new Beaches Guide promoting theSwansea Bay coastline in time for the start of the 2013 season. More than 100,000 copies have been produced that are now being distributed to organisations including tourist information centres across South Wales.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Swansea's Rhossili Bay: Is voted 10th best beach in the World


Swansea's Rhossili Bay: Is voted 10th best beach in the World

Copacabana and Waikiki are some of the world's most famous beaches - and now Swansea's Rhossili Bay, as well as being the best beach in Britain, can lay claim to being up there with the best in the world too.

image depicting Rhossili Bay, Gower
Rhossili Bay, Gower
Not only has the Gower beauty spot been named the UK's best beach by top travel website TripAdvisor, it's also been named third best beach in Europe and tenth best in the world in the 2013 Travellers' Choice Beach Awards.
The awards are based entirely on the feedback of millions of travellers across the planet. Stunning beaches in countries like Italy, Greece and Turkey are among those Rhossili Bay has beaten in Europe. Whitehaven in Queensland, Australia, and Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda are some of the other beaches joining Rhossili in the world's top ten.
Cllr David Phillips, Swansea Council Leader, said: "We are delighted, but not surprised, that Rhossili Bay has been acknowledged by the world's leading consumer travel website. Images of Rhossili Bay, which is managed by the National Trust, are recognisable across the world and feature prominently in our destination marketing activity. We hope that many more visitors continue to enjoy its outstanding natural beauty."
TripAdvisor is the world's largest social travel network that's been used by more than 100 million travelers.
Emma Shaw, of TripAdvisor, said: "These awards recognise the best beaches in the UK and beyond, according to those that really matter – travellers who have visited these beaches and given them the highest levels of praise.
"Huge congratulations to Swansea's Rhossili Bay for beating many of the most exotic beaches across the globe."
The award is the latest in a long list of accolades for Rhossili Bay.  It's been hailed by The Independent newspaper as the "British supermodel of beaches" and won the Great British Beach Awards in 2010.
Frances Jenkins, Swansea Council's Strategic Manager for Culture, Tourism, Marketing and Events, said: "This is fantastic news for the destination and a very worthy accolade for Rhossili.  Gower is a very strong brand.  Rhossili and other Gower beaches have prominently in our marketing campaigns to make the most of the city's Premier League status by raising the profile of Swansea Bay as a visitor destination. Many of the campaigns have included photos of Rhossili Bay and other Swansea beauty spots on the London Underground, encouraging millions of commuters to make Swansea Bay their next stop."
To see it in the flesh, check out: 
If you're thinknig about visiting Rhossili Bay beach, please contact Swansea Tourist Information Centre for further information.
Swansea Tourist Information Centre tel: 01792 468321
email: tourism@swansea.gov.uk
Plymouth Street (back of Grand Theatre)
Swansea
SA1 3QG

Mother's day @ The Gower Hotel


MOTHER'S DAY @ The Gower Hotel

10th March 2013

Mother
This Mother's Day, we plan on treating mum to a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then hope to delight her with a wonderful 4 Course dinner. A truly delicious selection is on offer to suit all tastes. Dinner will be finished in style with freshly brewed coffee and tea, accompanied by a lovely sweet treat of petit fours.
If you are looking for somewhere a little special where you can spoil your mum, join us on Sunday 10th March for a lovely day at The Gower Hotel.

Swansea Council has put up 1,000 promotional panels on London Underground trains


Swansea takes surf and sand to London


image depicting Where the grass meets the sea
Where the grass meets the sea
Swansea Council has put up 1,000 promotional panels on London Underground trains in the lead-up to the Capital One Cup final against Bradford City in Wembley on Sunday (February 24).
The panels show an image of a football and a beach ball on the edge of an area of grass that borders a beach. The caption reads: 'Where the Grass Meets the Sea' and thehttp://visitswanseabay.com official destination website is included.
Seventy-five posters using the same image and caption have also gone up in London's tube stations.
Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "Many thousands of the Jack Army faithful will be heading to London to watch the Swans in Wembley this weekend. Michael Laudrup and his amazing team are doing wonders in putting our city on the map and it's important we make the most of what they've achieved by encouraging more visits to Swansea Bay.
"Millions of people will see our promotional posters and panels on the London Underground, and we hope many commuters will be tempted enough to have a look at theofficial Swansea Bay destination website where there's reams of information about our stunning local area and all we have to offer. More visits to Swansea Bay means more spending in local hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses."
A full-page Swansea Bay promotional advert has been placed in the Wembley cup final programme and panels are now up on Midland Metro trains between Wolverhampton and Birmingham until March 17. This will help promote Swansea Bay around the time the Swans visit West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.
Overseas interest in Swansea Bay is also on the rise because of people like Michael Laudrup, Ki Sung-Yueng and Michu. Figures show Visit Swansea Bay's foreign legion of fans in countries like Denmark, South Korea and Spain has increased by 2,000 people in recent months.

Come and surf with us when you Visit Swansea Bay



Facebook surfgsd
Come and surf with us when you Visit Swansea Bay...
Not long to go and the summer term school holidays will be upon us, we have our busy Junior Surfing  Academy running at Caswell Bay every week of the summer term school holidays. Please see our surfing academy information page by clicking here: Summer surfing at Caswell Bay or you can simply book online here: Shop gsd junior surfing
If you have any other queries after reading the information please email me and we will try and get back to you within 24 hours, do not forget that you can follow our surfing news/information updates by becoming our friend on facebook
N.B Our Mobile number for last minute bookings is 077 395 361 22
Ollytakingthedropatrhossilibeachswansea

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The St Valentines Menu for The Gower Hotel, Bishopston, Swansea






Why not try out The Gower Hotel for a short stay or a special meal such as Valentines Day. The menu is below book by email, phone or via the website.

St. Valentine’s Day Menu 

Only, £60 per couple, including 5 courses with a complimentary glass of Prosecco

Amuse bouche 
***

Oxwich Point crab soufflé, leek fondue, lobster bisque 
Carpaccio of rare, roast dry aged Welsh beef, wasabi cream, 
pickled shimenji mushrooms
Spinach, pea and egg yolk ravioli, crushed peas, almond “butter”
****

Trio of Welsh pork; roast fillet, confit belly and slow braised cheek, fondant potato, “taffy apples” and thyme jus Roasted kalamata olive crusted hake, spinach purée, pepperanata, oyster beignets
“Cauliflower cheese”; cauliflower purée, brie mousse, Perl las “bon bon”
****

Dark chocolate fondant, malted milk ice cream 
Strawberry and champagne “terrine” macerated strawberries, macaroon 
A selection of award winning Welsh cheese, homemade chutney, toasted walnut bread
***
Tea & Coffee

Valentine Night Room Special 
2 Adults ~  1 Night, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Bunkhouse Boutique Signature
£130.00 £145.00 £160.00

The Gower Hotel 
11 Church Lane, Bishopston, SA3 3JT 
T: 01792 234111

Swansea surfer given a chance to talk to Chris Evans about Surfing in Swansea, Wales live on BBC Radio 2


On Monday morning I was the 'Mystery Guest' on the popular Chris Evans BBC Radio 2 programme, which attracts 8.8 million listeners per week! What an honour to talk about Surfing in Swansea. Click here for the show and the fast forward to approx 2 hours and 10 mins 28 seconds. Chris evans radio show Swansea Surfer

They even gave us a txt box on their home page, how cool is that !!
Thanks Chris and the gang for giving us the chance to be the 'mystery guest'
Chris evans bbc radio 2


Why not give the gift of surfing to someone special this Valentines day, no going to the shops simply click on to www.shopgsd.com then click on the surfing gift vouchers link, you will have a few options to choose from.  

Once decided how much you want to spend on a gift simply pay online via our secure shopping server. After completing the transaction you will receive an email receipt from us which you simply print out and pop into a card. The voucher is valid for one year from purchase and we provide all the equipment! Easy > www.shopgsd.com
Safety instructions at caswell beach
Surfing Lessons with SurfGSD-1